John Thiel mp3

John 14:29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that when it is come to pass, ye might believe.

The meditation for this hour is entitled “Joining the Bridal Party”. We want to explore the words of inspiration. We’re going to explore the words of the Spirit of Prophecy describing the company. Coming up to this point in time from the very time that company was first identified in prophecy; the faithful company as was seen in the visions that Sister White had. We have read descriptions (Sabbath School Lesson – The Ten Virgins) of that company to see where our experience is being provoked into being part of that company. Our experience alongside the descriptions that we are going to be reading.

The Three Angels’ Messages

We are very familiar with the Three Angels’ Messages, and that those three angels’ messages are actually messages that are to be delivered by people on earth.

“The three angels of Revelation 14 represent the people who accept the light of God’s messages and go forth as His agents to sound the warning throughout the length and breadth of the earth.” Testimonies Volume 5 page 455.2

Those angels are human beings—the people who accept the light of God’s messages and go forth as His agents.

“The angels are represented as flying in the midst of heaven, proclaiming to the world a message of warning and having 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. Men and women, enlightened by the Spirit of God and sanctified through the truth, proclaim the three messages in their order.” Selected Messages Book 2 page 387.1

Represented by those angels.

“You must remember that this angel represents the people that have this message to give to the world. Are you among that people?” Review and Herald, August 18, 1885

That directly introduces us to the importance of this message: to identify what has been revealed about what Sister White saw in her visions and to associate ourselves with that company that she saw in her visions. The company of people who have this message to proclaim, that are giving the message—and are we among that people? This is in direct reference to the Revelation 18 angel.

“The question of most vital importance for this time is, Who is on the Lord’s side? Who will unite with the angel in giving the message of truth to the world?” Review and Herald, November 5, 1889, paragraph 12

You can see that our mind here in these statements is being prepared to identify the importance of being part of those angels’ messages people. Because our title is “Joining the Bridal Party,” we will see that this is what this is referring to—joining the angels in their messages.

The Platform of Truth

With this introduction, I want to go directly to the Spirit of Prophecy.

“The established faith of the body. God looked upon them with approbation, a company. I was shown three steps—the first, second, and third angels’ messages. 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.” Early Writings, page 258.3

Mark these words: our destiny is affected by the manner in which these messages are received.

“I was again brought down through these messages and saw how dearly the people of God had purchased their experience.” Early Writings, page 258.3

How they purchased their experience.

“It had been obtained through much suffering and severe conflict. God had led them along step by step until He had placed them upon a solid, immovable platform.” Early Writings, page 258.3

Great assurance—there is nothing to be altered there. Then Sister White describes how individuals get off and examine it and try and fault with it, et cetera. But here is a company that Sister White saw in her visions. And in her visions, she frequently was given varying circumstances in reference to this company. One circumstance of this company is in reference to the parable that Jesus gave in Matthew chapter 25, verses 1 to 10—the parable of the ten virgins.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

Here lies a very essential understanding in discovering the company that is actually referred to that we need to be part of.

In Christ Object Lessons and Matthew chapter 25, the parable that Christ gave of these people in the last days, because He’s talking in chapter 24 about the last days, and then He comes to chapter 25, and He continues the same narrative of these last days.

Matthew 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: 4But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

I’m not going to spend any time on the five wise and the five foolish virgins. What I’m wanting us to pick up here is the company that they join—the joining of the bridegroom. That’s the company that we want to keep on looking to see whether we are aware where that company is and that we, in our experience, are joining that company.

Three Companies in the Parable

We go directly to Christ’s Object Lessons where Sister White handles this parable and makes a very important clarification as to the parties that are involved in this parable.

“Christ and His disciples are seated upon the Mount of Olives. The sun has set behind the mountains, and the heavens are curtained with the shades of the evening. In full view is a dwelling house lighted up brilliantly as if for some festive scene. The light streams from the openings, and an expectant company wait around, indicating that a marriage procession is soon to appear.” Christ’s Object Lessons, page 405

Notice the language? A marriage procession is soon to appear.

In many parts of the East, wedding festivities are held in the evening. The bridegroom goes forth to meet his bride and bring her to his home. By torchlight the bridal party proceed from her father’s house to his own, where a feast is provided for the invited guests. In the scene upon which Christ looks, a company are awaiting the appearance of the bridal party, intending to join the procession. COL 405.1 Lingering near the bride’s house are ten young women robed in white. Each carries a lighted lamp and a small flagon for oil. All are anxiously watching for the appearance  of the bridegroom. But there is a delay. Hour after hour passes; the watchers become weary and fall asleep. At midnight the cry is heard, “Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.” The sleepers, suddenly awaking, spring to their feet. They see the procession moving on, bright with torches and glad with music. They hear the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride. The ten maidens seize their lamps and begin to trim them, in haste to go forth. But five have neglected to fill their flasks with oil. They did not anticipate so long a delay, and they have not prepared for the emergency. In distress they appeal to their wiser companions saying, “Give us of your oil; for our lamps are going out.” But the waiting five, with their freshly trimmed lamps, have emptied their flagons. They have no oil to spare, and they answer, “Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.” COL 405.2 While they went to buy, the procession moved on, and left them behind. The five with lighted lamps joined the throng and entered the house with the bridal train, and the door was shut. COL 406.2

We know the sad story: the others come and the door is shut. It’s too late. What do we see here? What is the actual description in this parable by which we may understand something about the company that these ten virgins are meant to join. Most people only focus on the ten virgins but this parable deals with three companies: the wise virgins, the foolish virgins, and the bridal party. The bride and the groom are traveling together to his place, and the procession is moving. That is overlooked by many students of Scripture. They join the company that is going past— a company and that company is sort of headed by someone who’s crying out, “Behold, the bridegroom come; go ye out to meet him.” The people are sleeping, but there is someone who’s crying and who is wide awake, not sleeping.

The Midnight Cry

Let’s explore this bridal party and let’s see where it started: the midnight cry. There’s many statements in the Spirit of Prophecy that describe the midnight cry that took place just before the disappointment of 1844 and under the messages that were given under the first and the second angels’ messages. Here you have a description of the experience of those people who accepted the message of the first and the second angels. In Spiritual Gifts Volume 1, it talks about “Behold, the bridegroom cometh.” She’s directly making reference to this parable.

Then I heard a voice saying to those who had been pushed and derided, Come out from among them, and touch not the unclean. A large number broke the cords which bound them, and they obeyed the voice, and left those who were in darkness, and united with those who had previously broken the cords, and they joyfully united their voices with them. I heard the voice of earnest, agonizing prayer from a few who still remained with the companies who were in darkness. The ministers and leading men were passing around in these different companies, fastening the cords stronger; but still I heard this voice of earnest prayer. Then I saw those who had been praying reach out their hands for help towards that united company who were free, rejoicing in God. Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1, page 146.2.

Can you see the company here? They were left in the other churches, and this company had separated already. Now this company was reaching out their hands to help them out, who were still praying in those other companies.

“Then I saw the answer from them as they earnestly looked to heaven and pointed upward was, ‘Come out from among them and be ye separate.’ I saw individuals struggling for freedom, and at last they broke the cords that bound them. They resisted the efforts which were made to fasten the cords tighter and would not heed the repeated assertions, ‘God is with us; we have the truth with us.’ Individuals continue to leave the companies who were in darkness and shouted the praises of God.” Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1, page 146.2.

Here you have this company that’s free—free from the other companies, free from the other ministers who were trying to keep everybody in their company. This company was rejoicing in freedom. They were upholding the truth. They resisted the efforts which were made to fasten the cords tighter and would not heed the repeated assertions – God is with us; God is with us. Here is the truth, yes.

Their gaze was upward, and the glory of God rested upon them, and they shouted the praises of God. They were united, and seemed to be wrapt in the light of heaven. Around this company were some who came under the influence of the light, but who were not particularly united to the company. All who cherished the light shed upon them were gazing upward with intense interest. Jesus looked upon them with sweet approbation. They expected Jesus to come. They longed for his appearing. They did not cast one lingering look to earth. Again I saw a cloud settle upon the waiting ones. I saw them turn their weary eyes downward. I inquired the cause of this change. Said my accompanying angel, They are again disappointed in their expectations. Spiritual Gifts, Volume 1, page 146.2.

But would not cherish it. They could not bear to be disappointed in their expectations.

Jesus cannot yet come to earth. They must yet suffer for Jesus and endure greater trials. They must give up errors and traditions received from men, and turn wholly to God and his word. They must be purified, made white and tried. And those who endure that bitter trial will obtain an eternal victory. 1SG 146.2

The Journey Continues

Here is the beginning of the midnight cry at the time when in 1844 the people were leaving the churches and joining with a company that was saying, “Behold, the bridegroom cometh.” But the company was only just beginning its faithful journey back there in 1844. Because what did I just read? They had to go through many more trials yet. They were going to be disappointed that Jesus hadn’t come. There was still a work to be done with that company.

You can see the bridal party was there, being given as the beginning of the activity of getting ready to join the bridal party for whoever is following after that as we just described it there. As we are reading this vision—remember, we’re reading these visions so that we may understand our own position now as we are living in these times.

Another Vision

“I saw a throne, and on it sat the Father and the Son. I gazed on Jesus’ countenance and admired His lovely person. The Father’s person I could not behold, for a cloud of glorious light covered Him. I asked Jesus if His Father had a form like Himself.” Early Writings, page 54.2

He said—He described there that He does, et cetera.

Then I saw an exceeding bright light come from the Father to the Son, and from the Son it waved over the people before the throne. But few would receive this great light. Many came out from under it and immediately resisted it; others were careless and did not cherish the light, and it moved off from them. Some cherished it, and went and bowed down with the little praying company. This company all received the light and rejoiced in it, and their countenances shone with its glory. Early Writings, page 54.2

Before the throne I saw the Advent people—and from the Son it waved over the people before the throne. But few would receive this great light. Many came out from under it and immediately resisted it; others were careless and did not cherish the light, and it moved off from them. Some cherished it, and went and bowed down with the little praying company. This company all received the light and rejoiced in it, and their countenances shone with its glory. EW 54.2

Here’s that company again. As I said, we are reading this vision to be able to understand the experience that this company is making as they are illuminated from the light of heaven and as they travel along the period of time from 1844 onwards.

More Visions of the Company

Let’s continue to explore some more visions of this company, with the company that is the bridal party in mind. Sr White saw a company that were travelling the narrow path.

“I asked the angel if there were none left. ..bound together by the truth in bundles or companies. Said the angel, The third angel is binding or sealing them in bundles for the heavenly garner. This little company looked careworn, as if they had passed through severe trials and conflicts, and it appeared as if the sun had just risen from behind a cloud and shone upon their countenances, causing them to look triumphant, as if their victories were nearly won. Early Writings page 88.3

Here are the experiences of this company and the rest are not seen. They’re in the darkness around. These are the company. There is another exploration of this company.

“I was praying at the family altar, and the Holy Ghost fell upon me, and I seemed to be rising higher and still higher, far above the dark world. I turned to look for the Advent people in the world but could not find them, when a voice said to me, ‘Look again, and look a little higher.’ At this I raised my eyes and saw a straight and narrow path cast up high above the world. On this path the Advent people were traveling to the city, which was at the farther end of the path. They had a bright light set up behind them at the beginning of the path, which an angel told me was the midnight cry.” Early Writings page 14.1

That’s the direct reference now to the parable of the ten virgins—the midnight cry. These people are moving along as a procession, traveling towards the end of their destination, which is heaven.

“This light shone along the pathway” Early Writings page 14.1

Notice this light of the midnight cry shone along the pathway.

And gave light for their feet so that they might not stumble. If they kept their eyes fixed on Jesus, who was just before them, leading them to the city, they were safe. But soon some grew weary and said the city is a great way off, and they expected to have entered it before. Then Jesus would encourage them by raising His glorious right arm, and from His arm came a light which waved over the Advent band, and they shouted, ‘Alleluia!’ Others rashly denied the light behind them and said that it was not God that had led them out so far.” Early Writings page 14.1

Remember our experience: how have we travelled along this road already, and how many people have said it wasn’t God that led us there? Can you see the experience here? There is that vision again—another vision of the same company, the company that was traveling as a bride with the bridegroom to the city at the end of the road.

Bound Together by Truth and Love

What is it that binds these people together as a company, this procession? Sr White is talking about this journey that this company is traveling, ever since 1844 on this perilous journey.

“We should be bound together by truth and love. (Truth and love—not just truth.) Truth and love. Let us press together, allowing nothing to weaken the bonds of union, so that if one should slip and fall, others can lift him up. We must not think that no responsibility rests upon us in the case of our brother, but we should ever manifest the tenderest interest in one another’s welfare and should seek to be helpful to those around us. Being thus bound together and to the great heart of infinite love, the powers of darkness cannot harm us. And when the storm of temptation and persecution break upon us, we shall not be swept away.” Signs of the Times, December 10, 1885.4.

I’m reading these visions to be able to identify our experience. Are we part of that company? What is the experience in this company? As this company arrives near the end of the world’s probation, there is one more mighty event, and it’s written in Revelation 18:4 – Another voice from heaven.”

The Final Call

Part of that company. That company continues to walk, and people fall off along the way, and others join in with them as they travel along. We come to the third and fourth angel, and now we come very close to the end of that journey. Probation is soon to close, and the angel of Revelation 18 is reinforced by that verse 4: “Another voice from heaven.” Now, one more final call, like the midnight cry, calling the people to come out and be part of that company. I love the way that Uriah Smith puts it. I’m reading from the Australian version from the Uriah Smith’s Daniel and Revelation. This is 1909 when it was still a pure document. All the way along this journey from 1844 onwards, Babylon had got worse and worse.

“Meanwhile, great Babylon’s sins mount up to the heavens, and the remembrance of her iniquities comes up before God. The storm of vengeance gathers.” Signs Publishing Company, Victoria, 1909 edition,673.

Can’t we see the storm of vengeance around us gathering? Much worse now than before.

“The great tidal wave of supernal wrath rolls onward. The feathery foam plays along its crest, indicating that but an instant remains ere it will burst upon the great city of confusion, and proud Babylon will go down as a millstone sinks in the depths of the sea. Suddenly another voice rings out from heaven: ‘Come out of her, my people!’ The humble, sincere, devoted children of God, of whom there are some yet remaining in Babylon, heed the heavenly warning. They see the storm gathering. They are acquainted with the sure word of prophecy. They know that these things are about to come upon her and flee out of the midst of Babylon. They are not involved in her plagues, nor do they perish in her overthrow. They escape the just judgments of God. There are stirring times before the church. Let us be ready for the crisis.” Signs Publishing Company, Victoria, 1909 edition,673.

That last call that he talks about back there. Can we see the bridal party has continued, and it comes to the last time, just before the tsunami breaks, one more call before everybody is destroyed? That is to wake up some more sleeping virgins still. They are to come out of Babylon, like they have come out of Babylon and join their bridal party all the way along since 1844.

The Company Grows

“The number of this company had lessened. Some had been shaken out and left by the way. The careless and indifferent, who did not join with those who prized victory and salvation enough to perseveringly plead and agonize for it, did not obtain it, and they were left behind in darkness. But their numbers were immediately made up by others taking hold of the truth and coming into the ranks. Still the evil angels pressed around them, but they could have no power over them. I heard those clothed with the armor speak forth the truth with great power. It had effect. Many had been bound. Some wives by their husbands, and some children by their parents. The sincere who had been prevented from hearing the truth now eagerly laid hold upon it. All fear of their relatives was gone, and the truth alone was exalted to them. The truth alone that bound this company together, and it was dearer and more precious than life.” Signs Publishing Company, Victoria, 1909 edition,673.

I read these words, I just heard a certain brother talking to me this week. The reason why he hasn’t left the Adventist faith is because it was dear—as dear as dear as life to him, he told me. These are the kind of people.

“What made this great change? An angel answered, ‘It is the latter rain, the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, the loud cry of the third angel.'” Signs Publishing Company, Victoria, 1909 edition,673.

This is the final loud cry.

“Great power was with these chosen ones,” said the angel. “Look ye.” My attention was turned to the wicked or unbelievers. They were all astir. The zeal and power with the people of God had aroused and enraged them. Confusion, confusion was on every side. I saw measures taken against this company who had the power and light of God.” Signs Publishing Company, Victoria, 1909 edition,673.

Understanding Our Experience

What are we seeing as we’re looking at these visions? We are seeing the experience that has been taking place through the time from 1844 to now, to this very last moment. That company, being a little company, never sleeping—the others are sleeping, and they are being aroused to join the company. That’s what we’ve been reading. As we come to this last moment where the tsunami is about to break, there is this last call and the people that are loving the truth are waking up and joining the bridal party. The party continues to move on. What causes them to make the break from their relatives and unite together in the company and leave them behind?

“Those who have been obedient to God’s commandments will unite with the company of the saints in light.” Testimonies to Ministers, page 234.2

You get that? They will unite with that company that’s been going along all the way. The wise virgins are now joining them in the last string of the experience.

“They shall enter in through the gates into the city and have right to the tree of life. The one shall be taken; his name shall be in the book of life.” Testimonies to Ministers, page 234.2

Joining of the ranks—into the ranks in the last loud cry—calls for people to become part of that company and uniting with them, and bound together by the truth and having to let go of those who were trying to bind them. The churches were trying to hold the people from taking hold of the first announcement of the midnight cry. Same story going all the way through history. People being opposed by their own relatives finally decide, ‘I’m not going to be bound by anything but the truth and the love of the truth with those who are in that company.’

Can We Identify?

Do we comprehend the experience that is here described? Can we identify with the struggle and the bindings and the holdings back by friends and relatives? ‘I know there’s the truth, but there’s a bit of truth there too, there’s a bit of truth there too.’  But no—the pure truth that we had read right from the beginning is that which must bind us together. Pure truth. Can we identify with the visions? This is what the purpose of these visions—reading these visions—is all about.

The Narrowing Road

But another vision is given to describe more detail. Here is a very interesting description that really helps us now to know how we should stand. Sister White sees the vision of the journey, starting out on this journey. She says:

“I dreamed of being with a large body of people. A portion of this assembly started out prepared to journey. We had heavily loaded wagons. As we journeyed, the road seemed to ascend. On one side of this road was a deep precipice; on the other was a high, smooth white wall, like the hard finish upon plastered rooms. As we journeyed on, the road grew narrower and steeper.” Testimonies, Volume 2, page 594.1

The road of this company is getting more and more difficult. And she describes, as they were traveling along this road, that the road got so narrow they had to leave behind their horse and cart and continue on horseback. She continues to see the vision as they travel—that road gets narrower and narrower. As she describes it, certain people say, “Oh, I can’t anymore. This is too far,” and they drop off. They fall down in the precipice below. We’ve read something like that already. This company gets less and less, and they have to give up more and more along the path, until finally all they’re traveling along with is bare feet. There’s some chords from heaven hanging down that are holding them. They come through to the very end of the road, and there’s a big chasm that they have to swing and rely totally on the cord from heaven to reach the other side.

That’s the experience as they come to the very end, where you haven’t got anything else to hang on to—nothing anymore. But remember, we brought this out very clearly once before: all earthliness is to be removed. All dependence upon anything on earth—not even a path for your feet to stand on. Totally hanging on to Jesus alone, swinging across the last chasm.

Summary

To summarise for now: the company, bound together by truth and love, ends up a very small company on a platform laid by early Seventh-day Adventism. To join this company under the most intense circumstances, including the loss of relatives and friends, is where we’re at. As we are seeing this concluding picture in its association with those who started earlier on this long journey, as we look at this, can we find encouragement in the Spirit of Prophecy—the testimony of Jesus as I have been reading it. We need to read these visions and identify our experience with them.

The Call to Join

I was hoping that as I was going through this, we can see the call. We’re at the very cusp of that final crash of the tsunami. There is that “another” call, like the midnight cry: “Come out. Don’t stay where you are. Join the company.” That’s the picture—the company that is in the light. Who’s been sleeping? The company? No. The people that are passed by that company.

Many people think, “Oh, it’s all right to be among the ten virgins sleeping.” No, we’ve got to join the bridal party. We’ve got to join the procession. We’ve got to be part of it, and we’ve got to really engage in the experiences that were described there.

What I love about this: the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy that gives us this picture. The testimony of Jesus concludes with what we read in our scripture reading. The one who said it back there is saying it to us now. Beautiful language there in what we read from John chapter 14. This is the same Jesus who gave us the visions that we were just reading.

John 14:29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that when it is come to pass, ye might believe.

Conclusion

I love Jesus. I love the detail in which He’s speaking to us in these last days. I love the fact that I can be part of a company that stands fully on that platform of truth—but doesn’t just stand on that platform of truth, untrammelled by all the other voices that I’ve heard. “We have the truth. Come here, come there, come to this.” It’s the entire spectrum of truth that they have been walking along with all these years. I cling to this with all my soul. I will not let any interference of this beautiful truth that binds together this company that has been traveling along all the way. What was the appeal to us here? “Come out of her, my people.” My people, be part of this company. Stand together in this last remnant experience. God grant us to acknowledge and recognize this experience with Him and with His company. Amen.