When God Needs Foolish Men. Sabbath afternoon 12/28/2024

1st Corinthians 1: 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.

27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are.

In preparing for this Bible study, we made a pretty grim discovery, that many of the individuals who the scriptures describe as being foolish are actually very well-respected and intelligent persons, to whom the world often looks up to, and have in veneration.

According to the Bible, having a very high I.Q. does not necessarily mean that a person is not a fool and being able to rub shoulders with many intellectuals, philosophers and the worldly wise may not translate always into having the wisdom that is born of God.

The Bible teaches us that the fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom, but fools despise instruction. And therefore, in the evaluation of fools, and wise men, the acknowledgement of God must be taken into consideration.

When persons deliberately reject the revealed truth about God, and turn to man-made philosophies and suppositions, the mind becomes darkened, and to a great extent contracted in its ability to expand so as to comprehend and evaluate spiritual things.

This deliberate turning away from God and His word then leads individuals to reason things along strictly logical modes of thought, so that the Divine and the supernatural are not taken into consideration in the planning and execution of duty.

Therefore, because of these grim discoveries, we’re prompted to examine from the word of God, those descriptions of what makes a man a fool, for there seems to be an inverted understanding of the wise and the foolish in our day which is causing persons to be led astray.

The following examples are therefore given in God’s word not only so that folks might tell the difference, but that we may understand why on certain, specific occasions, God might need, or choose to use foolish men for the accomplishment of His purposes.

[1] A foolish man is one who says there is no God. It includes, but is not limited to Atheists, and involves persons who deliberately reject the testimonies of the Scriptures, in favor of evolution. In the Scripture such individuals are described as being fools. Let’s read:

Psalms 14:1 The fool has said in his heart there is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

Psalms 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shews his handywork.

2 Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night shews knowledge.

3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,

5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoices as a strong man to run a race.

In our day we have rockets that head into space, we have telescopes which bring back images from the milky way with myriads of galaxies, moons, and suns together with millions of white dwarfs, and yet still man comes back down to earth to teach the theory of evolution?

Hence the reason why the Bible designates such as a fool, for in many cases, there is a deliberate effort to reject the light streaming from the word of God, as to the origin of species, and the creation of all things. In other words, all these discoveries should naturally lead us to conclude that there must be A God somewhere.

After Darwin visited the Galapagos islands, he used his so-called intelligence to conclude that the world we live in came about by chance evolution, and, no doubt, he is venerated in most of the higher schools of learning as an intelligent man and one who made a significant contribution to science.

But if the truth, revealed through God’s handiwork leads folks to Darwinism, and evolutionary theories, then the designation of a fool becomes appropriate. And if a change of heart, and perspective does not occur, the books of record in heaven will have the designation of “fool” written beside the names of such persons.

If all the billions and trillions of other planets, suns, and stars can be spinning, and moving out there in outer space without accident, then the only logical and sensible conclusion is that there must be Godly intelligence involved. Let’s read:

Isaiah 40: 26 Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one fails.

Romans 1: 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.

22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.

[2] A foolish man, according to the Scriptures is one who has gotten rich, by using his intelligence, and God’s resources to become wealthy and successful in life, yet there is neither a thought or care about God or man, in that man’s reckonings, and planning.

Many persons living on our planet have done very well financially, for they have carefully thought out their monetary strategies and some have made solid investments over the years, while others have used intelligence, thrift, patience and hard work, so that over a period of time they have accumulated great wealth.

And, having become successful financially they now can look forward to a comfortable, and well-funded retirement which often evades the poorer classes in their golden years. Such persons are usually looked up to by the masses of people, as being wise. This may be true on a temporal level.

Yet, in spite of their apparent worldly success, if the God- factor is never brought into the equation, such a person is designated as a fool in the Bible. It is not what people are accustomed to hearing, but it is the truth. In other words, the fact that a person may be doing well financially is not unmistakable evidence that such a person is not a fool. Let’s read:

Luke 12: 16 And he spoke a parable unto them, saying, the ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully.

17 And he thought within himself, saying, what shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

18 And he said, this will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

20 But God said unto him, thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

21 So is he that lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

[3] A fool in the Bible is one who is stupid enough to pick a fight with God, something that we as mortals should never, ever do. If folks have to fight, let it be against another human being like ourselves, or even satan, but try your very best to avoid picking a fight with God.

In other words, when mortals deliberately decide to set themselves in array against the revealed will of God, they can lose their minds, and become like the king of Babylon, whose stubborn resistance drove him to insanity for seven long years. Let’s read:

Psalms 2:1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying,

3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

4 He that sits in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

Acts 5: 34 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;

35 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.

38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel, or this work be of men, it will come to nought.

39 But if it be of God, ye Cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.

All three of the previous descriptions of a fool were to be found in the pharaoh of Egypt during the time when the children of Israel were then enslaved by the one, who is generally believed to be Amenhotep or Ramses 2.

He regarded himself as being divine and history tells us that he accepted worship from his subjects, and therefore, when Moses and Aaron came in with the command from Yahweh to let the children of Israel go, he viewed the command as coming from a much inferior god, and he became deeply offended.

Pharaoh claimed not to believe in, nor recognize the God of heaven and for this reason, Egypt became an atheistic nation. They did, however retain a host of false gods in their pantheon, but the One and only true God was rejected outright, by both king and his citizens. Thus, on this first count he became a fool.

Pharaoh was also a fool on the level of the worldly wise, having riches laid up in store for many years, flush with education, architectural advancement, and knowledge in medicines and pharmaceuticals, while at the same time, he denied the power, and existence of God.

We should pay close attention to the characteristics of a fool, as mentioned in the scripture, because this pharaoh mirrors the rich fool mentioned by Christ in the New Testament, who had much goods laid up in store for many years. The question is: How was this pharaoh able to accumulate his vast wealth?

It can be traced right back to the very same God of heaven, whom he currently despised, for it was the wisdom, and genius given by God to Joseph, during the devastating seven-year famine, which caused a tremendous amount of wealth to fall by default into the hands of the pharaohs. Let the sacred record speak for itself:

Genesis 41:46 And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.

47 And in the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth by handfuls.

48 And he gathered up all the food of the seven years, which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which was round about every city, laid he up in the same.

49 And Joseph gathered corn as the sand of the sea, very much, until he left numbering; for it was without number.

54 And the seven years of famine began to come, according as Joseph had said: and the dearth was in all lands but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.

57 And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph for to buy corn; because that the famine was so sore in all lands.

Not only did Rameses 2 become extremely wealthy through the providence of God, sacred history also confirms that he was a great builder, and came into possession of tremendous amounts of real estate by the providence of God.

These observations are very important for they will guide us as we search for any replicas that might be occurring in our day. The vast wealth and real estate of Rameses 2 required the building of treasure cities and according to the scriptures, almost all privately held lands, ultimately became his. Let’s read:

Exodus 1: 11 Therefore they did set over them task- masters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.

Genesis 47: 11 And Joseph placed his father and his brethren, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt in the best of the land in the land of Rameses as Pharaoh had commanded.

14 And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the corn which they bought: and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh's house.

15 And when money failed in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto Joseph, and said, give us bread: for why should we die in thy presence? for the money fails.

16 And Joseph said, give your cattle; and I will give you for your cattle, if money fail.

17 And they brought their cattle unto Joseph: and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the asses: and he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year.

18 When that year was ended, they came unto him the second year, and said unto him, we will not hide it from my lord, how that our money is spent; my lord also has our herds of cattle; there is not ought left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands:

19 Wherefore shall we die before thine eyes, both we and our land? buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants unto Pharaoh: and give us seed, that we may live, and not die, that the land be not desolate.

20 And Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh; for the Egyptians sold every man his field, because the famine prevailed over them: so, the land became Pharaoh's.

So yes, Rameses became an extremely wealthy man who accumulated extensive real estate through the providence of God, so when he says “I know not The Lord” he was just telling a flat out, blatant lie.

It was a deliberate, conscious decision that he made to totally reject the undeniable evidences of God’s kindness toward himself and the nation as a whole.

At that time, as far as advancement in knowledge, sciences, art, education, and military prowess, Egypt had become the equivalent of the United States, in our day, and no doubt was the bread basket of the world under the wise leadership of Joseph, who was led by God Himself.

But, as was stated before, Rameses 2 was a fool, for not only denying the existence of God, but also for accepting praise and worship which belongs to God alone. All pharaohs considered themselves the sons of Ra, which they embraced in their titulary.

Carrying the title “son of Osiris” he was worshipped as a god, and to his poor subjects he was the zenith of both religious and political leadership. But what is particularly troubling is that the ordinary citizens of his realm did not have a problem in addressing him, and worshipping him as the “good god”.

It's one thing for the leader of any nation to think of himself as a god, but whenever the citizens begin to worship him as such, they will enter into the twilight zone of spiritual darkness, which in most cases ends in national destruction. Let’s read:

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 759] The king, was considered to be Horus, the son of Osiris. As the ruler of the Nile country, he was addressed by his subjects as “the good god.”

Thus, his ideologies and his philosophies ultimately filtered down to the Egyptians, for they embraced the same warped perspectives as their king. When any mortal man, aspires to lead out in religious and political matters without God, the end of that nation will ultimately draw near, sooner or later.

But Rameses 2 was also a fool, because he picked a fight with the God of heaven, something which we as mortals must never, ever do. When God through Moses commanded the king to let His people go, he then went on the offensive, and instead increased in large measure, the already heavy burdens of God’s people.

This is significant because it was the law of God that pharaoh picked a fight with God on. In other words, he forced the Hebrews to work on the Sabbath day, contrary to the fourth commandment, which says: “Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of The Lord thy God. In it thou shall not do any work”. Let’s read:

Exodus 5:4 And the king of Egypt said unto them, wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people from their works? get you unto your burdens.

5 And Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the land now are many, and ye make them rest from their burdens.

6 And Pharaoh commanded the same day the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying,

7 Ye shall not give the people straw to make brick, as heretofore: let them go and gather straw for themselves.

8 And the quota of the bricks, which they did make heretofore, you shall lay upon them; you shall not diminish ought thereof: for they be idle; therefore, they cry, saying, let us go and sacrifice to our God.

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 258] In their bondage the Israelites had to some extent lost the knowledge of God's law, and they had departed from its precepts. The Sabbath had been generally disregarded.

And the exactions of their taskmasters made its observance apparently impossible. But Moses had shown his people that obedience to God was the first condition of deliverance; and the efforts made to restore the observance of the Sabbath had come to the notice of their oppressors.

Thus, he went to war against The God of heaven by requiring the Hebrews to violate the Sabbath, and he did not stop there, for once any mortal man sets himself in array against God, he can go on to run the entire gamut of rebellion, which ultimately ends in destruction, if there isn’t any repentance.

He would set himself against God on all levels, and by so doing, he would run the country of Egypt into the ground, until by his foolishness, he would look upon the cold, dead face of his firstborn, and yet he still would not surrender.

The religious leaders of his realm, as well those who were in positions of influence would complain unto him that Egypt was being brought to ruins by his so-called intelligence but yet, because they viewed him as being the good god they continued to throw their support behind whatsoever he did.

Thus, those who were under his jurisdiction were worshipping him, because their decision to blindly obey the dictates of their dear leader, regardless of what God says, is what actually constituted worship, even if those who were obeying might privately be upset, and even if they vented their feelings about the stupidity of the king. Let’s read:

Exodus 10: 7 And Pharaoh's servants said unto him, How long shall this man be a snare unto us? let the men go, that they may serve the Lord their God: knowest thou not yet that Egypt is destroyed?

28 And Pharaoh said unto Moses get thee from me, take heed to thyself, see my face no more for in that day thou seest my face thou shalt die.

29 And Moses said, thou hast spoken well, I will see thy face again no more.

Thus, on all the previous three levels of a fool that the Bible mentions, Rameses 2 became a real fool as is delineated in the following:

[1] Rameses was a fool, for he denied the existence of the God of Heaven.

[2] He was a fool for accumulating to himself vast treasures of wealth and real estate, with absolutely

no acknowledgement, or thought of God or man.

[3] He was a fool for picking a fight against God, by forcing the Hebrews to violate conscience and work over the sacred hours of the Sabbath.

However, for the fulfillment of God’s good purposes towards His people, believe it or not, this was the exact type of person God was looking for. He would fit the bill for what God was going to do and thus he was chosen by God, not because The Lord foresaw his willingness to obey, but because He foresaw his sheer stupidity.

It is worthy of note that this particular pharaoh was brought upon the stage of action by God in order, to facilitate the deliverance of His people and from this experience, and others like it in the Bible, we could safely conclude that there are times when The Lord indeed needs foolish men. Let’s read:

Exodus 9: 16 And indeed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.

17 As yet exaltest thou thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go?

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 267] And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to show in thee My power.” Not that God had given him an existence for this purpose, but His providence had overruled events to place him upon the throne at the very time appointed for Israel's deliverance.

Though this haughty tyrant had by his crimes forfeited the mercy of God, yet his life had been preserved that through his stubbornness the Lord might manifest His wonders in the land of Egypt. The disposing of events is of God's providence.

He could have placed upon the throne a more merciful king, who would not have dared to withstand the mighty manifestations of divine power. But in that case the Lord's purposes would not have been accomplished.

History has a way of repeating itself, and therefore those of us who have been informed about what is coming must be on high alert for any characteristics, and patterns in one, that do seem similar in nature to those which were observed in the pharaoh of old.

One who manifests the same characteristics, one who is heavily invested in real estate, one who is a builder, one who has great wealth, one who might oppress God’s people, as it pertains to the Sabbath, one who is unusually stubborn, and one who seems to be obsessed with adoration and praise of men.

If at any time someone fitting this bill is brought by God upon the stage of action, then all the remnant people of God should have their eyes wide open to see what might, or may not transpire under such a person.

And we are never to believe that God is far removed from the processes that bring heads of nations upon the stage of action. God is closely intertwined in the most extensive way, in all that takes place upon the earth and especially will this be the case as the time for our final redemption draws near. Let’s read:

Proverbs 21: The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord as the rivers of water, he turns it whithersoever he will.

Revelation 17:17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.

[Prophets & Kings pp 499] In the annals of human history, the growth of nations, the rise and fall of empires, appear as if dependent on the will and prowess of man; the shaping of events seems, to a great degree, to be determined by his power, ambition, or caprice.

But in the word of God the curtain is drawn aside, and we behold, above, behind, and through all the play and counterplay of human interest and power and passions, the agencies of the All-merciful One, silently, patiently working out the counsels of His own will.

Therefore, as we look forward to the new year, it is with great urgency that we’re to seek to understand the shaping of events, in the light of what God has told us will be coming upon the face of the earth.

Indeed, it might be that all of the actors are already on the stage, only waiting for the curtains of last day events to be drawn aside. The world has become a decidedly more dangerous place, and who knows what will transpire with the changing of the guards.

Therefore, like Stephen, we are to keep our heads lifted to the skies, seeking God for direction in every decision of life, and trusting Him to take us through the flood, the storm or the fire, whichever might be headed our way.

While the Christian is not to go into panic mode, we are counseled by Christ to look for the signs and the waymarks that would herald His return, and this we must do, because in every reference to the second coming of Christ, the Bible infers that it would occur suddenly. Let’s read:

Luke 21: 34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.

35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.

36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Mark 13: 35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning.

36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.

37 And what I say unto you I say unto all Watch.

[The Great Controversy pp 491] The righteous and the wicked will still be living upon the earth in their mortal state—men will be planting and building, eating and drinking, all unconscious that the final, irrevocable decision has been pronounced in the sanctuary above.

“Watch ye therefore; ... lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping.” While the man of business is absorbed in the pursuit of gain, while the pleasure-lover is seeking indulgence;

While the daughter of fashion is arranging her adornments, it may be in that hour the Judge of all the earth will pronounce the sentence, “Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.”

Thus, as we look forward to a new year, we must be ready to adapt and make changes as The Lord would direct. The life of ease and peace isn’t guaranteed to last forever, and because of this, we will encourage everyone to hope and pray for the best, but prepare for the worst, just in case things begin to deteriorate more rapidly than some expect.

We therefore end with a passage of scripture which should help us to keep in view the blessed hope, for it is quite possible that we might see with our own two eyes, many of the end time prophecies being fulfilled. Let’s read:

Romans 13: 11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.

                                 God Bless!

The Sovereign Prerogatives Of God. Sabbath afternoon 12/21/2024

Daniel 4: 34 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the Most-High, and I praised and honored Him that lives forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation.

35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?

There are certain distinctive prerogatives which are naturally incidental to the office of a king, or in our case a president. These powers and authorities can be exercised, with or without the consent of those who are under their jurisdiction. And, even though the underlings may clamor for a reason why, or some other explanation, it remains the sole right of the king or president in question, to offer fine details to the populace, for he may choose to do so, or he can choose not to, it’s all up to him.

For instance, presidents Obama, Biden, and Trump have all issued executive orders, which some people agreed with while others became quite infuriated at their courses of action taken. However, in their sole capacity as president, they did it anyway, whether some folks would agree, or whether some would be upset. Again, a lot of people have become infuriated over the pardon president Biden gave to his son Hunter. Some on the left are crying foul, while some on the right have become emboldened in their belief that the justice system is rigged and corrupt.

While we are not hear to take sides, or to say yea or nay, the basic fact remains that the president or king in question retains the prerogative to do things that his subjects might not necessarily agree with even if the majority, or minority may sound an alarm. Their prerogatives all come with their territory, and no doubt, when the changing of the guards will take place in January of next year, we can expect some of those executive orders, and pardons to be issued on a large scale, and again, as it was in bygone years, some will agree, while others would become upset.

The same scenario often takes place with what God does, or what He permits, for there are those who will agree, and there are those who will object, but God reserves the sovereign prerogative to do as He pleases, which is a truth we as mortals will have to be reconciled to. In many instances God may offer us an explanation, as He has done numerous times in the Scripture and through His chosen prophets. But God is not duty- bound to give any reasons for doing such and such.

There have been times, and there will be occasions where God may see fit not to reveal any fine details, or explanations about some situation or incident so as to procure the very best outcome in the interest of all concerned. Therefore, as we study the sovereign prerogatives of God, let us do so with a humble heart and teachable spirit, so that the relation of the creature to the one and only Creator might be clearly understood.

The following therefore are some of The Lord’s sole prerogatives in His singular capacity as Sovereign of the universe, including our world.

[1] It is His sovereign prerogative to issue executive orders, with, or without any explanations, as He sees fit. Let’s read:

Daniel 4:13 I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and a holy one came down from heaven;

14 He cried aloud, and said thus, hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches.

15 Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth.

16 Let his heart be changed from a man's and let a beast's heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.

17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the Most-High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whom-soever he will and sets up over it the basest of men.

Matthew 8:5 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him, 6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. 7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. 8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof, but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.

9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. 10 When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

  [2] It is God’s sole prerogative to execute judgments against sin.

At times it may seem to finite minds that The God of heaven is missing in action, and, as a result of this it might seem as if folks are getting away with murder, as the saying goes. Untold suffering, the barrage of lies and corruptions engulfing nations, so many children and adults dying daily by violence without cause in several war-torn countries.

Nations invade other nations, and wreak havoc on the citizenry, whilst fraud, and the daily travesty of justice seems to go unrebuked. And because of the seeming inaction on God’s part, persons take more unwarranted liberties by continuing their heaven- daring iniquities. Let’s read:

Ecclesiastes 8:11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

12 Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him.

13 But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he fears not before God.

But, this seeming inaction by God is really a gross misinterpretation of His mercies, which some poor mortals take for granted, during the interim period that God has given them to repent, and to turn from their wicked ways. This is the reason why so many things across the land have now taken a decided turn for the worse, and yet it may seem to many that God isn’t going to intervene. We have news for you! God reserves the sovereign prerogative to execute judgments when He sees fit.

And in the fullness of time, persons may be assured that He absolutely will. Several passages of Scripture when taken together give us the correct perspective of the balance between God’s justice and mercy, so that we will understand His sovereign prerogative to execute judgement. Let’s read:

Genesis 15: 13 And he said unto Abram, know for a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;

14 And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.

2nd Peter 3: 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

Lamentations 3:21 This I recall to my mind therefore I have hope. 22 It’s because of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

[The Great Controversy pp 627] To our merciful God the act of punishment is a strange act. “As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked,” [Ezekiel 33:11.] The Lord is “merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,” “forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.” Yet he will “by no means clear the guilty.” “The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked.” [Exodus 34:6, 7; Nahum 1:3.]

By terrible things in righteousness, he will vindicate the authority of his downtrodden law. The severity of the retribution awaiting the transgressor may be judged by the Lord's reluctance to execute justice. The nation with which he bears long, and which he will not smite until it has filled up the measure of its iniquity in God's account, will finally drink the cup of wrath unmixed with mercy.

[3] It is The Lord’s prerogative to save any person He deems fit, to be a candidate for heaven.

Heaven will be a place of great surprises, because persons who many expect to be there may not be present, and some persons who may not have the perfect rap-sheet will be there in the kingdom. It is not for us to make any determinations about who should and should not be saved. Thus, we are encouraged to sow beside all waters, and let the chips fall where they may, because man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart.

The Lord made manifest His sovereign prerogative to save any person He deems fit, when against the seeming logical, finite reasoning of men, He chose Saul, who later became Paul. When God chose him for his role in the early church there was definite remonstrance on the part of folks who not only knew what Saul had been doing to the saints but were themselves aware that they were on the menu daily.

At that time, he seemed to everyone concerned, to be the most unlikely candidate, as was Mary, out of whom Christ had cast out seven sex demons, and the thief on the cross who never had an opportunity at restitution, for all the items he had stolen over his lifetime. Therefore, in all of our interactions with persons, of high or low degree, we should always bear in mind this fact, that God reserves the right to save to the uttermost, anyone, who, in His foreknowledge, and wisdom, He sees fit. Let’s read:

 Acts 9:1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord went unto the high priest, 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly, there shined round about him a light from heaven:

4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prays,

12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel.

Last but not least, and so critically important for the here and now, and also for eternity, is the following sovereign prerogative of God, which so many folks have difficulty grappling with.

[4] It is God’s prerogative to keep certain secrets private, and to withhold specific types of sensitive information from us as mortals.

In every government on earth, and especially in the U.S. you have what is called classified information. It comes in varying degrees, from information that will not cause any serious harm to those highly classified secrets, which only the chosen, trusted few will ever have access to. These highly classified secrets, if exposed to wrong people, can jeopardize national security, and could seriously compromise the nation’s ability to protect its citizens, and could put several people at risk of harm, and even death.

This is what Edward Snowden did when he decided to release a treasure trove of sensitive, classified information which greatly compromised America’s intelligence, and sources. This is what also took place when Wikileaks founder, Julian Assange released online, very sensitive, top- secret information, which, according to government officials, jeopardized the U.S military operations and planning on many levels.

That is why, before one can be trusted with handling very sensitive information, that person has to pass several security screening tests initially, and then he or she will be granted one of five levels of security clearances, as those in authority may see fit.

Tiers one, and two apply to low risk, non-sensitive positions. Persons applying for a position of public trust are required to have a background check, and criminal records examined. Together with finger- printing, credit checks etc, they are to be duly scrutinized.

That is under normal circumstances. But we are no longer living under normal circumstances, if you can understand dark sentences. The days of normal are now relics of the past, and the Remnant people of God who know what’s coming must be prepared for the new abnormal.

Tiers three and four pertain to the Secret Security Clearances, and High-Risk Public Trusts which means that persons who will be granted these clearances would have access to sensitive information that can cause grave danger and harm to the United States.

In recent memory there have been a few individuals who have violated public trust, for they were found sharing America’s sensitive information with foreign adversaries, online and in person. So yes, tiers three and four can be pretty serious as far as our national security goes.

Then you have the highest security clearance which is tier five also designated as the Top-Secret Security clearance, in which the relevant authorities will do a deep dive into every aspect of your life, including interviews with your friends and neighbors and your co-workers, together with polygraph tests etc.

This Top-Secret clearance is what Lucifer didn’t have because the info was so sensitive that it could have put the entire universe at risk. And therefore, God in His wisdom and foreknowledge saw it fit to keep the highly classified information between the members of the God-Head alone.

 But now that it has been revealed in the Scriptures, we must observe how God went about unfolding it in due season, and in increments, so that we would have a much clearer understanding of the Sovereign prerogatives of God, and how they relate to, and do interface with our freedom of choice. Let’s read:

Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith.

The secret has to do with the contract between God the Father and Jesus Christ, when He would come to this world, and give Himself as a sacrifice to save us from our sins. The decision was made and sealed long before man was created. Let’s read:

Revelation 13: 8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

1st Peter 1: 18 Forasmuch as you know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by the tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 20 Who verily was fore-ordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you.

Ephesians 1: 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.

Therefore, according to what is written in the Bible we can decisively conclude that the plan of salvation was not a reaction to some emerging threat but was a well thought out plan made well in advance, to be implemented when it would become necessary. We use the word “When” because as the Scripture says unequivocally, God reads the future accurately, and therefore it was not a matter of if, but a matter of when man would fall. Let’s read:

Isaiah 46: 9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.

[D.A. pp 22] The plan for our redemption was not an afterthought, a plan formulated after the fall of Adam. It was a revelation of “the mystery which hath been kept in silence through times eternal.” From the beginning, God and Christ knew of the apostasy of Satan, and of the fall of man through the deceptive power of the apostate. God did not ordain that sin should exist, but He foresaw its existence, and made provision to meet the terrible emergency.

So great was His love for the world, that He covenanted to give His only-begotten Son, “that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Thus, God goes to work with His good plan in mind and He creates Adam, and Eve with the freedom of choice. They could use their freedom to be aligned with God’s will, as it pertains to not eating of the forbidden tree, or they could use their freedom of choice to misalign themselves with His will. Let’s read:

Genesis 3:16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, of every tree of the garden you may freely eat. 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that you eat thereof thou shalt surely die.

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 49] God might have created man without the power to transgress His law; He might have withheld the hand of Adam from touching the forbidden fruit; but in that case man would have been, not a free moral agent, but a mere automaton. Without freedom of choice, his obedience would not have been voluntary, but forced. There could have been no development of character. Such a course would have been contrary to God's plan in dealing with the inhabitants of other worlds. It would’ve been unworthy of man as an intelligent being, and would have sustained Satan's charge of God's arbitrary rule.

Thus, you have a situation where man’s freedom of choice, and God’s perfect foreknowledge will meet at a crossroads, with Adam and Eve choosing not to align themselves with the will of God.

God’s foreknowledge of future events never forces anyone to do evil, but we have to come to grips with the fact that His foreknowledge is perfect, and thus, for our own good, and the entire universe as well, it is necessary that the Sovereign prerogative of God, to withhold classified information, be understood.

Not only must it be understood thoroughly, but the human agents must also be willing to let God’s plan for our salvation run its course even though at times it might include situations that are not cute, to say the least.

Sometimes the only way to achieve some permanent good is to move forward with decisions and actions that can have adverse consequences up front, as was the case on August 6, 1945 when an American B-29 bomber dropped the first atomic bomb over the Japanese city of Hiroshima.

The explosion promptly killed an estimated 80,000 people; tens of thousands more would later die of radiation exposure. Three days later, a second B-29 dropped another atomic bomb on Nagasaki, killing an estimated 40,000 people. Japan’s Emperor then announced his country’s unconditional surrender in World War II in a radio address on August 15, and ever since that episode, Japan has gone on to become a strong ally of the U.S. and one of its important trading partners.

Thus, it is, with God’s implementation of the plan of salvation. He also, like us, took a serious hit, for it is not like if Jesus stayed up there in heaven and just watched us being battered, bruised, and scarred. He rolled up His sleeves, and buckled up His boots, and came and died in the process of salvation. Thus, as far as suffering is concerned, He took much more of a hit than anyone of us will ever take. This solemn truth should now cause every mumbling word to be hushed, and every question of God’s goodness to be permanently laid to rest.

Now, some may argue that if The Lord had revealed the outcome in the garden of Eden, with all of the gory details and adverse consequences that would stretch millennia into the future then Adam and Eve would have chosen to do differently. That this is not necessarily the case is made clear, as when Jesus told Peter of a definite adverse outcome that would accrue, by his course of action, and yet, as the record shows, Peter still went ahead, and did exactly as God’s foreknowledge had prophesied.

Peter’s freedom of choice was left intact, but yet the perfection of God’s omniscience was made manifest when on several occasions, Peter does exactly what Jesus said he will do. Therefore, with Christ’s perfect foreknowledge, He puts a safety net in place, just as He did, before the foundation of the world when the contract between The Father and Jesus was signed, sealed, and later delivered. Let’s read:

Luke 22: 31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fails not: and when thou art converted strengthen thy brethren.

Matthew 26: 31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All you shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. 32 But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. 33 Peter answered and said unto him, though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended.

34 Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, that this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. 35 Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise, also said all the disciples. 40 And he cometh unto the disciples and finds them asleep, and saith unto Peter, what, could you not watch with me one hour?

41 Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. 73 And after a while came unto him, they that stood by, and said to Peter, surely, thou also art one of them; for thy speech betrays thee. 74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.

75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.

The secrets about the plan of salvation were not to be made known up front, but at the time when they would be needed. If Christ had revealed the plan of salvation up front to our first parents, with all of the gory details, their obedience, and freedom of choice might have been motivated by the knowledge of consequences, and not by love, and loyalty to the Creator. The same is true of other good secrets, which God retains the prerogative to keep to Himself. Here are just a few examples:  

[1] If Christ were to let Moses know of His plan to translate him to heaven, without him seeing death, Moses’ behavior could have been affected by the knowledge of his imminent translation.

[2] If Christ were to let us know up front that the former president would win against all odds, very many persons may, or may not have stayed home, and not done what they would have naturally done, through their freedom of choice.

[3] Again, if God were to reveal up front the day and the hour of His coming a lot of people might behave themselves very well, or even differently as they see the time drawing near, and no doubt, almost every person would straighten up, the night, just before Christ appeared.

Then again, our behaviors could be affected by the foreknowledge of the exact day of His coming, and thus, our freedom of choice would not be exercised entirely free of bias, in the truest sense of the word. Thus, in His wisdom God has chosen to withhold the top secret, classified information pertaining to the exact day of His return. In the fullness of time, when it becomes necessary, He will make that information known to His people, but for now, just as it was with the plan of salvation it remains highly classified info.

And, for good reason, for whenever in retrospect we observe what took place in 1844, we discover God’s wisdom in not making the day of His coming known to mortals as yet. Here are just a few snippets of the doings of persons, in relation to what they believed was an exact date for Christ’s second coming.

            [The Great Controversy pp 396>374]

[1] Sinners inquired with weeping, “What must I do to be saved?” Those whose lives had been marked  with dishonesty were anxious to make restitution.

[2] The hearts of parents were turned to their children, and the hearts of children to their parents.

[3] Heart-felt confessions were made, and members of the household labored for the salvation of those who were nearest and dearest.

[4] Everywhere were souls in deep anguish, pleading  with God.

[5] Many wrestled all night in prayer for the assurance that their sins were pardoned.

[6] For some weeks preceding the time, worldly business was for the most part laid aside.

[7] The sincere believers carefully examined every thought and emotion of their hearts as if upon their death-beds and in a few hours to close their eyes upon earthly scenes.

[8] There were among them many who had been actuated by no higher motive than fear.

In closing, whatever might be our ideas, convictions, or beliefs, one thing is certain, and that is that we’ve turned a corner, and there will certainly be lots of collateral damages, and consequences, of which the remnant people of God may not be entirely immune from.

However, if we were to keep The Lord’s sovereign prerogatives in view, in the fullness of time it will be revealed why God permitted such and such to take place. The most important thing for us however is to make certain that our freedom of choice is aligned fully with God’s revealed will.

In this way, no matter how the tide turns, no matter the uncertainty, no matter the evil forebodings that are haunting the minds of millions globally, The Lord will take care of those who are in covenant relation with Him, for His sovereign prerogatives are always intended, and exercised with the very best good of His people in mind.

Thus, it becomes fitting for us to end with a passage  of Scripture which should cheer our hearts, even as we stand on the brink of eternity, at one minute to midnight, as it were. Let’s read:

Psalms 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling  thereof.

                                   God Bless!