By John Thiel, mp3

Meat in Due Season

Matthew 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. 45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?

The hymn “O Tell Me” asks a serious question. I often ask myself why we meet together in such small capacity when we could be in large churches? It’s nice to worship in a large church with music and pathos and volume and here is a small company to worship among. We’ve come here to worship Jesus haven’t we? To worship our heavenly father? We are spoken to by Jesus in Matthew 24. What does Jesus say in reference to our dilemma? This is the sad reality that Jesus identifies ever since the dark ages have been closed off.

Matthew 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.  23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here [is] Christ, or there; believe [it] not.  24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if [it were] possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Here our Lord and Saviour is giving us an understanding that we are to be members of the body of Christ and there is announcement by so many churches saying here is Christ, here is the body of Christ, you will meet him here. Everyone claims this and Jesus warns and says there shall arise false Christ’s and prophets. So close is the distinction to be made between the false and true it is difficult even for the elect. It is very fitting then the hymn we just sang ‘O Tell Me’. Lord where are you in these last days? We are here as we are hungering and thirsting to cling to the real Jesus Christ.

I never forget the language of Avondale College when I was doing my nursing training at the Sydney Sanitarium. The Jacaranda was a newsletter that came out and the young people had a lot of debate and there was a caption, ‘Will the Real Jesus Stand Up?’ That was the perplexity of the youth at that time. Is it any different today? Will the real Jesus please stand up? We want to follow the real Jesus the one spoken of by the angel to Joseph.

Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

This is the Jesus we want. The one who is spoken of in 2 Corinthians.

2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

This is the Jesus we want, the one who was made to be sin for us so we might be made the righteousness of God in him. It was the Jesus who experienced Hebrews and became our high priest. The real priest that was of the order of Melchisedec that went through an experience that we need to understand.

Hebrews 5:6 As he saith also in another [place], Thou [art] a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.  7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;  8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;  9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;  10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.

Oh to understand that order, it is the real Jesus we want to understand who in the days of his flesh suffered. Now as our high priest having gone through that experience, the real Jesus in Romans emphasises our high priest the real Jesus.

Romans 8:34 Who [is] he that condemneth? [It is] Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

The Jesus who came and mapped out a biography and who now is enacting that biography in heaven as our high priest is the Jesus of Hebrews 7.

Hebrews 7:24 But this [man], because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.  25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

This is the Jesus, the Jesus who can save us to the uttermost. Today we live in a society of Christians who do not believe we can live a sinless life on earth but here we are told he can save us to the uttermost. He can present us faultless, he can save us from our sins.

Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

Is this the Jesus you worship? We want to worship such a Jesus.

 Christ crucified for our sins, Christ risen from the dead, Christ ascended on high, is the science of salvation that we are to learn and to teach. {MH 424.1}

Everyone who by faith obeys God’s commandments will reach the condition of sinlessness in which Adam lived before his transgression. {HP 146.5}

Is this the Jesus we are here to worship who can do such a thing? This is the blessed gospel that was delivered to the saints and any alteration to such a gospel is declared by Apostle Paul in Galatians 1. This is so important to apply in today’s claims of Christ being here or there.

Galatians 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

 1:9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

Is it important to have the real Jesus? Is it important to have the real gospel? A gospel that teaches the power of God in Jesus Christ can make you sinless. It is the only gospel and anyone who teaches anything different is declared as cursed. We are called in Jude 3 to such a presentation and to such an engagement. We are to do what?

Jude 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

We are to contend to all its additional content whether it prophecy or a thus saith the Lord on any subject, that is all part of the gospel.

The Call upon Each One of Us Following the True Jesus

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

This our saviour Jesus Christ that we are called upon to look upon, consider in detail, this Lord and Saviour said to us today living now at this present time;

Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

Do you believe we live on the end of the world? A whole two millennia have passed and we are right on the cusp on the end. Not just the beginning of the end but the end of the end and Jesus said I am with you. With who? This morning listen to Jesus who is with us and heed his personal guiding counsel and recognise those who he identifies for these times because we can’t see Jesus with the bear eye but he says I am with my disciples right to the end of the world and he will be able to identify for us as we read. It is important that we actually listen to Jesus speaking to us. I’m not standing here raising any particular belief of my own. I want Jesus to speak to us. Jesus is giving us very pertinent counsel.

Our Condition Today

Matthew 24:37 But as the days of Noe [were], so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.  38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,  39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.

This is very serious. They did not know and he is warning here that Christianity is in danger of being unconscious of the closing of the door as it was in Noah’s time. Just going on and on day after day thinking everything is fine, looking to the future. Futurism is one of the worst diseases in Adventism today. Always looking to the future of things that are already happening just like the Jews did expecting Jesus to come in the future when he was already right there. Jesus in reference to this dilemma makes an important point because it’s dark like the days of Noah.

Matthew 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.

That looks like a hopeless case but notice verse 45. Who then at such a time when people do not know the hour, watching, they don’t know at a time when even the very elect could be deceived is faithful?

Matthew 24:45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?

Spiritual food that is most relevant as such a time as this, who is that wise servant?

 Those who are watching for the Lord, are purifying their souls by obedience to the truth. With vigilant watching they combine earnest working. Because they know that the Lord is at the door, their zeal is quickened to co-operate with the divine intelligences in working for the salvation of souls. These are the faithful and wise servants who give to the Lord’s household “their portion of meat in due season.” They are declaring the truth that is now specially applicable. As Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Moses each declared the truth for his time, so will Christ’s servants now give the special warning for their generation.–The Desire of Ages, p. 634. {ChS 96.1}

Those people who are purifying their lives by obedience to the truth are the wise servants. In this study as we read this, I want you to ask a question that I want you to exercise your mind in during this study. Is it possible to know exactly what is meat in due season and who it is that delivers it? What is the meat in due season and who is it that delivers it? The hymn ‘O Tell Me’ says;

Tell me where is thy flock feeding, my soul is distressed and the pathway of peace I am losing. Where are they Lord? The tempest is raging, my soul is distressed and the pathway of peace I am losing. Why should I stray in the flocks of thy foes in the deserts where they are roving? Where contentions and woes, where fierce conflicts their ruin are proving.

I nearly burst into tears when my father was arguing the points and I could see his spiritual life going down the drain and I determined I wouldn’t get into this conflicting doctrinal activity yet we have to stand loyal to it and give meat in due season. I was in a desperate state. We have to examine God’s word and see whether Jesus is still on this planet helping his people is going to point us to. How does Jesus make himself known to us today?

In these last days when there are so many different doctrines and biblical interpretations that could confuse the very elect the very people who are yearning for the pure truth so they might purify their own lives.

Revelation 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

He didn’t make war with the seed but the remnant of her seed. Do you want to hear Jesus speaking to you today? You need to have recognition of the testimony of Jesus as the testimony of Jesus is him speaking. According to revelation 19:10 is that. Don’t bow to me I’m only your fellow brethren who has the Spirit of Prophecy which is the testimony of Jesus. For the people living in these last days, there is the testimony of Jesus the Spirit of Prophecy by which we can hear Jesus speaking to you and me today. This is a very important connection to what Jesus said I am with you till the end of the world.

1 Corinthians 1:5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and [in] all knowledge;  6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:  7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:  8 Who shall also confirm you unto the end, [that ye may be] blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Blameless, without fault, he is going to present you blameless. How? By the gift of the testimony of Jesus, the Spirit of Prophecy. This is how god’s people are going to stand ready for him to come as they have embraced the real gospel in the end and it is only those who are watching closely and applying the words of the testimony of Jesus.

A Life Saving Quote

I have had to find my way through all the madness of debating in Adventism. I grew up in Desmond Ford period of Adventism. I needed the Lord to show me. There were so many Seventh Day Adventist young people guided by this false teacher in the Adventist College and I needed to find my way through and the real Jesus.

   Early in my youth I was asked several times, Are you a prophet? I have ever responded, I am the Lord’s messenger. I know that many have called me a prophet, but I have made no claim to this title. My Saviour declared me to be His messenger. “Your work,” He instructed me, “is to bear My word. Strange things will arise, and in your youth I set you apart to bear the message to the erring ones, to carry the word before unbelievers, and with pen and voice to reprove from the Word actions that are not right. Exhort from the Word. I will make My Word open to you. It shall not be as a strange language. In the true eloquence of simplicity, with voice and pen, the messages that I give shall be heard from one who has never learned in the schools. My Spirit and My power shall be with you. {1SM 32.2}

How many times I’ve studied the Bible with people using the King James Version which is the only one I will use and they say its difficult language, I can’t understand. Jesus said to Ellen White what you are going to write will not be an excuse as a strange language.

   “Be not afraid of man, for My shield shall protect you. It is not you that speaketh: it is the Lord that giveth the messages of warning and reproof. Never deviate from the truth under any circumstances. Give the light I shall give you. The messages for these last days shall be written in books, and shall stand immortalized, to testify against those who have once rejoiced in the light, but who have been led to give it up because of the seductive influences of evil.” {1SM 32.3}

How clear do we want it? The things written and spoken by her is what the Lord showed, not Ellen White saying it, it is what the Lord has said. Have we been under those seductive influences? I have been, I don’t know about you. I thank God for the words of Jesus written in the books by Sr White, there is my safety that I do not become misguided by the seductive influences of evil. Today if it were possible the very elect could be deceived.

Only if they would heed the words of Jesus, a thus saith the Lord will they find their way through the confusion of babble today. This testimony of Jesus is the meat in due season. Notice what the testimony of Jesus is saying in reference to the truths. These words are repeated numerously through the writings of Ellen White and the last time it is recorded in 1905 in Review and Herald under inspiration.

 In reviewing our past history, having traveled over every step of advance to our present standing, I can say, Praise God! As I see what God has wrought, I am filled with astonishment, and with confidence in Christ as leader. We have nothing to fear for the future except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history. {TM 31.1}

It stops there but there is another addition to that and his teaching in our past history. According to these words in the Spirit of Prophecy, we have a clear identification of meat in due season for us today the writings in the books of the Spirit of Prophecy and the teachings that Seventh Day Adventists taught as they developed the doctrines of its church. I come to this statement again and mark it is the testimony of Jesus. What is written in these books is there for our identification. Notice how strongly she points to the doctrines and teachings that were established over her life period.

Knowledge and Experience

Knowledge in the bible is not mere head knowledge it is experience knowledge.

During the past fifty years of my life, I have had precious opportunities to obtain an experience. I have had an experience in the first, second, and third angels’ messages. The angels are represented as flying in the midst of heaven, proclaiming to the world a message of warning, and having a direct bearing upon the people living in the last days of this earth’s history. No one hears the voice of these angels, for they are a symbol to represent the people of God who are working in harmony with the universe of heaven. {2SM 387.1}

Is that meat in due season? It’s very obvious. Notice how Jesus reveals it to Ellen White saying you won’t hear the voices of those angels as they are a symbol. Can you see where Jesus is pointing now? He is pointing to the faithful servant giving meat in due season.

Men and women, enlightened by the Spirit of God and sanctified through the truth, proclaim the three messages in their order. {2SM 387.1}

They are declaring the truth that is now specially applicable. As Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Moses each declared the truth for his time, so will Christ’s servants now give the special warning for their generation. {ChS 96.1}

I have acted a part in this solemn work. Nearly all my Christian experience is interwoven with it. There are those now living who have an experience similar to my own. They have recognized the truth unfolding for this time; they have kept in step with the great Leader, the Captain of the Lord’s host. {2SM 387.2}

In the proclamation of the messages, every specification of prophecy has been fulfilled. Those who were privileged to act a part in proclaiming these messages have gained an experience which is of the highest value to them; and now when we are amid the perils of these last days, when voices will be heard on every side saying, “Here is Christ,” “Here is truth,” {2SM 387.3}

Have you not heard it? You are in the wrong company come and be here. I’ve been from company to company. As you hear these claims here is Christ, here is the truth;

….while the burden of many is to unsettle the foundation of our faith which has led us from the churches and from the world to stand as a peculiar people in the world, like John our testimony will be borne: {2SM 387.3}

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; . . . that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us” (1 John 1:1-3). {2SM 388.1}

  I testify the things which I have seen, the things which I have heard, the things which my hands have handled of the Word of life. And this testimony I know to be of the Father and the Son. We have seen and do testify that the power of the Holy Ghost has accompanied the presentation of the truth, warning with pen and voice, and giving the messages in their order. To deny this work would be to deny the Holy Ghost, and would place us in that company who have departed from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits. {2SM 388.2}

Ellen White is telling us that the truth’s that had been established over the fifty years of her experience came through the Holy Spirit. If we reject any of those messages from the Holy Spirit it would be denying the Holy Spirit and place us in that company that have departed from the faith giving heed to seducing spirits. I wonder if you are excited about hearing this as I am. These words are powerful for me. I have laid my dependence on those words. These words have guided me through the morass that has guided me to this point in time.

Where shall we find safety unless it be in the truths that the Lord has been giving for the last fifty years?– Review and Herald, May 25, 1905. {CW 53.2}

When I read that statement I said thank you Lord, now I can identify with the faithful servants that give meat in due season. This is an assurance that is the words of the testimony of Jesus so we can stand blameless when he comes. Shall we let the testimony of Jesus crystallise and identify the servants? Jesus will tell us implicitly without shadow of doubt where are security in the doctrines, teachings and practises of God’s word where we are to find our safety.

   After the great disappointment there were few who set themselves to seek the Word with all their heart. But some souls would not settle down in discouragement and deny that the Lord had led them. To these the truth was opened point by point, and entwined with their most hallowed recollections and sympathies. The searchers after truth felt that the identification of Christ with their nature and interest was complete. Truth was made to shine forth, beautiful in its simplicity, dignified with a power and invested with an assurance unknown before the disappointment. We could then proclaim the message in unity. {2SM 109.4}

Many will honestly search the Word for Light as those in the past have searched it; and they see light in the Word. But they did not pass over the ground in their experience, when these messages of warning were first proclaimed. Not having had this experience, some do not appreciate the value of the truths that have been to us as waymarks, and that have made us as a peculiar people what we are. They do not make a right application of the Scriptures, and thus they frame theories that are not correct. It is true that they quote an abundance of Scripture, and teach much that is true; but truth is so mixed with error as to lead to wrong conclusions. Yet because they can weave Scripture into their theories, they think that they have a straight chain of truth. Many who did not have an experience in the rise of the messages, accept these erroneous theories, and are led into false paths, backward instead of forward. This is the enemy’s design. {2SM 110.4}

They didn’t have the experience as the early Seventh Day Adventists had so they frame theories that are not correct. This has happened time and time again I have heard a presentation put across and there was a twist away from the original understanding of Adventism.

The very same Satan is at work to undermine the faith of the people of God at this time. There are persons ready to catch up every new idea. The prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation are misinterpreted. These persons do not consider that the truth has been set forth at the appointed time by the very men whom God was leading to do this special work. These men followed on step by step in the very fulfillment of prophecy, and those who have not had a personal experience in this work, are to take the Word of God and believe on “their word” who have been led by the Lord in the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels’ messages. These messages, received and acted upon, are doing their work to prepare a people to stand in the great day of God. If we search the Scriptures to confirm the truth God has given His servants for the world, we shall be found proclaiming the first, second, and third angels’ messages. {2SM 111.2}

When I read that I said it’s me. I have had no experience like these men had and therefore I am instructed by the Holy Spirit to believe on their word. What are we to do if we are going to be watching and ready for Jesus to come? We are to take their word and we are to study the scriptures to prove that and then we will be found preaching the three angels messages, meat in due season.

…the very men whom God was leading to do this special work. {2SM 111.2}

Who are these men? I do not leave it for you to guess. Jesus identifies them. There were books written by Seventh Day Adventists in that time by Haskell and she was told Haskell was to write a book similar to what Uriah Smith wrote as he had a style of writing that was easy to understand.

The Book Daniel and the Revelation by Uriah Smith

The Lord has shown me that this book will do a good work in enlightening those who become interested in the truth for this time. Those who embrace the truth now, who have not shared in the experiences of those who entered the work in the early history of the message, should study the instruction given in Daniel and the Revelation, becoming familiar with the truth it presents. {1MR 61.1}

   Those who are preparing to enter the ministry, who desire to become successful students of the prophecies, will find Daniel and the Revelation an invaluable help. They need to understand this book. It speaks of past, present, and future, laying out the path so plainly that none need err therein. Those who will diligently study this book will have no relish for the cheap sentiments presented by those who have a burning desire to get out something new and strange to present to the flock of God. The rebuke of God is upon all such teachers. They need that one teach them what is meant by godliness and truth. The great, essential questions which God would have presented to the people are found in Daniel and the Revelation. There is found solid, eternal truth for this time. Everyone needs the light and information it contains. {1MR 61.2}

People present prophecy today that is off the rails.

God desires the light found in the books of Daniel and Revelation to be presented in clear lines. It is painful to think of the many cheap theories picked up and presented to the people by ignorant, unprepared teachers. Those who present their human tests and the nonsensical ideas they have concocted in their own minds, show the character of the goods in their treasure house. They have laid in store shoddy material. Their great desire is to make a sensation. {1MR 62.3}

The truth for this time has been brought out in many books. Let those who have been dealing in cheap sentiments and foolish tests, cease this work and study Daniel and the Revelation. They will then have something to talk about that will help the mind. As they receive the knowledge contained in this book, they will have in the treasure house of the mind a store from which they can continually draw as they communicate to others the great, essential truths of God’s Word. {1MR 62.4}

   The interest in Daniel and the Revelation is to continue as long as probationary time shall last. God used the author (URIAH SMITH) of this book as a channel through which to communicate light to direct minds to the truth. Shall we not appreciate this light, which points us to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, our King? {1MR 63.1}

Everything that can be done should be done to circulate Thoughts on Daniel and Revelation. I know of no other book that can take the place of this one. It is God’s helping hand.–MS 76, 1901. {PM 356.2}

Meat in due season. Do we need any more evidence? Do we need any more direction from Jesus? It is so plain. Jesus is with us to the end and he is speaking distinctly without any shadow of confusion and he qualifies those who are faithful at his coming faithful servants.

I saw a company who stood well guarded and firm, giving no countenance to those who would unsettle the established faith of the body. God looked upon them with approbation. Said my accompanying angel, “Woe to him who shall move a block or stir a pin of these messages. The true understanding of these messages is of vital importance. The destiny of souls hangs upon the manner in which they are received.” {EW 258.3}

Jesus has spoken and we today who are three and four generations from those who portrayed this truth and had that experience, we are led to establish a revival of those realities. Shall we decide to embrace with those who have gone before us or shall we think those people didn’t know what we know today? I love that statement as it’s like me my sons coming to me and saying dad you are behind the times as we are little upstarts in reference to these fathers of our faith. We are saying to them you don’t know what we know. The fact was that the Holy Spirit told them what we know today. They didn’t see it like prophets didn’t’ see it in the past. Shall we decide to embrace with them? Time has advanced since then and I have found that the recent events continue to verify all they have taught in those books. I’ve not found a single error. Let us with renewed zeal do what Jesus has said through these statements, take the truth’s established over the fifty years and proclaim them as meat in due season.

Amen.