Son of God, and listened to his instructions, feasting upon the
words which fell so graciously from his lips. His words were
full of meaning, yet so plain that the weakest could understand.
Satan and his angels were busy. They blinded the eyes and
darkened the understanding of the Jews. Satan stirred up the
chief of the people and the rulers to take his life. They sent
officers to bring Jesus unto them, and as they came near where
he was, they were greatly amazed. They saw Jesus stirred to
sympathy and compassion, as he witnessed human woe. They
saw him in love and tenderness speak encouragingly to the
weak and afflicted. They also heard him, in a voice of authority,
rebuke the power of Satan, and bid the captives held by him,
go free. They listened to the words of wisdom that fell from
his lips, and they were captivated. They could not lay hands
on him. They returned to the priests and elders without Jesus.
They inquired of the officers, Why have ye not brought him?
They related what they had witnessed of his miracles, and the
holy words of wisdom, love and knowledge which they had
heard, and ended
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with saying, Never man spake like this man. The chief priests
accused them of being also deceived. Some were ashamed
that they had not brought him. The chief priests inquired in
a ridiculing manner if any of the rulers had believed on him.
I saw that many of the magistrates and elders did believe on
Jesus. But Satan kept them from acknowledging it. They feared
the reproach of the people more than they feared God.
Thus far the cunning and hatred of Satan had not broken
up the plan of salvation. The time for the accomplishment of
the object for which Jesus came into the world was drawing on.
Satan and his angels consulted together, and decided to inspire
Christ’s own nation to cry eagerly for his blood, and invent
cruelty and scorn to be heaped upon him. He hoped that Jesus
would resent such treatment, and not maintain his humility and
meekness.
While Satan was laying his plans, Jesus was carefully
opening to his disciples the sufferings he must pass through.
That he should be crucified, and that he would rise again the
third day. But their understanding seemed dull. They could not
comprehend what he told them.
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Chapter VI. - The
Transfiguration.
I saw that the faith of the disciples was greatly strengthened
at the transfiguration. God chose to give the followers of Jesus
strong proof that he was the promised Messiah, that in their
bitter sorrow and disappointment they should not entirely cast
away their confidence. At the transfiguration the Lord sent
Moses and Elias to talk with Jesus concerning his sufferings
and death. Instead of choosing angels to converse with his
Son, God chose those who had an experience in the trials of
earth. A few of his followers were permitted to be with him
and behold his face lighted up with divine glory, and witness
his raiment white and glistening, and hear the voice of God, in
fearful majesty, saying, This is my beloved Son, hear him.
Elijah had walked with God. His work had not been
pleasant. God, through him, had reproved sin. He was a
prophet of God, and had to flee from place to place to save
his life. He was hunted like the wild beasts that they might
destroy him. God translated Elijah. Angels bore him in glory
and triumph to heaven.
Moses had been a man greatly honored of God. He was
greater than any who had lived before him. He was privileged
to talk with
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God face to face as a man speaketh with a friend. He
was permitted to see the bright light and excellent glory that
enshrouded the Father. Through Moses the Lord delivered
the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage. Moses was a
mediator for the children of Israel. He often stood between
them and the wrath of God. When the wrath of God was greatly
kindled against Israel for their unbelief, their murmurings, and
their grievous sins, Moses love for them was tested. God
promised him that if he would let Israel go, let them be
destroyed, he would make of him a mighty nation. Moses
showed his love for Israel by his earnest pleading. In his
distress he prayed God to turn from his fierce anger, and forgive
Israel, or blot his name out of his book.
When Israel murmured against God and against Moses,
because they could get no water, they accused him of leading
them out to kill them and their children. God heard their
murmurings, and bade Moses smite the rock, that the children
of Israel might have water. Moses smote the rock in wrath,
and took the glory to himself. The continual waywardness and
murmuring of the children of Israel had caused him the keenest
sorrow, and for a little he forgot how much God had borne
with them, and that their murmuring was not against Moses
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,
but against God. He thought only of himself, how deeply he
was wronged, and how
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little gratitude they manifested in return, for his deep love for
them.
As Moses smote the rock, he failed to honor God, and
magnify him before the children of Israel, that they might
glorify God. And the Lord was displeased
