The Angel Visitor

Joe felt his attention drawn from the throbbing knee outstretched before him, to a rustle in the doorway. What he saw caused him to raise slightly, his eyes riveted on the form of one he had never seen before. Everyone else in the house had long since gone to bed. Who now was this?
The being, about eight feet tall, who entered the living room, stooped to avoid hitting his head on the door casing. No one Joe knew, needed to do that. Joe felt no fear at the sudden appearance of his 2:00 a.m. visitor. But he was curious.
"Who are you?" he asked.
"I am an angel. You have stood the test. I have come
to heal you," the tall stranger answered, seating himself beside the sofa where Joe lay, and placing his hand on the swollen knee.
Immediately Joe made an effort to get up. "I'm going to get up and dress," he said. "I have some things to ask you. "
But the angel restrained Joe, saying, "Now the doctor will be here in the morning. He will want to drain that knee again, but don't you let him touch it. In Ecclesiastes 3:14, God says that whatever He does is done forever. You cannot add to it or take away from it. Don't let anyone touch that knee. Leave it alone."
To further impress Joe with the importance of the meth­od of healing to be used, the angel continued, "How did you get that leg in the first place? How did you come into the world?"
"In a bag of fluid," Joe promptly answered, not really
knowing why he said it.
"Right," the angel responded.
"This leg will fill up with fluid. When this fluid is all
absorbed by nature, you will have a new leg, just like the leg of a boy. Your leg is healed, but it will take time for it to be restored.
"Do you remember anything about the story of Gid­eon?" the angel contmued.
J "Why, yes. I remember about the fleece and the dew,"He answered.
"That was a wonderful thing, wasn't it?" queried his visitor.
Joe promptly replied, "Most wonderful!"
"No, not the most wonderful," corrected the angel. "The
fleece experience was very insignificant in comparison with what Gideon did. It was a sign to Gideon that he was chosen of God to deliver Israel from the Midianites. The
main thing was that deliverance."
"Yes, I remember that," responded Joe.
"This healing, likewise, is a very insignificant thing compared to the real reason for my coming."
Joe looked at his visitor with new interest. "Tell me about that," he said.
"You are dedicated, and chosen like John the Baptist, the Voice in the Wilderness. You are like Jeremiah, who, even before he was born, was dedicated to a particular work. I am coming to tell you that heaven has dedicated
you to a specific work."
"What is that work?" Joe asked eagerly.
"That you will live to be here to help proclaim the last warning message to this world. Let me tell you this," the angel emphasized. "You are healed. Don't let the devil beat you out of it. It took time for you to be formed before you were born, and the restoring of your knee will take time the same way. Your work now is to tell the world of Christ's soon coming."
One question still burned in Joe's heart, that he noW found opportunity to ask. "I have a question I want to ask you. Should I have taken the $50,000 offered me by the Baptists and used it to preach the truth?"
"No, Joe. When the time comes for you to take part in the closing work, you will know it." With this, the angel left. In one month, Joe's leg was functioning as well, or better, than before-completely restored.
About seventeen years passed by. Many times Joe won­dered how he fit into God's plan to give God's special message. Often he pleaded with the Lord: "You have said I am to help give the final warning. Just what does that include?"
Finally, one night, the Lord answered by giving him a dream. He seemed to be attending a General Conference session. In this dream, Elder Daniels was president, and came to him with a request."I understand," he said to Joe, "that in your tabernacle meetings, your advertising is different from many other men. I hear you advertise that during the first week, you will speak extemporaneously on any topic the audience may give you. I have never heard you do that. Is it true?"
"Yes, I do preach that way," Joe replied. And it was true. In real life he did preach, many times, with no fore­
knowledge of the subject to be requested.
In his dream, Elder Daniels continued, "We would like to have you speak before our General Conference brethren on some topic, extemporaneously."
Joe, in his dream, endeavored to reason his way out of the thing, stating he was an obscure preacher, etc. But
Elder Daniels insisted, and even tried to tell him what topic he wished him to discuss.
"Wait!" and Joe held up his hand for silence. "Give me the topic tonight, after you have introduced me. If you give it to me now, it will not be extemporaneous. I would have enough material for five sermons by the time the meeting begins."
That night he was introduced, as scheduled, and given the topic-one which had been the topic of some contro­versy, and not too clearly understood. In his dream he presented the topic forcefully. While he was explaining one verse, Elder Daniels interrupted him by asking, "Now, Brother, do you have any additional light on that one phrase in that text? We have never dealt with that phrase because we have not understood it."
Without hesitation, Joe turned in his Bible to the Psalms. "Yes," he said, "the answer is right here." And he named the text of Scripture which fit perfectly. Most amazing of all, Joe himself had not known the text was there until he used it in his dream sermon.
Joe Ashkenaz was thrilled when he awoke. He realized the terrific import of the dream, and the explanation of a little understood subject. He also remembered the caution of the angel. "You will know when you are to have a definite part in the proclamation of the last warning message. Enter into controversy with no man."
Several times Joe did have opportunity to present before his brethren the material given him in that dream. At that time it seemed to be foolishness itself, and it was rejected by some who heard. Joe humbly withdrew. Be would not circulate a resume of his views when circulating them could cause controversy. Patiently he waited for further word and development of circumstances.
Finally his daughter-in-law pleaded to have permission to mimeograph a few copies for certain people. For awhile Joe insisted they be kept in the background. Later he consented for her to print a limited number. One day a man came to the printers to have some work done and noticed the material that was being done for Joe's daughter-in-law. He happened to be an important man from the Orient who was even then organizing ten archeological diggings in that part of the world.
"What is this?" he questioned. "This looks interesting. How can I get copies for myself?"
The printer gave him the name of Joe's daughter-in-law and he wrote asking for a complete copy of the writing. She gladly sent it to him. A few days later he wrote again requesting ten more copies. He also told of his ten projects in the Orient, and how he desired a copy for each group. Joe sat in thought a long time when his daughter-in-law confronted him with the request for ten copies of the material to be given to a stranger. He knelt in prayer and laid it all out before the Lord.
"Dear Lord, You know I want to follow Your leading. I do not want to create controversy. What is it that You want me to do? Am I to allow these printed copies to be distributed? Will it cause trouble to our people? Lord, show me the way. I am ready to follow Thy bidding. I thank Thee for Thy leading."
Only a few nights later, Joe dreamed a very strange dream. Answering a knock at the door, he greeted a man
dressed in foreign garb, and the odd little hat on his head with a red tassel. Since a convention was going on at
time in the town, Joe. supposed the man to be one of the visitors from the convention.
"Are you sure you have the right house?" Joe asked in his dream.
"Yes, we are sure. We would like to come in and talk to you."
Joe stepped back to allow him to enter. The strange appearing man came through the door, and then it was that Joe noticed the others with him, dressed in a similar style. They crowded into the room, into the kitchen, and up the stairway.
Joe looked into the strange faces clustered about him.
"What is this all about?" he asked.
One man spoke up. "Well, we have a spokesman here." Then it was that an angel entered the room.
"Say, 1 have met you before," Joe said. "But 1 don't know your name. You didn't tell me."
"That is not important," the angel replied.
"I'm not worthy for you to come here," Joe stated, for he felt very humble to think that God would send a messenger two times to visit with him. "I have made so many mistakes."
"Well, you realize it, and like David, you have repented of all of them. Your record is clear and your dedication still stands. 1 have come to tell you something. Go ahead and let your daughter-in-law put out the little brochure. Have it copyrighted and give a pen name as Ashkenaz [meaning, 'the fire that burns']."
The angel gave further instructions to which Joe listened carefully. These instructions are important for every child of God to whom God has given special revelation. "Never enter into controversy," he directed. "Be faith­ful in everything that the Lord reveals to you. The Lord can use you if you will follow these instructions.
"Now, you don't know any of these people, do you?" And the angel made a sweeping gesture toward the crowd of foreigners wedged into his little home.
"No, I don't," Joe said.
"That book will go to the Orient, and you will meet these people who stand before you tonight, when you reach the kingdom. Don't be afraid to give the booklets to the man from the Orient."
There are many of our readers who have never had such a signal revelation of God's mission for their lives. But Jesus said He has given "to every man his work." Mark 13:34. It has been our experience that to fulfill our par­ticular mission, gives meaning and purpose to life.
Dr. George Crane has written that, for even an individual who has retired from active service, to sit around idly, usually spells for him pain, sickness and gloominess. But those individuals who keep the vision of service for others before them, as a rule, relish far more, every day of their lives. This is because our Lord has assigned to every heart a special mission. And happiness is found in fulfilling that mission with Jesus (Psalm 16:11). The time to discover that mission is early in life. The time to continue that mission is throughout life. The time to close that mission is the close of life.
The enemy of our souls will do all within his power to discourage, or -to sidetrack us, from the real work, the mission, the Holy Spirit has assigned to us. How many have felt that a part of their mission in life is to belittle,
or condemn others! Let the word of the angel speak to every heart, "Never enter into controversy."The Angel Visitor
Joe felt his attention drawn from the throbbing knee outstretched before him, to a rustle in the doorway. What he saw caused him to raise slightly, his eyes riveted on the form of one he had never seen before. Everyone else in the house had long since gone to bed. Who now was this?
The being, about eight feet tall, who entered the living room, stooped to avoid hitting his head on the door casing. No one Joe knew, needed to do that. Joe felt no fear at the sudden appearance of his 2:00 a.m. visitor. But he was curious.
"Who are you?" he asked.
"I am an angel. You have stood the test. I have come
to heal you," the tall stranger answered, seating himself beside the sofa where Joe lay, and placing his hand on the swollen knee.
Immediately Joe made an effort to get up. "I'm going to get up and dress," he said. "I have some things to ask you. "
But the angel restrained Joe, saying, "Now the doctor will be here in the morning. He will want to drain that knee again, but don't you let him touch it. In Ecclesiastes 3:14, God says that whatever He does is done forever. You cannot add to it or take away from it. Don't let anyone touch that knee. Leave it alone."
To further impress Joe with the importance of the meth­od of healing to be used, the angel continued, "How did you get that leg in the first place? How did you come into the world?"
"In a bag of fluid," Joe promptly answered, not really
knowing why he said it.
"Right," the angel responded.
"This leg will fill up with fluid. When this fluid is all
absorbed by nature, you will have a new leg, just like the leg of a boy. Your leg is healed, but it will take time for it to be restored.
"Do you remember anything about the story of Gid­eon?" the angel contmued.
J "Why, yes. I remember about the fleece and the dew,"He answered.
"That was a wonderful thing, wasn't it?" queried his visitor.
Joe promptly replied, "Most wonderful!"
"No, not the most wonderful," corrected the angel. "The
fleece experience was very insignificant in comparison with what Gideon did. It was a sign to Gideon that he was chosen of God to deliver Israel from the Midianites. The
main thing was that deliverance."
"Yes, I remember that," responded Joe.
"This healing, likewise, is a very insignificant thing compared to the real reason for my coming."
Joe looked at his visitor with new interest. "Tell me about that," he said.
"You are dedicated, and chosen like John the Baptist, the Voice in the Wilderness. You are like Jeremiah, who, even before he was born, was dedicated to a particular work. I am coming to tell you that heaven has dedicated
you to a specific work."
"What is that work?" Joe asked eagerly.
"That you will live to be here to help proclaim the last warning message to this world. Let me tell you this," the angel emphasized. "You are healed. Don't let the devil beat you out of it. It took time for you to be formed before you were born, and the restoring of your knee will take time the same way. Your work now is to tell the world of Christ's soon coming."
One question still burned in Joe's heart, that he noW found opportunity to ask. "I have a question I want to ask you. Should I have taken the $50,000 offered me by the Baptists and used it to preach the truth?"
"No, Joe. When the time comes for you to take part in the closing work, you will know it." With this, the angel left. In one month, Joe's leg was functioning as well, or better, than before-completely restored.
About seventeen years passed by. Many times Joe won­dered how he fit into God's plan to give God's special message. Often he pleaded with the Lord: "You have said I am to help give the final warning. Just what does that include?"
Finally, one night, the Lord answered by giving him a dream. He seemed to be attending a General Conference session. In this dream, Elder Daniels was president, and came to him with a request."I understand," he said to Joe, "that in your tabernacle meetings, your advertising is different from many other men. I hear you advertise that during the first week, you will speak extemporaneously on any topic the audience may give you. I have never heard you do that. Is it true?"
"Yes, I do preach that way," Joe replied. And it was true. In real life he did preach, many times, with no fore­
knowledge of the subject to be requested.
In his dream, Elder Daniels continued, "We would like to have you speak before our General Conference brethren on some topic, extemporaneously."
Joe, in his dream, endeavored to reason his way out of the thing, stating he was an obscure preacher, etc. But
Elder Daniels insisted, and even tried to tell him what topic he wished him to discuss.
"Wait!" and Joe held up his hand for silence. "Give me the topic tonight, after you have introduced me. If you give it to me now, it will not be extemporaneous. I would have enough material for five sermons by the time the meeting begins."
That night he was introduced, as scheduled, and given the topic-one which had been the topic of some contro­versy, and not too clearly understood. In his dream he presented the topic forcefully. While he was explaining one verse, Elder Daniels interrupted him by asking, "Now, Brother, do you have any additional light on that one phrase in that text? We have never dealt with that phrase because we have not understood it."
Without hesitation, Joe turned in his Bible to the Psalms. "Yes," he said, "the answer is right here." And he named the text of Scripture which fit perfectly. Most amazing of all, Joe himself had not known the text was there until he used it in his dream sermon.
Joe Ashkenaz was thrilled when he awoke. He realized the terrific import of the dream, and the explanation of a little understood subject. He also remembered the caution of the angel. "You will know when you are to have a definite part in the proclamation of the last warning message. Enter into controversy with no man."
Several times Joe did have opportunity to present before his brethren the material given him in that dream. At that time it seemed to be foolishness itself, and it was rejected by some who heard. Joe humbly withdrew. Be would not circulate a resume of his views when circulating them could cause controversy. Patiently he waited for further word and development of circumstances.
Finally his daughter-in-law pleaded to have permission to mimeograph a few copies for certain people. For awhile Joe insisted they be kept in the background. Later he consented for her to print a limited number. One day a man came to the printers to have some work done and noticed the material that was being done for Joe's daughter-in-law. He happened to be an important man from the Orient who was even then organizing ten archeological diggings in that part of the world.
"What is this?" he questioned. "This looks interesting. How can I get copies for myself?"
The printer gave him the name of Joe's daughter-in-law and he wrote asking for a complete copy of the writing. She gladly sent it to him. A few days later he wrote again requesting ten more copies. He also told of his ten projects in the Orient, and how he desired a copy for each group. Joe sat in thought a long time when his daughter-in-law confronted him with the request for ten copies of the material to be given to a stranger. He knelt in prayer and laid it all out before the Lord.
"Dear Lord, You know I want to follow Your leading. I do not want to create controversy. What is it that You want me to do? Am I to allow these printed copies to be distributed? Will it cause trouble to our people? Lord, show me the way. I am ready to follow Thy bidding. I thank Thee for Thy leading."
Only a few nights later, Joe dreamed a very strange dream. Answering a knock at the door, he greeted a man
dressed in foreign garb, and the odd little hat on his head with a red tassel. Since a convention was going on at
time in the town, Joe. supposed the man to be one of the visitors from the convention.
"Are you sure you have the right house?" Joe asked in his dream.
"Yes, we are sure. We would like to come in and talk to you."
Joe stepped back to allow him to enter. The strange appearing man came through the door, and then it was that Joe noticed the others with him, dressed in a similar style. They crowded into the room, into the kitchen, and up the stairway.
Joe looked into the strange faces clustered about him.
"What is this all about?" he asked.
One man spoke up. "Well, we have a spokesman here." Then it was that an angel entered the room.
"Say, 1 have met you before," Joe said. "But 1 don't know your name. You didn't tell me."
"That is not important," the angel replied.
"I'm not worthy for you to come here," Joe stated, for he felt very humble to think that God would send a messenger two times to visit with him. "I have made so many mistakes."
"Well, you realize it, and like David, you have repented of all of them. Your record is clear and your dedication still stands. 1 have come to tell you something. Go ahead and let your daughter-in-law put out the little brochure. Have it copyrighted and give a pen name as Ashkenaz [meaning, 'the fire that burns']."
The angel gave further instructions to which Joe listened carefully. These instructions are important for every child of God to whom God has given special revelation. "Never enter into controversy," he directed. "Be faith­ful in everything that the Lord reveals to you. The Lord can use you if you will follow these instructions.
"Now, you don't know any of these people, do you?" And the angel made a sweeping gesture toward the crowd of foreigners wedged into his little home.
"No, I don't," Joe said.
"That book will go to the Orient, and you will meet these people who stand before you tonight, when you reach the kingdom. Don't be afraid to give the booklets to the man from the Orient."
There are many of our readers who have never had such a signal revelation of God's mission for their lives. But Jesus said He has given "to every man his work." Mark 13:34. It has been our experience that to fulfill our par­ticular mission, gives meaning and purpose to life.
Dr. George Crane has written that, for even an individual who has retired from active service, to sit around idly, usually spells for him pain, sickness and gloominess. But those individuals who keep the vision of service for others before them, as a rule, relish far more, every day of their lives. This is because our Lord has assigned to every heart a special mission. And happiness is found in fulfilling that mission with Jesus (Psalm 16:11). The time to discover that mission is early in life. The time to continue that mission is throughout life. The time to close that mission is the close of life.
The enemy of our souls will do all within his power to discourage, or -to sidetrack us, from the real work, the mission, the Holy Spirit has assigned to us. How many have felt that a part of their mission in life is to belittle,
or condemn others! Let the word of the angel speak to every heart, "Never enter into controversy."