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Bible Study Guides – Leaving Egypt

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Wilderness Wanderings

November 1 – 7, 2020

Key Text

“And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt” (Exodus 12:41).

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 281–283.

Introduction

“Like the stars in the vast circuit of their appointed path, God’s purposes know no haste and no delay.” The Desire of Ages, 32.

Sunday

  1. PREPARING TO LEAVE

1.a. What did the Israelites demand for their hard labor and suffering in Egypt, and why did the Egyptians honor their request? Exodus 12:33, 35, 36.

1.b.      Describe the company that left Egypt. Exodus 12:37–39.

Note: “There was quite a large number of the Egyptians who were led to acknowledge, by the manifestations of the signs and wonders shown in Egypt, that the God of the Hebrews was the only true God. … They pledged themselves to henceforth choose the God of Israel as their God. They decided to leave Egypt, and go with the children of Israel to worship their God.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 1, 1101.

“And they went out, ‘about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children. And a mixed multitude went up also with them’ (Exodus 12:37.38). In this multitude were not only those who were actuated by faith in the God of Israel, but also a far greater number who desired only to escape from the plagues, or who followed in the wake of the moving multitudes merely from excitement and curiosity. This class were ever a hindrance and a snare to Israel.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 281.

Monday

  1. REMEMBERING THE SOJOURNING

2.a. How long did Abraham and his descendants dwell among strangers, and in what generation did their sojourn in Egypt end? Exodus 12:40; Genesis 15:13–16.

2.b.      How are we also sojourners on this earth? Hebrews 11:13–16.

Note: “By their works they [the disciples] constantly testified that this world was not their home; their citizenship was above; they were seeking a better country, even a heavenly. Their conversation and affections were on heavenly things. They were in the world, but not of the world; in spirit and practice they were separate from its maxims and customs. Their daily example testified that they were living for the glory of God. Their great interest, like that of their Master, was for the salvation of souls.” Lift Him Up, 325.

2.c. In commemoration of the Passover, what requirement did God make concerning the firstborn of man and beast? Exodus 13:2, 11–15; Numbers 3:13.  What lesson did this law teach?

Note: “Furthermore, the first-born of both man and beast were to be the Lord’s, to be bought back only by a ransom, in acknowledgment that when the first-born in Egypt perished, that of Israel, though graciously preserved, had been justly exposed to the same doom but for the atoning sacrifice.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 274.

“After the tabernacle service was established, the Lord chose the tribe of Levi in the place of the first-born of all Israel to minister in the sanctuary. But the first-born were still to be regarded as the Lord’s, and were to be bought back by a ransom.

“Thus the law for the presentation of the first-born was made particularly significant. While it was a memorial of the Lord’s wonderful deliverance of the children of Israel, it prefigured a greater deliverance, to be wrought out by the only-begotten Son of God. As the blood sprinkled on the doorposts had saved the first-born of Israel, so the blood of Christ has power to save the world.” The Desire of Ages, 51.

Tuesday

  1. FOLLOWING GOD’S LEADING

3.a. What desire of Joseph did the Israelites fulfill when they departed from Egypt? Genesis 50:25; Exodus 13:19.

Note: “In their departure from Egypt the Israelites bore with them a precious legacy, in the bones of Joseph, which had so long awaited the fulfillment of God’s promise, and which, during the dark years of bondage, had been a reminder of Israel’s deliverance.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 282.

3.b.      Why did they take a long roundabout course instead of being led straight into the promised land? Exodus 13:17, 18.

Note: “Instead of pursuing the direct route to Canaan, which lay through the country of the Philistines, the Lord directed their course southward, toward the shores of the Red Sea. … Had they attempted to pass through Philistia, their progress would have been opposed; for the Philistines, regarding them as slaves escaping from their masters, would not have hesitated to make war upon them. The Israelites were poorly prepared for an encounter with that powerful and warlike people. They had little knowledge of God and little faith in Him, and they would have become terrified and disheartened. They were unarmed and unaccustomed to war, their spirits were depressed by long bondage, and they were encumbered with women and children, flocks and herds. In leading them by the way of the Red Sea, the Lord revealed Himself as a God of compassion as well as of judgment.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 282.

3.c. When God sometimes seems to lead us in a way that we do not understand, as He did with the children of Israel, what should we remember? John 13:7.

Note: “Often our trials are such that they seem almost unbearable, and without help from God they are indeed unbearable. Unless we rely upon Him we shall sink under the burden of responsibilities that bring only sadness and grief. But if we make Christ our dependence, we shall not sink under trial. When all seems dark and unexplainable we are to trust in His love; we must repeat the words that Christ has spoken to our souls, ‘What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter’ (John 13:7).” My Life Today, 184.

Wednesday

  1. VISIBLE TOKENS OF GOD’S GUIDANCE

4.a. From what place did the children of Israel start their journey? Where did they make their first and second stops? Exodus 12:37; 13:20.

4.b.      What did God send to guide His people in their journeying by day and by night? Exodus 13:21, 22; Psalm 105:39.

Note: “The standard of their invisible Leader was ever with them. By day the cloud directed their journeyings or spread as a canopy above the host. It served as a protection from the burning heat, and by its coolness and moisture afforded grateful refreshment in the parched, thirsty desert. By night it became a pillar of fire, illuminating their encampment and constantly assuring them of the divine presence.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 282.

4.c. How does Isaiah represent God’s care for His people in the final conflict as they near their heavenly home? Isaiah 4:5, 6.

Note: “In one of the most beautiful and comforting passages of Isaiah’s prophecy, reference is made to the pillar of cloud and of fire to represent God’s care for His people in the great final struggle with the powers of evil: ‘The Lord will create upon every dwelling place of Mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for above all the glory shall be a covering. And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain’ (Isaiah 4:5, 6, margin).” Patriarchs and Prophets, 283.

“In the time of trial before us God’s pledge of security will be placed upon those who have kept the word of His patience. … The Lion of Judah, so terrible to the rejectors of His grace, will be the Lamb of God to the obedient and faithful. The pillar of cloud which speaks wrath and terror to the transgressor of God’s law is light and mercy and deliverance to those who have kept His commandments. The arm strong to smite the rebellious will be strong to deliver the loyal. Every faithful one will surely be gathered. ‘He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other’ (Matthew 24:31).” Testimonies, vol. 6, 404.

Thursday

  1. PHARAOH PURSUES ISRAEL

5.a. What instruction and warning did the Lord send to the Israelites in view of their imminent danger? Exodus 14:1–4.

5.b.      With what great force did Pharaoh pursue the fugitives, and where did he overtake them? Exodus 14:5–9.

Note: “The king was resolved to intimidate the Israelites by a grand display of his power. The Egyptians feared lest their forced submission to the God of Israel should subject them to the derision of other nations; but if they should now go forth with a great show of power and bring back the fugitives, they would redeem their glory, as well as recover the services of their bondmen.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 283.

5.c. In our personal struggle for freedom from Satan’s dominion, what promise should inspire us with an assurance of deliverance? Isaiah 49:24, 25.

Note: “The spirits of darkness will battle for the soul once under their dominion, but angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power. The Lord says, ‘Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? … Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children’ (Isaiah 49:24, 25).” The Desire of Ages, 259.

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    How can we be like the mixed multitude in our motives for serving God?

2    How can we show that we are only sojourners on this earth?

3    At the beginning of their journey, why did the Israelites have to take the longer way? What should we learn from their experience?

4    How will the pillar of cloud and of fire again serve God’s people in the coming conflict?

5    What were the Egyptians seeking to regain when they decided to pursue the Israelites?

Copyright 2019, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

Recipe – Roasted Kohlrabi

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Kohlrabi

Yummy!

“Kohlrabi is a member of the cabbage family and looks like a cross between an octopus and a space capsule. The name comes from the German Kohl (cabbage) plus rabi (turnip) because of the resemblance of the cabbage-like stem to the turnip. The stem can be crisp and juicy, almost as sweet as an apple, and similar to a turnip in taste. You can eat it raw (it makes a great crudité) or cooked. It comes in two “flavors,” green and purple, with the purple kind tending to be somewhat spicier. Both the leaves and the stem are edible.

“Kohlrabi’s membership in the cabbage family of cruciferous vegetables gains it an automatic place among the world’s healthiest foods. Like its relatives (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage), kohlrabi contains important phytochemicals such as cancer-fighting indoles, sulforaphane and isothicynates. It’s also a good source of vitamin C (83 mg per cup) and an excellent source of potassium (472 mg). And for a measly 36 calories per cup, you get a whopping 5 g of fiber.”

The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth, Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S., page 47.

Recipe – Simple Roasted Kohlrabi 

Ingredients

4 whole kohlrabi, medium to large

Olive oil for pan

Sea salt, to taste

Process

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees; adjust rack to top third.
  • Cut off stems and greens, peel.
  • Cut about ½ inch off each end; then cut into ½ inch slices, horizontally.
  • Coat well each side with olive oil; season both sides with salt.
  • Arrange on pan leaving an inch between.
  • Bake about 8-10 minutes on first side; turn and bake 4-6 minutes on second side.
  • Ready when fork slides out easily.

Life Sketches – Come Before Winter

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The grace of courtesy and sympathy are character traits that every Christian should cherish because these were the prominent character traits of Jesus Christ. Although we should manifest these graces toward everyone, there is a class of people who has an even stronger claim to our sympathy.

The followers of Christ cannot be expected to be thought of by the world any differently than their Master. Jesus said, “It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household” (Matthew 10:25)!

Jesus warned that “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember  the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also” (John 15:18–20).

So, Jesus predicted that His followers would be having the same kinds of problems and no more favor in the world than had their Master. The Christian faith involves not only hope, but it involves bearing our cross, following Jesus. Paul’s labors had been blessed with the conversion of many, many souls, but on his arrival at Rome, he was placed in the charge of the captain of the Imperial Guards. After a time, this man was replaced by another man who was infamous because of his vice and tyranny, and the apostle Paul had no hope for clemency or favor from this slave of lust and cruelty.

At this same time during his first imprisonment, the Jews were more active than ever in their efforts against Paul. They had found an able helper in the profligate woman whom Nero had made his second wife, and who, being a Jewish proselyte, would lend all her influence to second their murderous designs against the Christian champion. Paul had little hope for justice from Caesar to whom he appealed. Nero was more debased in morals and more frivolous in character, and capable of more cruelty than any Caesar that had preceded him. The reins of government could not have been given to a more unfit person.

The first year of his reign had been marked by the poisoning of his young step brother who was the rightful heir to the throne. Following that, Nero had steadily descended from one depth of vice to another, until he murdered his own mother, and then even his own wife. There was no atrocity that he would not perpetrate, no vile act to which he would not stoop. There were many people who held him in abhorrence and contempt, and the details of iniquity that were practiced in his court are too degrading and horrible to describe. His abandoned wickedness created disgust and loathing even among many who were forced to share in his crimes.

People were in constant fear about what he could suggest next, and yet, even such crimes did not shake the allegiance of his subjects. He was acknowledged as the absolute ruler of the whole civilized world. More than this, he was made the recipient of divine honors and worshiped as a god. From the standpoint of human judgment, Paul’s condemnation before a judge like this was certain. But the apostle, fearing not, trusted in the Lord as to whatever should happen. His trust and faith were in God, and he knew that God could overrule even what Nero could decide, just as He can overrule any human decision.

God shielded Paul at His faithful servant’s examination before Nero and the charges against him were not sustained. With a regard for justice wholly at variance with his normal character, Nero declared that the prisoner was guiltless and contrary to the general expectation, Paul’s fetters were struck off. He was again a free man.

However, during this period of time, the converts to Christianity had become so numerous that Paul’s imprisonment had attracted the attention and aroused the enmity of the authorities. The ire of the Emperor developed especially against the conversion of members of his own household. Nero was a person who still thirsted for blood; he was one of the most wicked men that has ever lived. And he soon figured out a pretext by which he could kill off most of the Christian population in the city of Rome.

A terrible fire occurred in Rome that consumed nearly one half of the city. Nero himself had caused the flames to be kindled, but to avert suspicion, he made a pretense of great generosity to assist the homeless and destitute. However, Nero was accused of the crime and the people were excited and enraged, so to clear himself and also, at the same time, rid the city of a class of people that he feared and hated, he decided to charge the act of burning the city of Rome upon the Christians. This Satanic device succeeded. Thousands of the followers of Christ—men, women, and children—were put to death in a most cruel manner.

This monster in human form amused the public by painting the victims in pitch before burning them to death while exhibiting them in their dying agonies at the circus. He took the keenest delight in the misery of others. To take delight in the misery of another human being demonstrates that you have developed a Satanic character which will exclude you from the halls of bliss that the Lord is preparing for those who come to Him.

God does not want any human being to suffer one hour of pain that can be averted or avoided. If sin had not come into the world, no human being would ever have suffered pain. Pain is a result of sin. In Revelation 21:4, the Bible says that when God recreates this world again at the close of the millennium, not only will there be no more sin or death, but there will be no more pain. The desire to cause pain to another human being is satanic.

Paul, having been set free was no longer in Rome, but working among the churches, knowing full well that this would be his final work. The Jews were still his enemies and still trying to figure out a way to get Paul killed, because so many tens of thousands of Jews all over the world, as well as Gentiles, had become Christians as a result of the work of this man.

Finally, another satanic idea was conceived. They would fasten upon Paul the crime of instigating and burning Rome. Although they knew that that wasn’t true, they figured if they could show any cause of probability or plausibility to this charge, it would seal his doom. An opportunity was soon provided to execute their plans. Paul was seized while he was in the city of Troas in the house of a disciple and again taken by ship to Rome for his second and final imprisonment.

Not all who heard Paul’s message of the Gospel received that truth, and he made some bitter enemies. Such a one was Alexander the coppersmith, a man who was not able to defeat the apostle in debate, so he worked to see that Paul was imprisoned and finally killed. In 2 Timothy 4:14, Paul says about him that he “did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works.” Again, Alexander is mentioned to Timothy as one of those who had rejected the good warfare. He said, “… of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered to Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme” (1 Timothy 1:20).

Reformatory action is always attended with loss, sacrifice, and peril. Why? Because it always rebukes the love of ease, and selfish interests, and lustful ambition. Therefore whoever initiates or prosecutes such reformatory action must encounter opposition. This is why Jesus was opposed and why He was so hated. The majority were not willing to submit to the conditions of reform. Jesus showed that a change must happen in a person’s early life if they are going to have eternal life, but most are not willing to submit to this change. They want to live the way they please and still have eternal life. The Lord said, “That’s not possible.” The apostle Paul said, “That’s not possible.” All the prophets and apostles said the same thing.

It is no easy matter to overcome sinful habits and practices. In fact, these changes can only be made with divine help. But there are many people, even Christians today, who, instead of bringing themselves up to meet the standard of God, seek to lower the standard to their own level of “righteousness.” God’s standard does not change. When people are severely dealt with or rebuked for their sins, which endanger the purity of the Christian’s walk, instead of accepting the reproof and changing their life, they continue in sin. When those of Paul’s day were excommunicated or disfellowshipped from the church because of their unwillingness to reform, they became Paul’s enemies. Instead of changing their lives to come into harmony with the gospel, they wanted the gospel changed to come into harmony with what they wanted to do. Such is still the case, even in the Christian world today.

There are many people not willing to accept the standard given by the gospel in the New Testament. The Bible is very clear that you cannot have eternal life if you do not love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37, 39). Many people claim to love God, but notice what it says in 1 John 4:20: “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?”

John also says, “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). The person who says he loves God and does not keep His commandments is also a liar, adding sin to sin.

When Paul came to Rome the second time, thousands of Christians had been killed for their faith and many had left the city. Those who were left in the city were greatly intimidated because of persecution. On this arrival there were no warm-hearted disciples to meet Paul and his companions as there had been on his first imprisonment. There was no one like a courteous and kindly Julius to say a word in his favor, no statement of favor from Festus or Agrippa to attest to his innocence. This time, the apostle Paul is not put in a rented house, but he is put in a gloomy Roman prison where he will live until he is taken to be martyred.

To visit the apostle Paul during his second imprisonment in a Roman dungeon was not at all the same as to visit him during his first imprisonment when he was in his own rented house. At his first imprisonment there had been no charge that had been sustained against him. Not only that, he had won favorable opinions from princes and rulers such as King Agrippa, Felix, and Festus. But this time, if you were to visit him, it was to visit a person who was the object of universal hatred because he was accused of instigating one of the basest and most terrible crimes against the city and nation. So, anyone who even ventured to visit him to show him kindness or attention, thereby made himself subject to suspicion and endangered his own life. This was because at that time, Rome was filled with spies who stood ready to bring an accusation against any person on the slightest occasion which could advance their own interests.

Nobody but a Christian would visit a Christian, for no other would incur the risk, the odium of a faith which even intelligent men regarded as not only contemptible, but treasonable. And so, one by one the apostle Paul saw his friends leave. To Timothy he wrote, “Be diligent to come to me quickly; for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry. And Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words” (2 Timothy 4:9–15).

Then he says, “At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever” (verses 16–18).

So, the apostle was still able to communicate with the world outside through Luke and his secretary, and he was able to send and receive messages from the different churches. But at this time, when he was in such a dire situation, he received an unexpected encouragement by a visit from an Ephesian Christian by the name of Onesiphorus. Now this person had come to Rome not long after the apostle Paul had arrived in his second imprisonment. He knew that Paul was a prisoner somewhere in the city of Rome and he decided that he was going to find him. This was not easy to do because the city was crowded with prisoners and suspicion was everywhere and had only to fasten itself upon an unfortunate victim to consign him to prison and perhaps to death.

In spite of all these difficulties, Onesiphorus kept searching for Paul until he found him. Not satisfied with just visiting him one time, he went again and again at the risk of his life to Paul’s dungeon and he did all in his power to lighten the burden of his imprisonment. The fear of scorn, or reproach, or persecution was powerless to terrify this true hearted Ephesian Christian because he knew that his beloved teacher was in bonds for the truth’s sake, while he in every respect far less worthy, was free.

The apostle Paul writes about this visitor in 2 Timothy 1:16–18. He says, “The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me. The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day—and you know very well how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesus.”

At the close of his letter to Timothy he says, “Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus” (2 Timothy 4:19). Paul appreciated the attention from this Christian who came at the risk of his life to help him during his final imprisonment. The desire for love and sympathy has been implanted in the human heart by God Himself. Christ in His hour of agony in Gethsemane, while bearing the guilt of sinful men, longed for the sympathy of His disciples. And Paul, although he seemed almost indifferent to hardship and suffering, yearned for sympathy and companionship as well. God wants His people, all Christians, to cherish love and sympathy for one another.

Humanity, which is elevated and ennobled and becomes God-like through the Christian religion, is worthy of respect and esteem. The sons and daughters of God should be tender hearted, pitiful, and courteous to all men, but “especially,” Paul says, “to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).

Paul was bound to his fellow disciples by a stronger tie than Christian brotherhood, because the Lord had revealed Himself to him in a special manner and had made him the instrument to bring salvation to thousands and thousands of people all over the world.

Many churches could truthfully regard him as their father in the gospel. And such a man, which had sacrificed every earthly consideration in the service of God, had a special obligation upon other Christians for their sympathy and love and support. The apostle Paul in his final letter  to Timothy, just before his martyrdom, says, “Do your utmost to come before winter” (2 Timothy 4:21).

Friend, how is it in your life? Is there someone to whom you owe a special debt of sympathy and regard, courtesy, kindness, and support, that won’t be there sometime in the future? What if Timothy did not get there by wintertime and missed him?

Paul knew that his days were numbered and shared the urgency, “Come, before winter.” Who is a person in your life that you need visit before winter comes, or because at some time in the future, it will be too late?

O friend don’t wait until it’s wintertime and you regret what you have failed to do. If there is somebody in your life that you need to give special sympathy, and support, and help to, remember, come before winter!

(Unless appearing in quoted references or otherwise identified, Bible texts are from the New King James Version.)

Pastor John J. Grosboll is Director of Steps to Life and pastors the Prairie Meadows Church in Wichita, Kansas. He may be contacted by email at: historic@stepstolife.org, or by telephone at: 316-788-5559.

Health Nugget – Eat for the Cure

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All of us have cancer cells in our bodies throughout our lives. All of us. But only about 2 to 3 percent of all cancers are purely genetic. What determines whether those cancer cells continue to grow or not has less to do with our genes and more to do with our body’s environment. And what does determine our body’s environment? Primarily, our food choices. Cancer is the result of a faulty replication of our genes, mutating and replicating quickly when fertilized by carcinogens. Much growing evidence shows nutritional factors influence not only cancer onset, but also risk of recurrence and progression. Dr. Andrea Lusser, a Swiss tumor therapy expert, says the correlation between damaged cell membrane function in cancer diseases and the use of unhealthy fats and meat-heavy diets is well established.

The Effects of Animal-based Diets on Cancer Cells

In order to replicate quickly, cancer cells need direct blood flow to feed their division and growth. These cells, like healthy cells, attract and develop new blood vessels with an amino acid protein called methionine. Methionine is so integral to cancer cell growth that drug companies are spending millions of dollars to identify methionine blockers to slow the progression of cancers.

In laboratory studies, dripping methionine onto cancer cells caused them to aggressively multiply. The highest methionine levels are found in egg whites and fish.

Dairy foods also cause abnormal cell growth. Doctors Michael Greger, Amy Lanou, Justine Butler and Samuel Epstein allow that dairy is the perfect food for newborns within their species, but can be disastrous in the human body. Consider the baby calf. Cow’s milk, with just the right amount of protein and fat, nourishes the baby. And the insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), a natural growth hormone found in dairy products, aggressively grows a calf.

IGF-1 is present in all forms of dairy—from a glass of milk to a piece of cheese. Using organic dairy does not keep you from ingesting hormones in your milk. Cow’s milk is rich in hormones intended to stimulate rapid growth in baby calves. Period.

So now consider the adult human. Strong evidence shows that IGF-1 stimulates the growth of both normal and cancer cells. When IGF-1 is dripped onto cancer cells in the lab, it is like fertilizing a lawn. The cancer cells grow much more rapidly.

In addition to the negative effect of hormones, the proteins found in milk are also problematic for humans. Both casein and whey can cause allergies, intestinal bleeding, severe inflammation and a highly acidic blood environment. Simply put, animal protein and hormones can alter our human hormones and cell proliferation, and can provide the ideal environment for cancers to grow.

And dairy is just one of the main culprits. Studies from Harvard, Cornell, and numerous other studies show consumption of dairy products, red meat and white meat have all been associated with increased risk of metastatic (multiplying and spreading) cancer.

One explanation is that meat and dairy both contain arachidonic acid (AA). AA has been shown to stimulate the growth of both hormone-sensitive and hormone-insensitive cell linings and can stimulate cancer cell production.

The Effects of Plant-based Diets on Cancer Cells

And now for the good news. Leading oncologists are providing evidence on how breast, colon, ovarian and cervical cancers can be prevented, as well as slowed and often reversed: Eliminate meat and dairy and other proinflammatory AA sources. Eat healthy, plant-based foods. In contrast with foods of animal origin, plant-based foods are rich in an array of potentially beneficial phytonutrients that appear to be protective.

Dr. Lusser explains that a whole-food, plant-based diet is loaded with cancer-fighting nutrients. Abundant nutrients, such as polyphenols, terpenes, sulfur compounds and saponines, have been empirically demonstrated to be high in cancer-fighting properties. Eat any and all fruits, veggies, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. According to Lusser, the same mechanisms plants developed to fight damage caused by microorganisms, insects, and other parasites also play a role in our own defense mechanisms against cancer.

The strongest protective effects are seen in legumes, nuts, carrots, leafy greens, cruciferous (cabbage family) vegetables and tomatoes. Other promising anti-cancer foods include sea vegetables, allium and brassica vegetables and turmeric.

What allows these foods to prevent and attack abnormal cells? Two population-based studies on cruciferous foods suggest their cancer-fighting power comes from indole-3-carbinol. Carotenoids, also found primarily in vegetables and fruits, may impact cancer risk through antioxidant protection against free radical damage to DNA.

Cohort and case-control studies show that lycopene, too, has inhibitory and protective effects on cancer. Huge lycopene quantities are found in all tomatoes, lower amounts in watermelon, papaya and grapefruit, guava, red bell peppers, persimmon, asparagus, red cabbage and mangoes.

A plant-based diet is also high in chlorophyll and offers large amounts of alkalinizing phytochemicals and enzymes. Why is this important? Cancer cells develop in acidic conditions, and restoring the acid-alkaline equilibrium is instrumental in reducing the divisions and growth of their cells.

To those who are concerned that we can’t live without animal protein, take heart. According to Dr. Jacqueline Maier, all proteins are made up of 20 different amino acids. The exact same amino acids make up animal and plant proteins. By eating a varied plant-based diet, one can get all the essential and non-essential amino acids necessary for proper growth, development and maintenance. Even naturally-born carnivores can survive on a completely plant-based diet.

Armed with this knowledge, it’s time to eat for the cure.

Breast Cancer

In the United States, one in eight women are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer—the most common cancer in women, except for skin cancer, which attacks men and women. Compare this statistic with the rate of breast cancer in Kenya, where the population has a vegetable and rice-based diet: one in every 82 women. Or consider populations such as the Hunza in the Middle East and the Okinawans in Japan—populations who eat little or no meat, dairy and fish—who have no cancer.

What do these healthy populations have in common? They ingest copious amounts of phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens, found only in plants, play a key role in helping to protect the breasts against tumor growth.

Noted oncologists attest that we have dietary cures for as many as 90 percent of breast cancer cases. Imagine how many mothers’ and daughters’ lives could be saved by the adoption of a plant-based diet.

Prostate Cancer

In the United States, one in nine men will be stricken with prostate cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. It doesn’t have to be that way. Dr. Ron Allison, an expert in prostate cancer, says diet is at the forefront, both in the creation and control of prostate cancer. According to Dr. Allison, most men do not think about their prostate in terms of health until they have a problem. They see a doctor when they experience prostate growth and pressure on the urethra or rectum. There is a connection, he says, between what is stimulating the prostate to grow and stimulating cancer cells to grow: Hormones—hormones from fats, meat-based diets and dairy products. For men with advanced prostate cancer, he promotes the adoption of plant-based diets to help prolong survival and increase chances of remission.

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the second-most common cancer diagnosed in men and women in the United States. Only 40 percent of those diagnosed with colon cancer survive after five years. Studies from Harvard University show that your risk of colon cancer drops by two-thirds if you stop eating meat and dairy products. This is primarily due to the high fiber content of a plant-based diet.  Why? Meat and cow’s milk contain a heavy protein load and no fiber. Because of our long intestinal tracks and our relatively low amount of stomach acid, the undigested protein turns into carcinogens and toxins in our bodies. The lack of fiber in meat contributes to constipation, which allows carcinogens time to affect the surrounding tissue.

Fiber from plants, on the other hand, has anti-carcinogenic mechanisms and plays a major role in regulating intestinal function. It also fights cancer by forming short-chain fatty acids from fermentation by bacteria, and it tends to reduce bile acids, thereby reducing chances of cancer-producing bacteria. What you eat makes a major difference.

Thrive Magazine, October/November 2019, vol. 24, “Eat for the Cure,” Shushana Castle, Co-Executive Producer of What the Health & Eating Our Way to Extinction, Co-Author, Rethink Food & The Meaty Truth, 16, 17.

In 1896, Ellen White counseled, “Cancer, tumors, and all inflammatory diseases are largely caused by meat-eating. From the light which God has given me, the prevalence of cancers, and tumors is due to gross living on dead flesh.” Spalding and Magan Collection, 48. “Grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables constitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator.” Child Guidance, 380.

Question – Why did God talk to Samuel…

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Question:

Why did God talk to Samuel when “he did not yet know the Lord”?

“Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, neither was the word of the Lord yet revealed unto him.”
1 Samuel 3:7

Answer:

“Before receiving this message from God, ‘Samuel did not yet know the Lord, neither was the word of the Lord yet revealed unto him;’ that is, he was not acquainted with such direct manifestations of God’s presence as were granted to the prophets. It was the Lord’s purpose to reveal Himself in an unexpected manner, that Eli might hear of it through the surprise and inquiry of the youth.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 582.

“The Scriptures state that before receiving this message from God, ‘Samuel did not yet know the Lord, neither was the word of the Lord yet revealed unto him.’ He was not destitute of a knowledge of God, nor was he a stranger to the influence of divine grace; but he was not acquainted with such direct manifestations of His presence, as were granted to the prophets. It was the Lord’s purpose, however, to reveal Himself in an unexpected manner, that Eli might hear of it through the surprise and inquiry of the youth.

“Samuel had not been ignorant of the wicked course pursued by the sons of Eli, but he was filled with fear and amazement that the Lord should commit to him so terrible a message. He arose in the morning and went about his duties as usual, but with a heavy burden on his young heart. How earnestly did he long for the sympathy and counsel of his parents in that trying hour! The Lord had not commanded him to reveal the fearful denunciation to the priest or to his sons; hence he remained silent, avoiding as far as possible the presence of Eli. He trembled, lest some question would compel him to declare the divine judgments against one whom he so loved and reverenced.” The Signs of the Times, December 15, 1881.

Nature Nugget – The Eastern Chipmunk

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The chipmunk’s name—Tamias—means the steward or one who lays up stores. It is an appropriate name for this industrious worker. With remarkable foresight, the animal lays aside provision for times of scarcity. During the days of autumn, the striped bundle of energy labors from dawn until dark, finding and storing nuts away in its winter warehouse underground.

Beginning in early spring the chipmunk has been diligent about its business. It has outgrown the protection of its mother’s den and is preparing a home of its own. This will mean many days of hard work, but work isn’t a problem for this energetic animal.

It has taken care to choose a location and dig its burrow, making a tunnel two inches in diameter that will reach a depth of five feet. At the greatest depth, the base of the tunnel, the chipmunk constructs its excrement chamber. At a higher level it will dig as many as six additional storage compartments, the contents of which will take all summer to fill, holding as much as a bushel of food.

A short distance from the pantry lies the master bedroom. The chipmunk takes special care to choose the material for its bed and the right day on which to make it. If the day is too wet, the leaves won’t dry. If there is no humidity in the air, they become too brittle and break. The chipmunk prefers oak leaves for its thickness and fragrant smell. First, the stem is bitten off. Then, using its teeth and forelegs, it rolls up the leaves and brings them to the burrow bedroom. The slightly damp leaves make a perfect mattress.

In the steps it takes to ensure the safety of its burrow, the little chipmunk is also methodical and remarkably orderly. When the chipmunk digs its tunnel, it deposits the excess dirt outside the hole. Once the tunnel is complete it digs another entrance, being extremely careful not to leave any tell-tale signs which would betray its location.

Finding an ideal spot among a pile of rocks for its secondary entrance, it disguises the exit and is particular to take the excavated soil a considerable distance away so as not to disclose the whereabouts of the opening. With this completed, it plugs the original entrance, carrying away any evidence of digging. An escape route is then constructed, engineered so meticulously that vegetation all the way up to the edge of the entrance is untouched.

The industrious chipmunk completes its project by late fall and is ready to enjoy a long rest which would confine it to its burrow until early spring. The chipmunk can rest, content that it has made every provision for its safety and comfort in its orderly confines.

Excerpts from Character Sketches, ©1976, Institute in Basic Youth Conflicts, 266–270.

Work, for the night is coming,

Work through the morning hours;

Work while the dew is sparkling,

Work ‘mid springing flowers;

Work when the day grows brighter,

Work in the glowing sun;

Work, for the night is coming,

When man’s work is done.

 

Work, for the night is coming,

Work through the sunny noon;

Fill brightest hours with labor,

Rest comes sure and soon.

Work till the last beam fadeth,

Fadeth to shine no more;

Work, while the night is darkening,

When man’s work is o’er.

“Work, for the Night is Coming,” Anna L. Coghill, 1854.

Keys to the Storehouse – Stay Alert!

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As I think of all the wonderful light we have received, my mind trails back to Balaam and Judas—both professed followers of our Lord. “Both Balaam and Judas had received great light and enjoyed special privileges, but a single cherished sin poisoned the entire character and caused their destruction.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 452. One single sin!

Is your heart single before the Lord?  Balaam and Judas lived double lives. They were not aware of the condition of their own hearts. The reality is, we do not know our own hearts! I often pray, “Lord, take my heart; for I cannot give it. It is Thy property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite of myself, my weak, unchristlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of Thy love can flow through my soul.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 159.

Many times I have been driven to my corner in tears because I have fallen—the devil caught me off guard. If you are holding or cherishing anything – physically, mentally or spiritually that may be poisoning your character, get rid of it now, for to hang on to it is sure to cause your destruction.

“It is a perilous thing to allow an unchristian trait to live in the heart. One cherished sin will, little by little, debase the character, bringing all its nobler powers into subjection to the evil desire.

The removal of one safeguard from the conscience, the indulgence of one evil habit, one neglect of the high claims of duty, breaks down the defenses of the soul and opens the way for Satan to come in and lead us astray. The only safe course is to let our prayers go forth daily from a sincere heart, as did David, ‘Hold up my goings in Thy paths, that my footsteps slip not’ (Psalm 17:5).” Patriarchs and Prophets, 452.

Watch out for the influences around you. “Their [the Israelites’] minds became familiar with the vile thoughts constantly suggested; their life of ease and inaction produced its demoralizing effect; and almost unconsciously to themselves they were departing from God and coming into a condition where they would fall an easy prey to temptation.” Ibid., 453, 454.

“At first there was little intercourse between the Israelites and their heathen neighbors, but after a time Midianitish women began to steal into the camp. Their appearance excited no alarm, and so quietly were their plans conducted that the attention of Moses was not called to the matter.” Ibid., 454.

Remember Solomon? “Little by little he gave way to inherited weakness, until he threw his influence wholly on the side of idolatry.” Conflict and Courage, 201.

It is the little things that grow into a destructive mass because that is Satan’s plan to destroy you. Please stay alert—time is too short! In fact, time is running out!

Oh Heavenly Father: Time is so short. Save us from the so-called little things which have come in to complicate our lives and destroy our spiritual life. You have shown us Satan’s plan of destruction. Please keep us from falling into that pit which he has laid for each one. Please help us to keep the door of our heart open to You only. Keep us alert! Amen.

Story – Julia’s Missionary Money

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Once upon a time there lived a little girl in a town in New York State. I know that she was a bright and happy and delightful little girl, because now that she is growing old, she is bright and happy and delightful.

She lived with her father and her mother and brothers in a real old-fashioned, homey home where guests liked to come. One of the guests who liked to come was the great Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States. The little girl was always very happy when he came. She used to like to sit close and talk to him. She called him “Uncle Abe.” He often called her “Sissy,” though her real name was Julia.

One time when the President was visiting at Julia’s home, the family were all gathered in the sitting room in the evening. Julia was counting the money in her missionary box. Mr. Lincoln watched her.

“What are you doing over there?” he asked.

“I’m counting my missionary money, Uncle Abe,” Julia answered.

Mr. Lincoln put his hand in his pocket, pulled out a coin, and held it toward Julia. Julia drew her box back.

“Oh, no, I can’t take that, Uncle Abe. I have to earn all the money I put in this box,” she said earnestly.

“Is that so?” said Mr. Lincoln, thoughtfully. Then he put his hand back into his pocket.

The next day he was getting ready to start for the train.

“I wonder if you couldn’t walk down to the depot with me, Julia?” he said.

“Oh, yes, I’d love to!” cried Julia, and she ran for her hat.

As they started down the street together, Abraham Lincoln changed his valise [a small traveling bag] to the other hand. It was an old-fashioned valise with two handles. As he looked down from his great height at his little companion, he asked, “Do you suppose that you could help me carry my valise? It’s pretty heavy.”

Julia was a little surprised, for Mr. Lincoln had never before asked her to help him carry his valise. But she took hold of one of the handles, and they carried it between them all the way to the depot, talking gayly as they went. At the depot the President took the valise and pulled a shining coin out of his pocket, holding it out to the little girl.

“There, Julia,” he said, “now you have earned your missionary money.”

Julia was much surprised, for she had not thought of such a thing as earning money by helping her friend carry his valise. But she saw that she really had earned it.

“Oh, thank you, Uncle Abe!” she exclaimed joyfully.

Then he went away on the train, and Julia ran home with the shining coin held tightly in her hand. She thought it was the very brightest penny she had ever seen. She hurried to put it into her missionary box, where it would be safe.

The next week, when the missionary boxes were opened, Julia was called out into another room. There sat the superintendent, and there were her father and one of her brothers. And there on the table was her missionary box. Everyone looked sober.

“How much money did you have in your missionary box, Julia?” asked the superintendent.

“Eighty-two cents,” answered the little girl.

“I knew it was a mistake. It is not her box,” said her father.

“Are you sure that was all you had? Where did this come from?” she was asked, and she saw the bright penny that the President had given her.

“Oh, that’s the money Uncle Abe gave me!” she answered.

The shining coin was a five-dollar gold piece.

This is a true story. I know it is true, because the little girl, who is a little girl no longer, told me the story herself.

Cockleshells, True Education Series, Olive Vincent Marsh, 16–19.

Inspiration – The Trial of Our Faith

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In this time of trial, we need to be encouraged and comforted by each other. The temptations of Satan are greater now than ever before, for he knows that his time is short, and that very soon every case will be decided, either for Life, or for Death. It is no time to sink down beneath discouragement, and trial now; but we must bear up under all our afflictions, and trust wholly in the mighty God of Jacob.

The Lord has shown me that His grace is sufficient for all our trials; and although they are greater than ever before, yet if we trust wholly in God, we can overcome every temptation, and through His grace come off victorious.

If we overcome our trials, and get victory over the temptations of Satan, then we endure the trial of our faith, which is much more precious than gold, and are stronger, and better prepared to meet the next. But if we sink down, and give way to the temptations of Satan, we shall grow weaker and get no reward for the trial, and shall not be so well prepared for the next. In this way we shall grow weaker, and weaker, until we are led captive by Satan, at his will. We must have on the whole armor of God, and be ready at any moment for a conflict with the powers of darkness. When temptations and trials rush in upon us, let us go to God, and agonize with Him in prayer. He will not turn us away empty; but will give us grace and strength to overcome, and to break the power of the enemy. Oh, that all could see these things in their true light, and endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus. Then would Israel move forward strong in God, and in the power of His might.

God has shown me that He gave His people a bitter cup to drink to purify and cleanse them. It is a bitter draught, and they can make it still more bitter by murmuring, complaining, and repining. But those who receive it thus, must have another draught, for the first does not have its designed effect upon the heart. And if the second does not effect the work, then they must have another, and another, until it does have its designed effect, or they will be left filthy and impure in heart. I saw that this bitter cup can be sweetened by patience, endurance and prayer, and that it will have its designed effect upon the hearts of those who thus received it, and God will be honored and glorified. It is no small thing to be a Christian, and to be owned and approved of God. The Lord has shown me some who profess the present truth, whose lives do not correspond with their profession. They have got the standard of piety altogether too low, and they come far short of Bible holiness. Some engage in vain and unbecoming conversation, and others give way to the risings of self. We must not expect to please ourselves, live and eat like the world, have its pleasures, and enjoy the company of those who are of the world, and reign with Christ in glory.

We must be partakers of Christ’s sufferings here, if we would share in His glory hereafter. If we seek our own interest, how we can best please ourselves, instead of seeking to please God and advance His precious suffering cause, we shall dishonor God and the holy cause we profess to love.

We have but a little space of time left to work for God. Nothing should be too dear to sacrifice for the salvation of the scattered and torn flock of Jesus. Those who make a covenant with God by sacrifice now, will soon be gathered home to share a rich reward, and possess the new kingdom forever and ever.

O, let us live wholly for the Lord, and show by a well ordered life and godly conversation that we have been with Jesus, and are His meek and lowly followers. We must work while the day lasts, for when the dark night of trouble and anguish comes, it will be too late to work for God. Jesus is in His Holy Temple, and will now accept our sacrifices, our prayers, and our confessions of faults and sins, and will now pardon all the transgressions of Israel, that they may be blotted out before He leaves the Sanctuary. When Jesus leaves the Sanctuary, then he that is holy and righteous, will be holy and righteous still; for all their sins will then be blotted out, and they will be sealed with the seal of the living God. But those that are unjust and filthy will be unjust and filthy still; for then there will be no Priest in the Sanctuary to offer their sacrifices, their confessions, and their prayers before the Father’s throne, Therefore, what is done to rescue souls from the coming storm of wrath, must be done before Jesus leaves the Most Holy Place of the Heavenly Sanctuary.

A Sketch of the Christian Experience and Views of Ellen G. White, published by James White, ©1851, 27–29.

Pretentious Foliage

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The word pretentious means attempting to impress by affecting greater importance than is actually possessed or in other words: a fake. An example is the mineral like iron pyrite that has a superficial resemblance to gold and affectionately called “fool’s gold.”

We may ask ourselves the question: Are we Christ’s followers or just pretenders?

Jesus said, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another” (Galatians 5:22–26).

In John 15:1–11, we read the lesson Christ taught about the vital importance of being connected to the vine. He said, “I am the true vine, and My Father is the husbandman. Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is My Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples. As the Father hath loved Me, so have I loved you: continue ye in My love. If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”

Jesus makes it very plain when He says that unless we are connected to the TRUE VINE, we will not bear fruit. Why? Just think of the branches on the tree. If the branch is disconnected from the tree, its source of life, it is fit for nothing but to be burned. So, it is a fact that if we are not connected to Christ, we are useless, yes friends, useless for Christ. Without that connection we cannot bear the fruits of the Spirit – longsuffering, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance and the list goes on. We may pretend to be Christ’s, but in reality, we are none of His and in the final analysis, how terrifying it will be to hear the words, “I never knew you” (Matthew 7:23).

The fig tree is native to the Middle East and northwestern Asia. It was brought to North America by Spanish missionaries in the early sixteenth century. Figs are one of the oldest fruits known to mankind and are members of the moraceae family, which includes the Mulberry and breadfruit. The shade provided by a mature tree is definitely appreciated in the summer and in the right conditions some species will produce two crops in a year. The first, called a “breba” crop, ripens in late May or June, and a second will be ready in late September to early November.

One day Jesus was walking to the temple. “On the way He passed a fig orchard. He was hungry, ‘and seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, He came, if haply He might find anything thereon: and when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet’ (Mark 11:13).

“It was not the season for ripe figs. … But in the orchard to which Jesus came, one tree appeared to be in advance of all the others. It was already covered with leaves. It is the nature of the fig tree that before the leaves open, the growing fruit appears. Therefore this tree in full leaf gave promise of well-developed fruit. But its appearance was deceptive. Upon searching its branches, from the lowest bough to the topmost twig, Jesus found ‘nothing but leaves.’ It was a mass of pretentious foliage, nothing more.

“Christ uttered against it a withering curse. ‘No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever’ (verse 14), He said. The next morning, as the Saviour and His disciples were again on their way to the city, the blasted branches and drooping leaves attracted their attention. ‘Master,’ said Peter, ‘behold, the fig tree which Thou cursedst is withered away’ (verse 21).

“Christ’s act in cursing the fig tree had astonished the disciples. It seemed to them unlike His ways and works. Often they had heard Him declare that He came not to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. They remembered His words, ‘The Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them’ (Luke 9:56). His wonderful works had been done to restore, never to destroy. The disciples had known Him only as the Restorer, the Healer. This act stood alone. What was its purpose? they questioned. …

“The cursing of the fig tree was an acted parable. That barren tree, flaunting its pretentious foliage in the very face of Christ, was a symbol of the Jewish nation. The Saviour desired to make plain to His disciples the cause and the certainty of Israel’s doom. For this purpose He invested the tree with moral qualities, and made it the expositor of divine truth. The Jews stood forth distinct from all other nations, professing allegiance to God. They had been specially favored by Him, and they laid claim to righteousness above every other people. But they were corrupted by the love of the world and the greed of gain. They boasted of their knowledge, but they were ignorant of the requirements of God, and were full of hypocrisy. Like the barren tree, they spread their pretentious branches aloft, luxuriant in appearance, and beautiful to the eye, but they yielded ‘nothing but leaves.’ The Jewish religion, with its magnificent temple, its sacred altars, its mitered priests and impressive ceremonies, was indeed fair in outward appearance, but humility, love, and benevolence were lacking.

“All the trees in the fig orchard were destitute of fruit; but the leafless trees raised no expectation, and caused no disappointment. By these trees the Gentiles were represented. They were as destitute as were the Jews of godliness; but they had not professed to serve God. They made no boastful pretensions to goodness. They were blind to the works and ways of God. With them the time of figs was not yet. They were still waiting for a day which would bring them light and hope. The Jews, who had received greater blessings from God, were held accountable for their abuse of these gifts. The privileges of which they boasted only increased their guilt.

“Jesus had come to the fig tree hungry, to find food. So He had come to Israel, hungering to find in them the fruits of righteousness. He had lavished on them His gifts, that they might bear fruit for the blessing of the world. Every opportunity and privilege had been granted them, and in return He sought their sympathy and co-operation in His work of grace. He longed to see in them self-sacrifice and compassion, zeal for God, and a deep yearning of soul for the salvation of their fellow men. Had they kept the law of God, they would have done the same unselfish work that Christ did. But love to God and man was eclipsed by pride and self-sufficiency. They brought ruin upon themselves by refusing to minister to others. The treasures of truth which God had committed to them, they did not give to the world. In the barren tree they might read both their sin and its punishment. Withered beneath the Saviour’s curse, standing forth sere and blasted, dried up by the roots, the fig tree showed what the Jewish people would be when the grace of God was removed from them. Refusing to impart blessing, they would no longer receive it. ‘Oh Israel,’ the Lord says, ‘thou hast destroyed thyself’ (Hosea 13:9).

“The warning is for all time. Christ’s act in cursing the tree which His own power had created stands as a warning to all churches and to all Christians. No one can live the law of God without ministering to others.” The Desire of Ages, 581–584.

As we take the time to read this article, I would like to state that I stand condemned, for if I am truly honest, I do not want to be pruned. Pruning is a painful process, but if we desire to spend eternity with Jesus, we must allow God to take control of our lives, we must surrender and allow Him to make us more productive.

Pray that God will help us to be connected to the True Vine and daily remain connected to Him. Remember there is nothing good in us unless we receive the power that flows from the Vine.

May the Lord help us daily and give us His grace, His strength and His Love to share Jesus.

Revella Knight is a registered nurse and writes from her home in Arkansas.