Written by: John Sernaque
Call to Worship
2 Peter 1: 21
1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.
The Lord Speaks in Imperfect Speech-
The Lord speaks to human beings in imperfect speech, in order that the degenerate senses, the dull, earthly perception, of earthly beings may comprehend His words. Thus is shown God’s condescension. He meets fallen human beings where they are. The Bible, perfect as it is in its simplicity, does not answer to the great ideas of God; for infinite ideas cannot be perfectly embodied in finite vehicles of thought. Instead of the expressions of the Bible being exaggerated, as many people suppose, the strong expressions break down before the magnificence of the thought, though the penman selected the most expressive language through which to convey the truths of higher education. Sinful beings can only bear to look upon a shadow of the brightness of heaven’s glory.—Letter 121, 1901. {1SM 22.3}
Gabriel is the angel of prophecy who stands in the presence of God. Gabriel appeared in a vision to Daniel. Not only does he reveal prophecy, but explains it to the prophets. Gabriel unites with Christ in revealing prophecy. There are four steps involved when revealing prophecy. The first step is God, second is Christ, third is the angel, and fourth is the prophet. Gabriel is Christ’s own angel as stated by Jesus “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches.” Gabriel strengthened Christ in the garden of Gethsemane and called Him from the grave. Gabriel also influences individuals to work for the fulfillment of the prophecy. When the time came for the fulfillment of the prophecy, he announced it to the one who should fulfill it. He comes from the presence of God to the one interested in carrying out the plan of God. Gabriel called himself the fellow servant of John, the prophets, and those who will give their life in fulfilling the prophecies of Revelation. And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keep the sayings of the prophecy of this book. Amen.
Our Father, which art in heaven,
We come into Your presence in thanksgiving, praise, and prayer. We are so thankful for the Holy Bible, our guidebook to life. Thank You for arranging the books in the Bible for our finite minds and for our fallen world. We pray for Your help in studying and understanding Your Word and obeying all of its directions so that not one soul will lose their way to Your heavenly kingdom. You have told us in Your Word that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. We pray for all who argue about what is inspired and not inspired, let them cover their faces as Elijah when the still, small voice spoke to him. Thank You for communicating with the prophets through the Holy angels light and knowledge for us to know what to do and not to do. We pray for those who think they have a better way than the way You have given us. We thank You for giving the Inspired Word in simple and plain language for all to understand: the illiterate, the peasant, the child, adults, the learned, and all classes whether rich or poor. Grant all wisdom, understanding, and the desire to study Your Word in their lifetime to carry out the plan of salvation gifted to every living soul. Men wrote your Word at different times as the Holy Ghost moved them, always revealing the power of Christ. We pray to receive Your wonderful truths as we study the Holy Bible, putting together the golden thread running through the whole. Thank You for inspiring the prophets in the writing of the Word of God. Praise be to You and glory in Your name Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
