In this era of cultural pluralism, radical tolerance, and religious shifting; in a generation that is driven to change the world; where truth and error have been pressed together in utter chaotic thought, the duty of man as prescribed by his Creator has remained unchanged. “Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13 KJV). The Ten Commandments, having been written with the finger of God, still remain a constant in our ever changing world. Most Christians do not have any dissonance with nine of these Ten Commandments. Most agree that both murder and idolatry are sinful practices. Lying, stealing, cheating and cursing are universally rebuked. However, the fourth commandment has been forgotten by most of Christendom while it is the only commandment beginning with the call to “Remember…” The Seventh-Day Sabbath is still binding upon every Christian believer as one of God’s Ten Commandments.

From creation the Sabbath has been instituted as the “Seventh-Day” in which our Creator “ended His work…[and] rested” (Genesis 2:2-3). Throughout eternal ages this was to be the commemorative day of the creative acts of God. Some say that the Sabbath was a symbol for the Jews only. But it is easy to identify the Sabbath being established early on in the Bible. However, if this is not enough for skeptics, the Sabbath commandment is indicatively set forth in the sixteenth chapter of Exodus—two weeks prior to the Israelites arrival at Mt. Sinai (Exodus 16:1, 22-27). Moses then explicitly refers to the Sabbath as a “Commandment” and “Law”(Exodus 16:28). The Law of God was already in existence before it was physically delivered on two stone tablets (Exodus 19-20). In fact, reference to the Law can be traced back to Cain, who “sin[ned]” by murdering his brother Abel. “Sin” is the “transgression of the Law” (1 John 3:4); therefore, Cain “sinned” against a law by having committed murder.

Only through a very trivial and superficial study of the Scriptures could one conclude that the Sabbath was never a Commandment. The scholarly question is whether this Commandment became nullified through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ? “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days” (Colossians 3:16). Paul identifies these things as a “shadow” of Christ that was nailed to His cross”. But Paul is not writing about what many think He is in this passage. In the Jewish services there were many annual holy days or “Sabbath days” that are clearly referred to in Leviticus 23:24-27. He “abolished…the law of commandments contained in ordinances” (Ephesians 2:15). These ceremonial Sabbaths fell on certain set days of the month—a different day of the week each year—yet they were called “Sabbaths”. But one must recognize that these “Sabbaths” are clearly distinguished from the Lord’s Sabbath. “These are the feasts of the Lord, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord, a burnt offering, and a meat offering, a sacrifice and drink offerings, every thing upon this day, Beside the Sabbaths of the Lord…” (Leviticus 23:37).

If the Sabbath was changed, one would think that the Lord would have spoken of this. But we find ample evidence throughout the New Testament that the Sabbath was observed on a regular basis even after Christ’s resurrection. First, the Bible records that even after Christ death His disciples “rested” on the Sabbath Day” (Luke 23:56). There are also eight separate references throughout the book of Acts that testify that there was a regular gathering of believers on the Sabbath day to both break bread together as well as listen to the Word (Acts 13:14, 27, 42, 44; 15:21; 16:13; 17:2; 18:4). Finally, it is affirmed in the letter to the Hebrews that the Sabbath remains (Hebrews 4:9).

Jesus knew that the hour had come to be “lifted up” from the earth to draw all men to Himself. He had told the disciples about this many times but they still did not understand. Jesus sought to reveal to their selfish hearts the love which they should have for one another. “He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him” (John 13:5). Before the Passover, Judas had already met with the priests and scribes a second time to seal the contract to deliver the Savior into their hands. The intention of Judas being so clearly understood by the Savior was not understood by the others. But the Savior did not expose him. His heart ached for Judas beyond any human understanding. Jesus hungered for His soul, “How can I give you up?” Judas felt this love and was still wrestling in spirit. Even while Jesus was washing his dirty feet and drying them with the towel, he was convicted to confess his sin then and there (Desire of Ages 645). But he did not act. He rejected God’s gift of repentance and had become incorrigible. He had hardened his heart and cast off the Spirit’s call too long. He had become calloused the voice of God and now was offended that Christ would humble Himself so low that He would wash His disciples’ feet. He reasoned that such a man could by no means be the king of Israel. Judas, this business man, concluded that there would be no gain for him to remain a follower of Jesus, and; unfortunately, he made the decision to complete the most unprofitable business transaction of his life. He left Jesus that night and he sold the Savior for less than the price of a common slave—thirty pieces of silver (Desire of Ages 716). At this point Judas was convinced that he had been deceived in following Christ. But he had not received the love of the truth, and now, because of his own hardened heart, was deluded to believe a lie. As Judas’ heart had become hardened, Jesus became a means through which he hoped to gain a higher social status. He had not always been this intent toward accomplishing evil. But he cultivated the love for money until the spirit of greed became the ruling motive in his life.

Judas saw the sick, the lame, the blind, flock to Jesus from the towns and cities. He saw the dying laid at His feet. He witnessed the Saviour’s mighty works in healing the sick, casting out devils, and raising the dead. He felt in his own person the evidence of Christ’s power. He recognized the teaching of Christ as superior to all that he had ever heard. He loved the Great Teacher, and desired to be with Him. He felt a desire to be changed in character and life, and he hoped to experience this through connecting himself with Jesus. The Saviour did not repulse Judas. He gave him a place among the twelve. He trusted him to do the work of an evangelist. He endowed him with power to heal the sick and to cast out devils. But Judas did not come to the point of surrendering himself fully to Christ. He did not give up his worldly ambition or his love of money. While he accepted the position of a minister of Christ, he did not bring himself under the divine molding. Desire of Ages 717

Judas’ story ends in tragedy as he took his own life, hanging himself from a tree. As I think about his experience, I have to analyze my own life, considering the valuable lessons I can learn from this disciple of Jesus.

Sometimes those who look to be the most “spiritual” or qualified may not be committed to Christ at all. “Man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks on the heart”. After understanding the significance of this story, I realize that my good works, my qualifications, my accomplishments are without value if I have not surrendered my heart to Christ. From an outward appearance, Judas was a great person, but he did not make a full surrender. This makes me think about the reasons why I am a Christian. Sometimes it is easy to be focused on the desire for approbation. It is easy sometimes to seek the approval of others while forgetting about God. Judas wanted to be highly esteemed. He wanted to be important and even wanted to have a change in character, but He did not surrender. Because of his persistent love for money and gain, he did not surrender to the power of Christ’s love. He was weighed in the balance and found wanting simply because he did not surrender. Peace and salvation were but one step away for Judas. Jesus great invitation is so simple. “Come unto me…” (Matthew 11:28). The Gospel is simple! As Christian’s we must beg God to teach to us the simplicity of surrender; that of myself I can do nothing; of myself I am no good; of myself I am helpless; of myself I am unlike Jesus; of myself I am doomed to experience the ultimate result of sin—eternal separation from God. But “when the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes possession of the new heart. A change is wrought which man can never accomplish for himself. It is a supernatural work, bringing a supernatural element into human nature” (Desire of Ages 323). In Christ, I can be confident; through Christ I can rest from my labors and struggles in sin. For in Christ, I have been set free and no longer walk in the exceedingly deceitful sinful practices of my former life; I am changed. This is the experience that Jesus wanted for Judas and all who have struggled in sin. He has extended His great invitation, “Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). In these words the love of God has been demonstrated. They speak of the story of the Cross. Jesus offers to take our burdens and give us rest. “The world’s Redeemer was treated as we deserve to be treated, in order that we might be treated as he deserved to be treated. He came to our world and took our sins upon his own divine soul, that we might receive his imputed righteousness. He was condemned for our sins, in which he had no share, that we might be justified by his righteousness, in which we had no share. The world’s Redeemer gave himself for us.” (Review and Herald, March 21, 1893, par. 7)

Jesus loved Judas and suffered him to be numbered among His chosen disciples revealing His infinite love for this erring soul. But even after three years walking by the side of Christ, Judas was still resistant to His love. During the last supper, Judas had already spoke with the priests and scribes about delivering Jesus to them. Jesus knew this but sought to do all that could possibly be done for his salvation. While they were eating together that night, after Christ had revealed that one of them would betray Him, the disciples were asking among themselves of whom it may be. “Is it I?” many asked. Judas, as if his brain was entirely occupied by His plans, he said, “Master, is it I?” Jesus solemnly replied, “Thou hast said.” In confusion, Judas immediately arose to leave the room (Desire of Ages 654). But in desperation, the Savior imperatively said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly” (John 13:27). At this moment, there was one final opportunity for Judas to repent and surrender. But he left Christ.

It is encouraging to see the grace and mercy of our Lord demonstrated in such a manner as this. As I seek to apply this story to my own life, I have come to the conclusion that as long as my life is surrendered to God, I can rest with the assurance of salvation. “The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

Walk along this road called life

so often filled with woe and strife

this battle field confronts us

and we must make some choices

which way will you go?

which way will you go?

turn and choose life, the way of life

In the Word the Lord has been manifested

of the Father He is the great personification

the way, truth, and the life

from beginning to end He plays the dice

which way will you go?

which way will you go?

surrender and choose life, the way of life

Now unto Him that is able

to keep your life stable on the rock

the world will allure your senses

but don’t look back from the plow

not even with glimpses

His strength is sufficient

His strength is sufficient

Walk with Christ, for His strength is sufficient

The deceiving wolf in sheep’s clothing

every fault of man with precision noting

he seeks to destroy

he seeks to destroy

but walk with Christ and His power employ

If your life is overcome by temptation

seek the One who sought your Redemption

He’s the advocate, mediator and judge

if we confess, He’ll forgive with love

get up, get up

get up, get up

take the hand of Christ and walk again

-Trevor Staten

What is worship? I’ve come to realize that worship is a reaction of the heart while perceiving in some way the awesomeness of God. It is to stand in awe of Him; to be filled with wonder and amazement as we understand  His character.

I think about the passage of Holy writ in Revelation where the Bible records the four beasts falling down “day and night” before God crying, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty…”(Rev. 4:8). I can only imaging these beasts falling down in worship to God and upon rising they are filled again with the inconceivable magnitude of the greatness of God and they fall down again in a perpetual act of worship and adoration.

Worship should be like this for us. There should never be a time in which we cease to worship God. His love, His mercy, His forgiveness and patience should be in our thoughts on a continual basis. The very person and character of God we should behold day to day, hour to hour, moment to moment. And by beholding His image, we may be transformed into His same image (2 Cor. 3:18).

FORMS OF WORSHIP

I have been thinking of worship and the appropriateness of carious forms that are used in Christendom today. I am under the conviction that there are some forms of worship that are not acceptable to God. There are many references in the Bible where certain acts of worship were not acceptable. I think of Cain, who, out of his own act of “worship” offered a sacrifice that God did not ask for. His sacrifice was unacceptable. Here he was offering the fruit of his own labor. He was offering His own works to God. Our own good works are “as filthy rags”. Some will offer their own works to God in worship and will say at the last day, “Lord, haven’t I, haven’t I?” The sober words will be spoken, “Depart from Me, I never knew you…”

2003 and 2004 were big years for me. During these years, being twenty years old, I started a manufacturing business, married a beautiful girl, and also became the father of my son. Life was very good for us. The business I started had begun to grow at a rapid pace and soon, in our early twenties, my wife and I were making close to 200k per year. We were shipping products all over the U.S., Canada, and Europe.In 2005 I became a speaker for the Oregon Conference and began speaking in various churches across Oregon. Here I was, trying to convince myself that this is what God had in mind. “This is how God will use me in ministry” I said to myself. But I felt extremely unsatisfied with it all. Making the business grow had consumed my every thought and had become the objective behind everything I pursued. This business wasn’t like a typical small business where the owner works 60+ hours per week. No. I only worked four days per week and scheduled other family activities on the other days. I was not burned out. God was telling me, “This is not my plan for you. This is your plan.” The following year I became very ill and it seemed that in proportion with my illness my business had begun to crumble. My business began consuming itself. Being ill, I did not have the energy to keep up on orders as I should have and by spring of 2007, my business had completely fallen apart. Here I was, twenty-three years old, stricken with illness, having a family to care for without an income. I felt helpless. God humbled me and led me to walk in His ways again. See, I thought I was walking in His will already. I was preaching His word, giving Bible studies in the community, and supporting His work with money. But God revealed to me that I was living plans and dreams of my own devising. “The heart is deceitful above all things…” (Jeremiah 17:9). I had deceived myself and hushed the voice of God. Oh, I am so thankful that God is patient with His children! The mercy of the Lord endures forever! In this horrific pit of despair, God began to show me my error. My wife and I grasped the hand of Jesus, and together we have committed to pursue His will and His alone.

The voice came to me again, “Go to school and enter the ministry.”  I responded, “Lord, how can I go? I have a family to support, I am ill with a debilitating disease, and my wife is already going to school. How could both of us go to school?”  I placed my trust in God and believed His will for me was to go to school to study Theology but I didn’t understand exactly how that would happen. My wife had been trying to get into Dental Hygiene schools for over three years.  She had all of here prerequisites done and was waiting to be accepted. In vain, we drove hundreds of miles to various interviews year after year and she was not accepted.

2008 was the year of relieving renewal and restoration. This year God gave me a complete recovery from my illness. My health has been restored and energy to work for Him renewed. In the spring of 2008 my wife decided to apply to the Nursing program at Walla Walla University. She had also applied to several Dental Hygeine schools. This year she was accepted into both the WWU Nursing program as well as a Detal Hygiene school. Now we had to make a decision. “Lord, which one?” As we prayed and counseled with others about the matter, we became convinced that it was God’s will for us to go to WWU. Not only was my wife feeling led to become a RN rather than a Dental Hygienist, but maybe I could also take some classes. “But how is this possible?” I thought. I was well aware of the expenses involved with school and had no idea how we could pay for them. However, in spite of what I conceive as “impossible”, my wife and I both registered for a full-time class schedule in the fall of 2008 at WWU. So many different variables had to come together to make this happen the way it has. I look back and think of it as purely miraculous.  

We have experienced immense spiritual renewal. Being here at the University has been such a blessing. We can’t explain or understand exactly how God has worked miracles in our lives, but we know that He has. The only thing we can be certain about is the unfailing love of God and His guidance and direction in our lives. He has given us “a hope and a future”(Jer. 29:11), and we are right where God wants us to be.

May God guide and direct you this new year!

-Trevor Staten