By John Thiel

How important is it for those living at this time of earth’s history to have companionship, a constant unbroken walking with God.  An experience of knowing God is really with me.  For the people who want to be among the 144,000, to be translated from among the living, we have a representative for this subject for the last days.

Genesis 5:22 And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:

Genesis 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he [was] not; for God took him.

Enoch walked with God.  Who was Enoch that he should be a representative of us today?  What did we read?  God took him.

By faith Enoch “was translated that he should not see death; . . . for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” Hebrews 11:5. In the midst of a world by its iniquity doomed to destruction, Enoch lived a life of such close communion with God that he was not permitted to fall under the power of death. The godly character of this prophet represents the state of holiness which must be attained by those who shall be “redeemed from the earth” (Revelation 14:3) at the time of Christ’s second advent. Then, as in the world before the Flood, iniquity will prevail. Following the promptings of their corrupt hearts and the teachings of a deceptive philosophy, men will rebel against the authority of Heaven. But like Enoch, God’s people will seek for purity of heart and conformity to His will, until they shall reflect the likeness of Christ. Like Enoch, they will warn the world of the Lord’s second coming and of the judgments to be visited upon transgression, and by their holy conversation and example they will condemn the sins of the ungodly. As Enoch was translated to heaven before the destruction of the world by water, so the living righteous will be translated from the earth before its destruction by fire {PP 88.3}

Is this subject of walking with God a present truth subject?  Enoch walked with God and God took him.  What was the interpretation in Hebrews?  He had this witness and God took him.  What pleases God?  That Enoch walked with God and it was this which pleased God.  Ponder Gods dealings.  God was pleased that Enoch walked with him.  Christians lament their lonesomeness.  How does God feel about that?  Is he pleased?  What pleases God?  He yearns to walk with the one who feels lonesome.  He longs to be acknowledged as a real person with you and me.  That pleases him.  Those people who have said to me, but that isn’t someone I can cuddle and hold close to me.  How do you think God feels when you say that?  How close can God get?  Much closer than someone you can hug.  You can feel him deep inside as a real person.  But I want a real person people say.  This message is for every one of us who yearns for company.

Did he [Enoch] see God by his side? Only by faith. He knew that the Lord was there, and he adhered steadfastly to the principles of truth. {1BC 1087.5} We can have what Enoch had.  {1BC 1087.6}

We, too, are to walk with God. When we do this, our faces will be lighted up by the brightness of His presence, and when we meet one another, we shall speak of His power, saying, Praise God. Good is the Lord, and good is the word of the Lord (MS 17, 1903).  {1BC 1087.5} He had no “It is written” as we have, but he had knowledge of his heavenly Companion. He made God his Counsellor, and was closely bound up with Jesus. And Enoch was honored in this course. He was translated to heaven without seeing death. And those who will be translated at the close of time, will be those who commune with God on earth. Those who make manifest that their life is hid with Christ in God will ever be representing Him in all their life- practices. Selfishness will be cut out by the roots (MS 38, 1897).  {1BC 1087.6}

He knew by faith that God was really there.  When I walk with someone I can’t see by my visual eyes, what will happen?  It becomes a presence reality.  When we do this, our faces will be lighted up.  We can have what Enoch had.  We can have Christ as our constant companion.

Who will be translated?  Those who commune with God on earth.  Those who make manifest their life is hid with Christ in God.  Selfishness will be cut out by the roots.  Consider Gods mind.  It pleased him for Enoch to recognise his present with him constantly.  God is a social being.  He enjoys your company.  If we feel lonely and complain about our lonesomeness, God stands by and says, you grieve me child, I’m right here.  Is it possible that God could be ashamed of me?  These men of communion with God, who walked with him, especially Enoch, what was said about them?

Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better [country], that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

Is it possible he was ashamed of the others?  He was not ashamed of them.  Those who profess to love God.  Who profess to come and gather before him because they love him are they making God feel ashamed when they walk on their own and try to grapple with problems on their own?  I, a professed child do that to him?  Shun the thought.  What does that thought provoke in your heart?  The very thing of our meditation today.

If that would make him ashamed, then I would be provoked to be very diligent and pay close attention.  Didn’t Jesus pray for this in John 17? Jesus pleaded for us that we would be in that union with him.

John 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

Are we here today as we believe on Jesus through the gospels?  Jesus is praying for us.  What are we praying for?

John 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

17:26 And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare [it]: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

If we become as diligent as he it will please him very much.  As we consider this important subject, ask ourselves the question honestly and realistically, how focused am I?  Focused on a close realistic communion constantly with God?

It requires earnest attention from us to distinguish the voice which speaks from God {5T 68.4}

He wants to talk with us.  He wants to hold communion with us.  Unless I am diligent to pursue my relationship with him, I will not hear him speaking to me.  To actually distinguish his voice speaking to me requires earnest diligent attention to his presence.  Is God walking by our side?  Is his Spirit speaking and working within me?  Is it possible that he is right there and we recognise him not?  What happened to the two disciples walking on the road to Emmaus?

They had not advanced far on their journey when they were joined by a stranger, but they were so absorbed in their gloom and disappointment that they did not observe him closely. DA 795

A stranger walking beside them.  Now they were all depressed by the circumstances they were experiencing.

They continued their conversation, expressing the thoughts of their hearts. DA 795

Is it not interesting Christians can be doing this alone?

They were reasoning in regard to the lessons that Christ had given, which they seemed unable to comprehend. As they talked of the events that had taken place, Jesus longed to comfort them. DA 795

Whenever I hear people speaking about their concerns and problems and I see Jesus longing to comfort them.  It doesn’t register.

He had seen their grief; He understood the conflicting, perplexing ideas that brought to their minds the thought, Can this Man, {DA 795.2}

And all the time they might have been rejoicing in the knowledge of a risen Saviour. In the garden, Mary had stood weeping, when Jesus was close beside her. Her eyes were so blinded by tears that she did not discern Him. And the hearts of the disciples were so full of grief that they did not believe the angels’ message or the words of Christ Himself.  {DA 794.4}

How many are still doing what these disciples did! How many echo Mary’s despairing cry, “They have taken away the Lord, . . . and we know not where they have laid Him”! To how many might the Saviour’s words be spoken, “Why weepest thou? whom seekest thou?” He is close beside them, but their tear-blinded eyes do not discern Him. He speaks to them, but they do not understand.  {DA 794.5}

How many times do you weep and you feel bereft of the closeness of God.  Can you see the importance of our message today?  Diligent attention to Gods companionship.  If we don’t diligently pay attention to recognise his voice, I will be in a lonesome lonely state.  I will be exercising my responsibilities and cares under my own lonesome minded activity.  God is very solicitous of our attention.  Without it we dwell in our own world.  Have you ever come to someone and you’re trying to communicate with them and they are in their own little world and you can’t get in there?  We dwell in our own world dealing with our affairs all on our own.  For our sakes God counsels in James.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded.

When we read this, we think, God isn’t there.  We think as it reads, God will only draw near to me, when I draw near to him.  But God is there.  It was for our sakes that this is written.  If I don’t draw near to him, then I do not feel his presence with me.  Diligent attention to companionship with him.  Why is it that I need to do what is written?  Submit yourself to God, resist the devil.

All the powers of Satan are set in operation to hold the attention to frivolous amusements, and he is gaining his object. He is interposing his devising between God and the soul. {13MR 264.2}

Satan will manufacture his diversions that men may not think about God{13MR 265.1}

This is the operative concept of this Scripture that God is there but Satan is diverting his attention by his specious methods, his diversions so that I will not have a conscious thought pattern with my God.  What is Satan’s diversions that cause me to work on my own?

Jesus says, “Abide in Me.” These words convey the idea of rest, stability, confidence {SC 71.1}

When the mind dwells upon self, it is turned away from Christ, the source of strength and life. Hence it is Satan’s constant effort to keep the attention diverted from the Saviour and thus prevent the union and communion of the soul with Christ.  {SC 71.2}

Satan is constantly trying to keep the attention diverted from the saviour.  That is his prime effort.

When the mind dwells upon self, it is turned away from Christ, the source of strength and life. Hence it is Satan’s constant effort to keep the attention diverted from the Saviour and thus prevent the union and communion of the soul with Christ. The pleasures of the world, life’s cares and perplexities and sorrows, the faults of others, or your own faults and imperfections–to any or all of these he will seek to divert the mind. Do not be misled by his devices {SC 71.2}

Your mind is turned from his presence to some frivolous pleasure.  Have you ever heard yourself when talking about others?  Where’s God?  He’s not there.  Or looking at your own faults, that is Satan diverting your attention.

Many who are really conscientious, and who desire to live for God, he too often leads to dwell upon their own faults and weaknesses, and thus by separating them from Christ he hopes to gain the victory. {SC 71.2}

The most important detail that we should be looking at here that we should be conscientious of;

When He draws nigh to you, He lifts up for you a standard against the enemy. Let us take courage; for the enemy cannot pass this standard.  {OHC 96.5}

Let us take up this courage.  If we draw nigh to God, the enemy cannot pass this standard.

The soul that loves God, loves to draw strength from Him by constant communion with Him. When it becomes the habit of the soul to converse with God, the power of the evil one is broken; for Satan cannot abide near the soul that draws nigh unto God.  {OHC 96.7}  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matt. 11:28.  {OHC 97.1}

Isn’t that a great comfort?  Satan cannot abide close to you and me.  He hates God.  If God is close to you in your mind, and he knows there is a glory of Gods presence in your face, he slips away quick fast.  Satan cannot abide near the soul that draws nigh unto God.  He cannot.

What does it mean?  How do I draw near to him to walk with him by faith for the object of final translation as Enoch was.  How we draw near to him.

As we come close to the heart of nature, Christ makes His presence real to us, and speaks to our hearts of His peace and love.  {COL 25.1}

Here is one way by which we draw near to God and we know that his presence is there as we draw close to the heart of nature.  Christ makes his presence real to us.  We need to have the real experience of the closeness of Jesus.  Nature has been one area of importance in my life where God has drawn near to me.

God would have us appreciate His blessings in His created works. How many children there are in the crowded cities that have not even a spot of green grass to set their feet upon. If they could be educated in the country, amid the beauty, peace, and purity of nature, it would seem to them the spot nearest heaven. In retired places, where we are farthest from the corrupting maxims, customs, and excitements of the world, and nearest to the heart of nature, Christ makes His presence real to us, and speaks to our souls of His peace and Love.–“Special Testimonies on Education,” May 11, 1896.  {FE 424.1}

Because we don’t have a natural sense of his presence being real, we must go into nature and we will appreciate his presence as a real presence in my life.  As you look at Enoch’s experience, this is exactly what he did.

After remaining for a time among the people, laboring to benefit them by instruction and example, he would withdraw, to spend a season in solitude, hungering and thirsting for that divine knowledge which God alone can impart. Communing thus with God, Enoch came more and more to reflect the divine image. His face was radiant with a holy light, even the light that shineth in the face of Jesus. As he came forth from these divine communings, even the ungodly beheld with awe the impress of heaven upon his countenance.  {PP 86.4}

What did he do?  He went into a retired place.  He would not suffer the people to find him because he needed time to spend with God and experience his presence that God makes known to you as you spend time in nature.  This is one avenue by drawing near to him brings us to an appreciation of his presence.

The way to the throne of God is always open. You cannot always be on your knees in prayer, but your silent petitions may constantly ascend to God for strength and guidance. When tempted, as you will be, you may flee to the secret place of the Most High. His everlasting arms will be underneath you.  {HP 86.2}

We come to God by special invitation, and He waits to welcome us to His audience chamber. . . . We may be admitted into closest intimacy and communion with God.  {HP 86.3}

Pray with humble hearts. Seek the Lord often in prayer. In the secret place, alone, the eye sees Jesus and the ear is opened to Jesus. You come forth from the secret place of prayer to abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Temptations come, but you press closer and still closer to the side of Jesus and place your hand in His hand. Then you gain a rich experience, resting in His love and rejoicing in His mercy. The worries and perplexities and cares are gone, and you rejoice in Jesus Christ. The soul is quick to hear the Father’s voice, and you will commune with God. All criticism is banished, all judging of others has been expelled from the soul. {HP 86.4}

We have spent many times in the past learning how to get on with another.  Evil surmising, criticising, judging.  We can’t stop why?  Because we’re not focused on Jesus.  Because if we do, worries, perplexities, cares, judging is all gone.  What peace.

Time With the Word of God

You need and I need that the spiritual vision shall be cleared and intensified to behold the scheme of redemption as we have never viewed it before. We want that our hearts should feel the mighty throbs of a Saviour’s love. In searching the Scriptures, in feeding upon the words of life, O consider it is the voice of God to the soul. We may be confused sometimes over the voice of our friends; but in the Bible we have the counsel of God upon all important subjects which concern our eternal interests, and in temporal matters we may learn a great deal. Its teaching will be always suited to our peculiar circumstances and calculated to prepare us to endure trial and fit us for our God-given work.  {ML 283.2}

People have come to me, someone said this, is it so?  We may be confused sometimes.  Church members sometimes say things that confuse us.

The Bible is God’s voice speaking to us, just as surely as if we could hear it with our ears. If we realized this, with what awe we would open God’s Word and with what earnestness we would search its precepts. The reading and contemplation of the Scriptures would be regarded as an audience with the Infinite One.  {ML 283.3}

Next time you want to hear God speaking to you and you say, I can’t hear him, remember the bible is Gods voice speaking to us just as though we can hear it with our ears.  This makes the bible more than a few words on a page.  How I love the reading of the word, it is God drawing near to me and all the questions are answered there.

We are to open the Word of God with reverence and with a sincere desire to know the will of God concerning us. The heavenly angels will direct our search. God speaks to us in His Word. We are in the audience chamber of the Most High, in the very presence of God. Christ enters the heart.  {ML 283.4}

Show that you reverence your faith, speaking reverently of sacred things. Never allow one expression of lightness and trifling to escape your lips when quoting Scripture. As you take the Bible in your hands, remember that you are on holy ground.  {ML 283.5}

You can learn from God as Enoch took 300 years, you can learn it in a few short months.  By doing that Christ enters the heart.  Nature, prayer and the study of the word.  After you have studied, after you have prayed and been in nature, what should you continue to do?

Walk continually in the light of God. Meditate day and night upon His character. Then you will see His beauty and rejoice in His goodness. Your heart will glow with a sense of His love. You will be uplifted as if borne by everlasting arms. With the power and light that God imparts, you can comprehend more and accomplish more than you ever before deemed possible.  {MH 514.3}

What are you to do after you’ve spent time in nature?  You can’t stay there all the time.  After you’ve prayed and you can’t stay on your knees all the time?  What are you to do?  You are to walk in the light of what you have been doing at those times.  Continue in prayer and meditation to behold and think about those things that happened to you in the audience chamber of God.  Thereby God will continue to abide with us.

Jesus says, ” He that loveth father or mother more than Me, is not worthy of Me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than Me, is not worthy of Me. And he that taketh not up his cross and followeth after Me, is not worthy of Me. He that findeth his life, shall lose it, and he that loseth his life for My sake shall find it.” The words that Christ addressed to His disciples, were addressed to us as well as to them. He presents before us the unwearied conflict that we must have on this earth as long as time shall last. We are to place no person before Christ in our affections. If a person who has been convicted by the Spirit of God smothers his convictions, and continues to trample under foot the commandments of the Lord, and reject the truth of God simply because he sees it will bring disunion into his family relations, he shows that he loves the peace that is not of Christ, but of the world. He prefers to be in harmony with the world rather than to be in unity with Christ. But in order to have the peace of Christ, it is necessary to place Christ and His service first. Those who yield their convictions of truth to please father or mother, sister or brother, husband or wife or children, prove themselves unworthy of Christ. They do not discern His excellency, and therefore they shun the cross. But there is a cross to be lifted by every one who by faith accepts a crucified and risen Saviour.  {BEcho, March 19, 1894 par. 5}

If I am walking with Jesus and I do not sever my affections from those who do not love my Jesus, I will be constantly put under stress of having to please them as well as pleasing my Jesus.  You can’t do it.  It’s impossible.  Who’s going to go?  Father, mother, son, daughter, wife, husband who doesn’t love Jesus with whom I’m walking with daily?  If I’m walking with him then I’m meant to be pursuing what he is saying to me?  If I waive it off for that reason, what am I showing?  That I love the peace that is not of Christ but of the world.

There are people who cling to those they can cuddle because they need someone.  When they don’t see that Jesus is close and they spend some time with Jesus, they will keep on being close to those who they can be close to visually.  There lies the reason why many people do not have the reality of the presence of God in their life as Enoch had.  If I want to be among the 144,000, if I’m going to be translated then I must sustain my walk with God.  Time in nature, time with the word, meditation all day long and differentiating my loyalties.

May God help us to be among those who will be translated.  May we be with those that God is not ashamed of as we have walked with him in an unbroken communion.

Amen.