New Moon Meeting: September 2008, 3:05 EST
The Special Work of God

Contents

1. Introduction
2. Strange Work, Strange Acts
3. His Work in Us
4. Satan’s Devices
5. Sanctification Through Trials
6. Conclusion

Introduction

Zahakiel: Bro Abraham, will you please open the study with a prayer?

Abraham: Our kind Heavenly Father,

In Yahshua’s name we come to you this New Moon. We thank you for this time when we come to hear from you again through the wisdom that you share with your servant. We pray that you will bless us through this discussion, and that a truly special work will be done among us to bring us nearer to your self and one another to your glory and honour in Yahshua’s Holy name. Amen.

Qinael: Amen.

Zahakiel: Amen.

Barb: Amen.

Happy Rock: Amen.

Galiel: Amen.

Naraiel: Amen.

Zahakiel: Today’s study is called “The Special Work of God.” It is based upon the following quote from Ellen White’s writings: “Satan will insinuate himself by little wedges, that widen as they make a place for themselves. The specious devices of Satan will be brought into the special work of God at this time.” [MS 16, 1890]

Now, we are going to start by looking at a broader picture, of what is meant by “God’s work” and then narrow it down so that we can fully comprehend what that statement means. How is it that Satan’s devices will be “brought into” Yahweh’s work? The Scripture clearly indicates that they have nothing to do with each other by means of a question: “What concord hath Christ with Belial?” (2Cor 6:15) The answer is obviously, “Nothing at all,” so how can they be seen as working together?

Some of us already know how that is possible, and have Bible verses to explain it, maybe memorized… but what we need to do as the 144,000 is not only to understand, but also to find ways to actively apply these principles to our lives. If there is a way that Yahweh uses Satan (and in this case, against the enemy’s will) what does it mean to us? This is a principle we need to understand:

“The secret things belong unto Yahweh our Elohim, but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.” (Deu 29:29) This is actually a very powerful statement; we are not given to know the end from the beginning, but what we DO know, and what has been revealed to us, is for the purpose of not only knowing, but for the purpose of sanctification. It has been revealed so that we may be faithful, and obedient, by applying those things that are revealed. In our sermons and studies, we place a great deal of emphasis on acting according to our faith, because it is only there that faith has value to purify us and convert others.

So today, we are going to look at Yahweh’s special work, and see what role Satan’s efforts to destroy us are actually used to promote that work, in a sense.

Strange Work, Strange Acts

Zahakiel: Here is a verse most of us are probably somewhat familiar with: “For Yahweh shall rise up as in mount Perazim; He shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that He may do His work, His strange work; and bring to pass His act, His strange act.” (Isa 28:21)

While Perazim isn’t really mentioned elsewhere in the Scriptures, Gibeon is. The Gibeonites made peace with Israel during the time of Joshua, but when they were invaded by the heathen, the people of Yahweh came to their aid, “and Yahweh discomfited them before Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them along the way that goeth up to Bethhoron, and smote them to Azekah, and unto Makkedah.” (Josh 10:10)

It is fairly obvious from this, and the context of Isaiah 28, that the prophet is speaking about the almighty causing human death. There are some who say, “Yahweh does not actively cause human death, they destroy themselves.” In a spiritual sense, that is true… Yahweh does not wish the death of even with wicked, but that they repent. On the other hand, when those who are bent on rebellion pass beyond the rays of mercy, Yahweh has indeed, to spare those who might be damaged by the fall of another, directly caused the death of some individuals.

We read, for example, “And it came to pass that night, that the angel of Yahweh went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses.” (2Ki 19:35)

And again, “And the anger of Yahweh was kindled against Uzza, and He smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God.” (1Ch 13:10)

It would be very difficult to argue that these are simply poetic references to some natural cause of death that Yahweh merely “allowed.” There isn’t a disease that could have wiped out so many men of an army in a single night, and a truly “natural” disaster would not legitimately be described as an angel of Yahweh. Similarly, there was nothing specifically deadly about the Ark, because the Levites could handle it to an extent… it was Yahweh’s “anger” that rose up against Uzza and slew him. It is a consistent teaching of Scripture that there is a time when Yahweh will do such things as this, although the inspired writers quite appropriately describe it as a “strange” act for the One who is the source of all life.

Zahakiel: Is everyone in agreement here about this? We have encountered people in the past who have been of other minds concerning it.

Qinael: <nods.>

Abraham: Yes.

Barb: Yes.

Naraiel: <nods>

Galiel: Yes.

Happy Rock: Ok.

Zahakiel: All right. We’re going to use that as a foundation and go further.

His Work in Us

Zahakiel: There is another kind of special work that Yahweh does, and interestingly enough it is not unrelated to the “strange act” that Isaiah describes.

Paul writes, “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is Yahweh which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” (Phl 2:12, 13)

How is this accomplished? We read, in a verse we commonly use to demonstrate one of the deficiencies of the traditional Trinitarian doctrine, “Yahshua answered and said unto [Judas], ‘If a man love me, he will keep my words; and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.’” (John 14:23) Just as there are Two divine Beings enthroned in Heaven, so there are to be Two enthroned in the Heart. This does not at all deny the reality, power or divine importance of the Holy Spirit, it merely understands It to be the abiding presence of the Father and Son, as it is written. That is sort of a side-issue from today’s main topic, but it does bear mentioning.

But now, by accepting the Father and Son, and thereby finding life through the new birth (John 17:3) they come to us and “abide” within us. At this point the words of Paul become a living reality, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (Gal 2:20)

But what I want you to notice, for the purposes of this study, is how closely together life and death are tied. We are told, “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) But the means by which this everlasting life was obtained was through an infinite sacrifice, a death. This was a “strange act” in every sense of the word, that the Father would offer up His Begotten as a substitute for fallen man, and that this act would not only result in everlasting life for mankind, but a restoration of the entire universe from sin. This, that Adventists call “the science of salvation,” is so strange an act that it will be studied in the ceaseless ages of Eternity.

Zahakiel: It is “strange” that death leads to life, and “strange” that we must take up our cross and die to self in order to be saved. While many in Christendom are preaching “peace and safety,” “celebration and prosperity,” the genuine and sanctified Christians are even this moment preparing to face a terrible spiritual crisis. There is much, so very much, that is misunderstood in the Christian world about the Book of Revelation, but we understand very well that we are offered up also as sacrifices, as a testimony before the universe, for as Christ clearly taught His followers (and say when finished):

“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

“And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child, and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’ sake, but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. The disciple is not above his Master, nor the servant above his Lord.” (Mat 10:16-24)

Qinael: Finished.

Barb: Finished

Happy Rock: Finished.

Naraiel: Finished.

Abraham: Done.

Galiel: Done.

Persecution is to be our lot, not because we desire it, not because we encourage it, but because we will not compromise with evil. Christians are, frankly, an intolerant people – but the thing we do not tolerate is sin. This is an irritating characteristic of ours for those who love transgression, or are comfortable with lives that are not progressing Heavenward.

Naraiel: I found a quotation: “Often the gospel laborer carries on his work amid storms of persecution, bitter opposition, and unjust reproach. At such times let him remember that the experience to be gained in the furnace of trial and affliction is worth all the pain it costs. Thus God brings His children near to Him, that He may show them their weakness and His strength. He teaches them to lean on Him. Thus He prepares them to meet emergencies, to fill positions of trust, and to accomplish the great purpose for which their powers were given them.” [Reflecting Christ (1985), Chap. 343 – “The Value of Pain”]

Zahakiel: Yes, good :)

Okay, so now because of what I said above, and the principle revealed by that quote... “whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.” (Luke 17:33) And this paradox, life through death, is connected to the Strange Work of Yahweh, that the source of Life, seeking to preserve and promote life, will sometimes allow or even cause death.

This is a divine principle that has a parabolic presence in the natural world. In medicine it is sometimes necessary to cut off a finger to save a hand from venom. With serious infections, it is occasionally the case that a leg has to be amputated to prevent death. This is a Biblical principle, and one that Yahshua expounded when speaking of the judgment.

“And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched, where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched, where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire, where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.” (Mark 9:43-48)

Does everyone see how these things relate?

Qinael: <nods.>

Happy Rock: Ok.

Guerline: Yes.

Naraiel: Ok.

Abraham: Yes

Satan’s Devices

Zahakiel: So to summarize what we have seen so far, when the Scriptures talk about the “special work” or the “strange acts” of Yahweh, it is usually referring to death. Sometimes, and in a literal sense, this can mean the destruction of those who have passed beyond the borders of mercy.

On a spiritual level, the “strange work” of Yahweh still deals with death, but it has a different emphasis. The death of the Assyrian army no doubt saved Israel from destruction. Likewise, the death of Yahshua saved all mankind who is willing to accept the Atonement that this provides. On an internal level, the death of the “self,” and the willingness to be born again into a new life is what brings us into a saving relationship with the Father and Son. Death, in this kind of spiritual context, leads to life… this is why it is “strange.”

Now, how do Satan’s devices fit into that?

Zahakiel: We are told, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1Pet 5:8) This doesn’t sound very useful. Furthermore, “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, ‘Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ, for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.’” (Rev 12:10-12)

The Heavens rejoiced when Lucifer was cast out. They did not feel his presence was helpful to them, and we certainly know he is not trying to help us down here… we are told that he is a “woe” unto us until his time comes to an end.

Let’s look at our starting quote again: “Satan will insinuate himself by little wedges, that widen as they make a place for themselves. The specious devices of Satan will be brought into the special work of God at this time.” [MS 16, 1890]

We may gain a lesson from that statement, that if we allow any occasion at all for Satan to deceive us, the danger only increases. The Scripture says, “Be ye angry, and sin not; let not the sun go down upon your wrath, neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more, but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” (Eph 4:26-29)

Zahakiel: Anger, as we talked about a few studies ago, has a definite place in the Christian life, but it must be carefully used, lest it become a weapon against us. Idleness leads to want, so we are told to work. Corrupt communication not only destroys our own sanctification, but damages those around us as well. These things are all either potentially or actually evil, and the slightest degree to which we tolerate them in the Church or ourselves becomes an entering wedge.

Yet these things are allowed, Yahweh does not prevent us from being tempted to anger. He does not make idleness impossible, and He permits people to choose to communicate in a corrupt manner? Why? It is because He is bringing these things in to the work.

Satan’s devices are many. Rumors, gossip, backbiting, and evil surmising, these are his devices in regard to communication. Idleness, procrastination, officiousness, these are his devices in regard to works. Worry, inordinate anger, inordinate affection, pride, fears, these are his devices in regard to emotions. The list is practically endless, so why are these things allowed?

Sanctification Through Trials

Zahakiel: The Scriptures give us the answer, and it’s an answer we have probably seen before, but what I would like us to do is really think about why these things were written, what they mean to us, and how we are to respond as a result of them being shown to us. Remember, as the quote says, those things that are revealed are for our benefit, and for those whom we teach (like our children) so that we can be faithful and obedient citizens of Yah’s kingdom.

We read, then, regarding why these things are permitted: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you…” (1Pet 4:12)

There is that word “strange” again, and it should confirm in our minds that Peter is addressing the same kind of thing we are. It may seem “strange” that a Christian must go through trials, because we are told that all things work together for our good. (Rom 8:28) Peter continues in the next verse, “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” (verse 13)

We read in another place, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations, knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” (James 1:2-4)

Seeing the devices of Satan around us constitutes a genuine trial. They are not pleasant experiences to encounter. Remember, those who are born again “are really ceasing to sin, […] they can say, ‘I hate sin with a perfect hatred.’” [Manuscript Releases Volume Six, page 165] And if we hate sin with a perfect hatred, we will not be pleased – we may even be roused to appropriate anger – when we see these things. Yet, on a certain level, we are told to rejoice when trials come to us, when temptations are presented to us. How is that so?

Zahakiel: And then, based upon the principles we are looking at in this study, what should our reaction be? Give me some examples of how this knowledge affects the life of a truly converted Christian.

Happy Rock: Take everything that comes to him or her with smile

Zahakiel: Right, that’s the basic idea. Any others have something to add to that?

Naraiel: But we need to be honest about our feelings too, we cannot smile when we are feeling sad, for example [name of an example].

Ye: In Acts, Peter was in prison he was content while under the sentence of death

Zahakiel: Yes. Both those are quiet true. There’s a difference between contentment and outward joy.

Peace doesn’t always sound like laughter and excitement. Sometimes it doesn’t even sound like praise. Sometimes it is a quiet acceptance of circumstances, and prayers for continued blessings. Does everyone understand that?

Barb: Yes.

Abraham: Yes.

Naraiel: Yes.

Ye: I agree with you

Barb: So there might not always be an outward visible smile, but we can be at peace and content

Zahakiel: We will be that, yes... for that is the gift that Christ gave us. He said He has given to us His peace, His perfect peace. And that is the fact of the matter, regardless of emotions or circumstances that would tempt us to think anything to the contrary. Our last study, recall, was “The Joy of Yahweh is Our Strength.” That is a principle that is certainly applicable here as well.

Conclusion

Zahakiel: On a practical level, the bottom line as I see it is this: Even if things don’t go well, even if Satan is responsible for troubling us, the Christian will be peaceful, even joyful. He or she understands that whatever happens, Yah allows it to happen. And what He allows to happen is ultimately, truly for our good. It is that knowledge, and that trust, that makes it possible.

Abraham: Amen.

Zahakiel: Our response, therefore, to whatsoever happens in this life, whether it’s prison, lack of resources, lack of comforts, or whatsoever suffering, even if it is not pleasant, even if it is hard on our emotions (and we should be honest to admit that, as Naraiel said), is peace.

Naraiel: Amen.

Zahakiel: Our response is the Sabbath more fully, that spiritual Sabbath that is the atmosphere in which the Victory over Sin is possible.

I’d like to end with another quote from Mrs. White: “The Father’s presence encircled Christ, and nothing befell Him but that which infinite love permitted for the blessing of the world. Here was His source of comfort, and it is for us. He who is imbued with the Spirit of Christ abides in Christ. The blow that is aimed at him falls upon the Saviour, who surrounds him with His presence. Whatever comes to him comes from Christ. He has no need to resist evil, for Christ is his defense. Nothing can touch him except by our Lord’s permission, and “all things” that are permitted “work together for good to them that love God. (Romans 8:28)” [The Ministry of Healing, pp. 488, 489]

Are there any questions before we close?

Ye: I agree with it.

Barb: Question… When I think about the idea of being willing to die, I agree with that, but I also think about someone working themselves so hard they become a martyr such as James White is said to have done. It seems like there should be a balance between keeping the laws of health so we can work for Yah and being willing to sacrifice health for the work. Can you explain more about that?

Zahakiel: Well, yes, there is always a balance to be sought... however, there are times when the situation makes sacrifices necessary. One could argue that Christ was not in tune with the “laws of health” when He allowed Himself to die for the sins of the world. That’s the most extreme example, but I use it to illustrate a point.

If James White had not done that work, it wouldn’t have been done. The others, who did not help as much as they should have, made it necessary, and his death is on them to a significant degree. We do not know to what degree Mr. White was inspired to actively do that work until it cost him his health... we only know that he saw the need.

Mrs. White, in reflecting on it, is much more concerned with the spiritual state of those who allowed it to happen, vs. any “error” that her husband made in judgment. Do you see what I mean?

Naraiel: The indifference for the work…

Barb: I understand that you are saying when the work really needs to be done, then sometimes the sacrifice is best to be made. And that Ellen White was not placing a judgment on James, but expressing her concern for those that did not help.

Qinael: He was called a martyr, not suicidal. He was not rebuked for having done it.

Zahakiel: Right. Martyrs do not cause their own death, they are “put” to death, so the wording she uses is significant.

Is that a useful clarification?

Barb: So it is necessary then to weigh if it is necessary (making in a martyr’s case one a martyr) or if it were not, which would make one suicidal (if it came to that extreme). Yes, it is helpful.

Zahakiel: Right. Ok. Are there any other questions?

Barb: No. Thank you.

Zahakiel: Ok. Bro. Luke, will you offer the closing prayer?

Qinael: Our dear Heavenly Father,

We thank you for the protection you give to your children. We thank you for the understanding that all things work together for good; that the things you allow, though unpleasant, are for our sanctification. We thank you that you see beginning from end, and have a full knowledge of what we can and cannot bear, putting no more on us than is for our edification.

We further are thankful that, though we have a powerful adversary, we know that he is, at worst, a tool in your hands for our sanctification.

We request that you continue to afford us your protection, to guide us and to keep us from the works of the enemy that are not in our best interests. We ask you to continue to watch over us and keep us diligently, as you have sworn you would do for us, if we simply ask and place our trust in you. We ask now your blessing on us through the remainder of this New Moon day.

In the name of Yahshua we pray, amen.

Zahakiel: Amen.

Barb: Amen.

Happy Rock: Amen.

Naraiel: Amen.

Galiel: Amen.

Abraham: Amen.

Guerline: Amen.