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Selected Messages Book 1
fainting. He fell upon the ground as though dying. Heavenly angels
who had bowed before Him in the royal courts, and who had been with
intense, yet painful, interest watching their loved Commander, and
with amazement had witnessed the terrible contest He had endured
with Satan, now came and ministered unto Him. They prepared Him
food and strengthened Him, for He lay as one dead. Angels were filled
with amazement and awe, as they knew the world’s Redeemer was
passing through inexpressible suffering to achieve the redemption of
man. He who was equal with God in the royal courts, was before
them emaciated from nearly six weeks of fasting. Solitary and alone
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He had been pursued by the rebel chief, who had been expelled from
heaven. He had endured a more close and severe test than would ever
be brought to bear upon man. The warfare with the power of darkness
had been long and intensely trying to Christ’s human nature in His
weak and suffering condition. The angels brought messages of love
and comfort from the Father to His Son, and also the assurance that
all heaven triumphed in the full and entire victory He had gained in
behalf of man.
The cost of the redemption of the race can never be fully realized
until the redeemed shall stand with the Redeemer, by the throne of
God. And as they have capacity to appreciate the value of immortal
life, and the eternal reward, they will swell the song of victory and
immortal triumph, “Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb
that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength,
and honour, and glory, and blessing” (
Revelation 5:12
). “And every
creature,” says John, “which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under
the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard
I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him
that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever”
(
Revelation 5:13
).
Although Satan had failed in his strongest efforts, and most pow-
erful temptations, yet he had not given up all hope that he might, at
some future time, be more successful in his efforts. He looked forward
to the period of Christ’s ministry, when he should have opportunities
to try his power and artifices against Him. Satan laid his plans to blind
the understanding of the Jews, God’s chosen people, that they would
not discern in Christ the world’s Redeemer. He thought he could fill
their hearts with envy, jealousy, and hatred against the Son of God, so