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Take Heed Lest You Fall

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“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”

1 Corinthians 10:12

Revelation 2 and 3 describe the characteristics of the seven churches that represent the different time periods from the apostolic church through the end of time. To some of the churches, God spoke not one negative thing against the church, but when He came to the Laodicean church—the end-time church—His message was severe. This last church had a special tendency to feel over-confident about themselves. After all, they had the “truth,” more light than the churches in ages past. They were God’s people. However, John the Beloved records God’s rebuke of the Laodiceans.

“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.  So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.” Revelation 3:15–19

John follows this rebuke with words of hope from God. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” Verses 20, 21

Those who made up the Laodicean church were confident that they were God’s people, that they were rich, and in need of nothing. But God tells them that they are really wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. Then He offers them just what they need: gold refined in the fire (a perfected character), white garments (forgiveness), and eye salve (clarity to see their true condition and need).

It is the devil’s determined effort to “help” people to feel secure and satisfied, and it appears, in the case of this church, that he has been quite successful. However, the purpose of the Laodicean message is to shake the people out of their stupor.

Paul describes himself as the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). His day-to-day effort was to keep himself under subjection to the will of God (1 Corinthians 9:27). “Forgetting those things which are behind, I press forward to those things which are ahead.” Philippians 3:13. He offers this warning to all who might think they are rich and need nothing, “Therefore, let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” 1 Corinthians 10:12

When people believe they have the truth, are attending the right church, claiming to be saved, and planning to stand with the saved, it is easy to feel pretty good about themselves. But Paul warns that this is the very time that we should pay attention, because that is when we most likely need help.

“Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?’ ” Revelation 6:14–17

Most of the people described in these texts are those who are standing or once stood, and claimed to be saved. But now they are crying for the mountains and rocks to bury them for they cannot stand to see Jesus’ face. Who was able to stand then? “Only he who has clean hands and a pure heart.” Psalm 24:4, first part. Only he in whose “mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God.” Revelation 14:5

Sometimes, the Lord will send someone to us with a message—like Noah before the flood, Elijah on Mount Carmel, Jonah to Nineveh—and we may turn away from them because we think they don’t have the right spirit, or they don’t say or do it right.

Imagine the people swimming around the ark really wishing they could be safe inside. All of the excuses they had given, all the jeering at Noah or claiming that he was too harsh and negative, seemed pretty feeble, I’m sure. They all had their reasons for rejecting the message Noah gave, but none of those mattered; they were still on the outside, destined to die.

God has given to us the work of winning souls for His kingdom. But before we can help others to accept Jesus as their Saviour, we must first be confident that we ourselves are firmly grounded in the truth. Like the mighty oak—its roots thrust deeply into the ground—is able to withstand a storm, we are to thrust our faith deeply in the Saviour. As Jesus told in the parable of the seed sower, if we allow anything to crowd out His words, then we are not solidly grounded in truth. Jesus has promised the grace needed to live and grow in this world, and then to receive eternal life.

My faith must be secure in my Saviour. I must be growing more day by day into the image of Him who made me and saved me. I am not standing secure if I have not grown over the last month, the last six months, the last year. If I am still losing my temper as I was a year ago, I am on shaky ground. If I am still impatient and irritable, if I continue to fall over the same old sins time and time again, then I am not rooted and grounded in Jesus Christ. Before I can do the work that God has laid out for me to do, I must fall on the Rock and be broken. Only then can I be successful in the personal work of overcoming.

Our work is to plant seeds all around us—with our spouse, our children, our church members, a coworker, the person on the street—they all need to know that Jesus is able to supply the grace needed to live for Him, and that He has promised the free gift of eternal life to all who accomplish it.

A time of shaking is coming for everyone who claims the name of Christian. But regardless of what some claim, if they have not been, and are not now growing, then he or she will be shaken out of the faith. In light of this tremendous shaking that no man can escape, we should ask ourselves, Is there anything that could make me turn away from the Lord? Perhaps sickness, death, discouragement, finances, or poverty? Prosperity and worldly recognition and fame? Lack of friends or good friends turning against you, rumors, or slander? Can your hold on the Lord be shaken free? We may have a great deal more confidence in ourselves than the Lord does, for He can see things in us that we cannot see or that we just tend to ignore. Remember, we are Laodicean, confident of our salvation, yet lacking what we truly need to be saved—gold tried in the fire, white raiment, and eye salve. Satan is fervently working to shake us free from Jesus, and if we are not firmly grounded in Him, Satan will succeed, and we will be lost. It will be too late then to become rooted. We have been given this time and the grace, right now, to overcome our besetting sins.

In 1 Corinthians 10:1–11, Paul describes the experience of the children of Israel. “Brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized.” Verses 1, 2

The children of Israel were set apart. They ate spiritual food, listened to Moses, Aaron, and Joshua day after day, they heard the thunder from Mt. Sinai. They drank spiritual drink—and the literal, pure water from the rock that represented Jesus. They ate heaven’s food, food that had such perfect nutrition they were never sick during all their wilderness journey. Their minds were keen and clear, able to be filled with spiritual thoughts. They could pray clearly. They had fresh air, exercise, perfect food, pure water. They saw, heard, tasted, and lived it all, but what has Paul written about them?

“But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, ‘The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.’ Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; nor complain [murmur], as some of them also complained [murmured], and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” Verses 5–11

The devil had a whole arsenal of temptations. And while some would be unsuccessful against you or me, they would bring a complete downfall in another. Some were caught up in games and playing, others in lusting after things that God said they shouldn’t desire. Some were consumed with sexual fantasies and immorality, and others lacked faith.

Israel had the truth. There was no doubt in their minds that they were the children of Abraham, God’s chosen people. They kept the Sabbath day, and worshiped Jehovah. They had the gift of prophecy and they had seen the miracles that God had performed on their behalf. They were standing on truth, and they were going to Canaan. Just like us. But sadly, in spite of all this confidence, only two entered the promised land.

Paul says, “These things were written for our admonition on whom the ends of the world are come.” I believe with all my heart, just as much as the children of Israel believed, that the Seventh-day Adventist church is the movement that God raised up for the last days. I believe that it presents the truth for the world today. God gave us the Spirit of Prophecy, and the ability for us to continue learning truth through it and the Bible. We have the Sabbath, His day of rest. The prophecies tell us what to expect in the near future and we can see prophetic events fulfilled and fulfilling all around us. Miracles are performed for individuals, and also on a much larger scale. There can be no question that God’s church will go through to eternity. But have you ever wondered, When God’s church goes through to eternity, will I be going with it? The children of Israel were confident they soon would be living in Canaan and continuing to receive the blessings of God as His chosen people, only to discover that just two of the congregation that left Egypt would go in. Sobering thought, isn’t it?

This is a warning that the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy offer many times. “I would say that we are living in a most solemn time. In the last vision given me, I was shown the startling fact that but a small portion of those who now profess the truth will be sanctified by it and be saved. Many will get above the simplicity of the work. They will conform to the world, cherish idols, and become spiritually dead. The humble, self-sacrificing followers of Jesus will pass on to perfection, leaving behind the indifferent and lovers of the world.

“I was pointed back to ancient Israel. But two of the adults of the vast army that left Egypt entered the land of Canaan. Their dead bodies were strewn in the wilderness because of their transgressions. Modern Israel are in greater danger of forgetting God and being led into idolatry than were His ancient people. …

“A blessing or a curse is now before the people of God—a blessing if they come out from the world and are separate, and walk in the path of humble obedience; and a curse if they unite with the idolatrous, who trample upon the high claims of heaven. The sins and iniquities of rebellious Israel are recorded and the picture presented before us as a warning that if we imitate their example of transgression and depart from God, we shall fall as surely as did they.” Testimonies, Vol. 1, 608, 609

We find a similar warning in Testimonies, Vol. 2, 401, 402: “The Lord is proving and testing His people. Angels of God are watching the development of character and weighing moral worth. Probation is almost ended, and you are unready. Oh, that the word of warning might burn into your souls! Get ready! Get ready! Work while the day lasts, for the night cometh when no man can work. The mandate will go forth: He that is holy, let him be holy still; and he that is filthy, let him be filthy still. The destiny of all will be decided. A few, yes, only a few, of the vast number who people the earth will be saved unto life eternal, while the masses who have not perfected their souls in obeying the truth will be appointed to the second death. O Saviour, save the purchase of Thy blood! is the cry of my anguished heart.”

God has a specific message to His people found in the experience of the Laodicean church and throughout the Bible. It is not enough to know and keep the letter of the law. My heart must be changed and God’s law written on it. In no other way can our hearts be transformed. As Christ’s life was the embodiment of the law, so it must be with us if we are to be saved. We must grow to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. We must overcome our besetting sins, having an individual and personal work of gaining experience with Jesus, becoming more and more like Him with each passing day, and being clothed with His robe of righteousness. We cannot go on day after day, week after week, year after year falling, falling, falling. No, dear friend, we must be overcomers. I am so thankful we have an Advocate who forgives our sins when we fall, but God wants more than forgiven sinners; He wants overcomers, and He is willing and able to help those who surrender their wills to Him to accomplish it.

It is human nature to look to man to be our standard for righteousness. A pastor, teacher, or parent might seem to be the perfect example of obedience. But there isn’t a single human being alive today, nor one who has lived and now is gone, who can be a perfect example of obedience, except Jesus Christ. It is His life that we are to emulate. Jesus lived in the world, but was not part of it, and we are admonished to live the same way.

“I was shown our danger, as a people, [is] becoming assimilated to the world rather than to the image of Christ. We are now upon the very borders of the eternal world, but it is the purpose of the adversary of souls to lead us to put far off the close of time. Satan will in every conceivable manner assail those who profess to be the commandment-keeping people of God and to be waiting for the second appearing of our Saviour in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. He will lead as many as possible to put off the evil day and become in spirit like the world, imitating its customs. I felt alarmed as I saw that the spirit of the world was controlling the hearts and minds of many who make a high profession of the truth. Selfishness and self-indulgence are cherished by them, but true godliness and sterling integrity are not cultivated.” Counsels for the Church (1991), 83

“And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.’ Therefore ‘Come out from among them and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.’ ” 2 Corinthians 6:15–18

We are either all for God or, eventually, we will be all for Satan.

“Do not put off the work of forsaking your sins and seeking purity of heart through Jesus. Here is where thousands upon thousands have erred to their eternal loss. I will not here dwell upon the shortness and uncertainty of life; but there is a terrible danger—a danger not sufficiently understood—in delaying to yield to the pleading voice of God’s Holy Spirit, in choosing to live in sin; for such this delay really is. Sin, however small it may be esteemed, can be indulged in only at the peril of infinite loss. What we do not overcome, will overcome us and work out our destruction.

“Every act of transgression, every neglect or rejection of the grace of Christ, is reacting upon yourself; it is hardening the heart, depraving the will, benumbing the understanding, and not only making you less inclined to yield, but less capable of yielding, to the tender pleading of God’s Holy Spirit.

“Many are quieting a troubled conscience with the thought that they can change a course of evil when they choose; that they can trifle with the invitations of mercy, and yet be again and again impressed. They think that after doing despite to the Spirit of grace, after casting their influence on the side of Satan, in a moment of terrible extremity they can change their course. But this is not so easily done. The experience, the education, of a lifetime, has so thoroughly molded the character that few then desire to receive the image of Jesus.

“Even one wrong trait of character, one sinful desire, persistently cherished, will eventually neutralize all the power of the gospel. Every sinful indulgence strengthens the soul’s aversion to God.” Steps to Christ, 32–34

As you look at your life, is there something that the Holy Spirit has at least once convicted you of? Is there something you are holding onto? Something, unless you overcome it, that will eventually destroy you and cost you eternal life? It may be that you are not practicing it, but you still cherish it in your heart. It must be removed from your heart as well as your actions. You must overcome it, or it will surely, in time, overcome you.

“You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9

The Lord is calling each of us to live on a higher plane than just nominal Christianity. He is calling us to be doers of the word and not just hearers, clothed with the robe of Christ’s righteousness. He is calling us to be separate from the world, to have pure thoughts, and to have the love of Jesus in our hearts. We must develop Christ’s character, having no guile in our mouths, and being able to stand without fault before the throne of God.

Take heed, dear friends, lest we fall.

Pastor Marshall Grosboll, with his wife Lillian, founded Steps to Life. In July 1991, Pastor Marshall and his family met with tragedy as they were returning home from a camp meeting in Washington State, when the airplane he was piloting went down, killing all on board.

God’s Way in Difficulty

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“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Psalm 46:1

“ ‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.’ ”
Isaiah 55:8, 9

It would seem then, that if we are not in harmony with God’s ways, one of us will have to change if we are going to be together. Which do you suppose is the one to change?

So this is the question for each of us, “Am I willing to be changed so that I will think and do as God thinks and does?

Escape from Egypt

David was thinking specifically of the Red Sea experience when he said: “Your way was in the sea, Your path in the great waters, and Your footsteps were not known. You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.” Psalm 77:19, 20

When we study the geography of the path that the children of Israel took when they left Egypt, we see that they were guided by God in the pillar of cloud on a course which never would have taken them to the Red Sea at all.

Following a straight line out of Egypt would have led them on a path above the Red Sea, but after they had traveled a short distance from Egypt, God deliberately changed their course, angling them back by a round-about road to the Red Sea. Many, maybe even Moses himself, must have wondered why God was leading them in such a circuitous route. Then, they found themselves hemmed in by mountains on each side, the sea in front of them, and an army of angry Egyptians close behind.

There were two problems as the Israelites camped there on the seashore. One was the sea in front of them, a seemingly impassible barrier. The other, was the Egyptian army behind them, an enemy that they believed they could not defeat. God’s path went right through this impassible barrier to strengthen the faith of the Israelites, and then used it as a graveyard for the seemingly-unconquerable enemy. Upon reaching the far side, the children of Israel sang the song of victory to God found in Psalm 77. Did Israel understand what God intended to do? No. Why? If they had known it would not have been a test of their faith. Did the Egyptians know what God was going to do? Of course not. If they had, they would not have followed. So, even though neither God’s chosen nor His enemies understood His plan, He had one. A miraculous plan that despite the difficulty, provided the way to freedom.

“Are You not the One who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep; that made the depths of the sea a road for the redeemed to cross over?” Isaiah 51:10

“I will make each of My mountains a road, and My highways shall be elevated.” Isaiah 49:11

All across this country, engineers annually spend thousands of hours and millions of dollars plotting highways that avoid mountains and other geographical obstacles as much as possible. But God says through the prophet Isaiah that He will use the most impossible situations, the most impassible barriers, and make them highways on which His remnant people may travel to victory. It may be an impassible sea or an ocean that stretches out before us, or the walls of a high mountain range that seem to defy scaling. God says to us, “Follow My providence and I will make a way for you.” If we will believe, it will make us utterly immune to discouragement. And He backs that promise by giving us examples of His faithfulness.

“All these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” 1 Corinthians 10:11

“Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us of which we know nothing.” The Ministry of Healing, 481

“Jesus sees the end from the beginning. In every difficulty He has His way prepared to bring relief.” The Desire of Ages, 330

So let me ask, is it worthwhile to experience difficulty so that we can know that God provides the way out and through? The way out of Egypt was through the Red Sea. As the children of Israel stood, looking back in fear at the advancing Egyptian army, God parted the water and made a way for over a million people, their livestock, and all their possessions—on dry land, mind you—to reach the other side before allowing the water to return on its course burying their enemy behind them.

Yes, friends, our heavenly Father has a multitude of ways for providing for us that we know nothing about and would likely be unable to comprehend even if we knew them. If we will accept the principle of making the service of God supreme, we will find that perplexities will vanish and there will be a plain path before our feet.

Since we have this assurance, we need not lament the difficulties we encounter in this life, but rather we must look for God’s solutions. Moses didn’t know at first what to do. But he had learned to wait on the Lord to see how He would use the circumstances as they existed. So he called upon God, and then told the people to stand still and see the salvation of God (Exodus 14:13, 14). And presently, God instructed Moses to stretch his rod out over the sea, and it opened up.

“We should seize upon circumstances as instruments by which to work.” The Ministry of Healing, 500. Many would have looked at this situation and seen nothing with which to work. There was no bridge, no boats, no logical way to get across. It appeared to man as hopeless. And he would be right without the promise of God to help His people. We are hopelessly lost, and there is no way possible for us to overcome the difficulties of this life on our own. But Moses looked to God and obeyed His direction, and the difficulty itself became the way of escape. In this same way, every difficulty we may encounter, God has a way prepared to bring relief.

“Press with determination in the right direction, and circumstances will be your helpers, not your hindrances.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 332

The Red Sea, the mountains, the Egyptians were all hindrances, but God led the children of Israel to the one place where those hindrances would become a helper to His people, and He will do the same for us. So, if we find ourselves in a difficult situation, rather than weeping and moaning and saying, “O Lord, why did You ever let me get into this situation?” say, “Dear Lord, I don’t know what Your purpose is, but I know You will make something wonderful out of this. Show me what I must do.”

Standing on the shore of the Red Sea there wasn’t much that the children of Israel could do but show their faith in God’s promise by simply stepping into the water. It wasn’t much, just that one step forward, but it was important for them to show their faith. In that one step they committed to doing the impossible. This is righteousness by faith, and by obedience to God and faith in His promise, they achieved the impossible.

We cannot lie down on a bed or sit in a chair waiting and hoping that someday by some strange, unusual miracle we will wake up and find that we are all ready for heaven. We are to ask Jesus to help us to take hold of a situation as it is, and, by faith, carry out His commands confident that He will help us. We will never find ourselves in any situation but that Jesus has already made arrangements to use it for our good and His glory. We must seize the circumstances as instruments with which to work, and then press with determination in the right direction, and then the circumstances become our helpers, not our hindrances.

The Mighty, Raging River

Some time ago, I was riding along the Frazier River in western Canada. As we drew near the end of our journey, we would have to cross the river, but the Frazier River is a mighty, roaring stream, and there was no motor boat, canoe, or sailboat that could cross it. But there was a way, and the very current of that river, strong and mighty as it was, was the way across.

The way across the Frazier River was by ferry. The ferry is not powered by a gasoline motor, steam engine, or electricity. The ferry runs by the power of the river itself. By a specific arrangement of cables and wheels strung high above the river, this barrier that stands between you and the other side, has been harnessed to take you across. A cable reaches from one side to the other while another cable secures the ferry to the cable above, keeping the ferry from being swept downstream. But still, how does the ferry get across?

Two levers on the ferry control two great paddles, one on each side of the ferry. With these paddles, the pilot is able to direct the ferry to one side of the river and back again. Depending on which paddle you let down into the river, the very pressure of that water as it roars down the river against the paddle turns the ferry in the direction to go across. Raising that paddle and letting down the other allows the ferry to return to the opposite side.

Man has seized upon circumstances as instruments with which to work and thus accomplishes his purpose. The obstacle that the river creates is solved by harnessing its power and using it to the needed end. What a lesson. Instead of allowing the raging river to be an obstacle, a way was found to use the obstacle—the river—to help them cross it, no matter how impossible it appeared to be.

So, whatever difficulty I encounter in my life I don’t stand there weeping, I don’t look back at where I’ve been; I look to Jesus with a faith that just knows something wonderful will come of it. I must learn that the solutions to my difficulties today are not found in my past or even in my future. What I need today to face this life is the guiding hand of my Lord and Saviour. Only He can give me sense enough to learn how to seize upon circumstances as instruments with which to work.

Experiences in Faith

When the three Hebrews were standing on the threshold of the fiery furnace they didn’t know what God was going to do, but they knew He had said, “Those who honor Me, I will honor.” (1 Samuel 2:30, last part). They determined to take God at His word and to be true to Him whether they lived or died in that furnace. But God took that furnace and used it to destroy those who threw them into the furnace, and the ropes that bound them. He used the circumstances to liberate the Hebrew young men and to bring conviction to the king of Babylon, who, after a number of other experiences, was finally converted (Daniel 4:34–37).

The men in authority in Darius’ Persia hated Daniel. So, they schemed against him by making a law that prohibited everyone from praying to anyone but the king. They made the law because they knew Daniel would be faithful in praying to God, and would not pray to the king; and they were right. Daniel kept right on praying to his God three times a day facing toward Jerusalem (Daniel 6). As a result, Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den. Daniel obeyed God rather than men, and the lions didn’t hurt him. And God used Daniel’s difficulty as the instrument by which God destroyed all the men who had plotted against Daniel.

Haman was one of Satan’s wicked servants plotting against the people of God. He planned to harm the Jews and hang Mordecai. He had already prepared a gallows on which to hang him. But God used Esther as a solution to this difficulty, and it was Haman who was hanged on the gallows rather than Mordecai. We find many examples in the Bible of God using circumstances to bring about solutions.

God keeps His promise to help His children, but sometimes He also allows them to suffer. During the Dark Ages, millions of people were martyred for their faith, but not because God had forgotten or forsaken them, nor because this principle failed. Every one of the souls who went down in death won more people by their death than they would have by their life. And in the kingdom of God they will be able to see the harvest that their death produced and will clap their hands for joy that their witness in death was used to testify to the power and the love of Jesus and to the strength of His law.

Friends, there is nothing—nothing—that stands in the way of the man who is devoted to God. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1, 2

Faith Fosters a Solution

One of our students at Wildwood, a young lady from Nicaragua whom I will call “Mary,” had some experiences in which the Lord had used her while she still lived in Nicaragua. Mary was the only Seventh-day Adventist in her family, and in Nicaragua a great majority of the people are members of the Roman Catholic Church, as it is in many Latin American countries. But the Lord blessed Mary with some precious experiences in standing—sometimes completely alone—for truth.

Mary decided to take a three-year secretarial course at a Catholic college in Nicaragua. During the last three months of the course study, a group of priests came to the college. There was a strong Catholic influence as all the teachers and the three hundred students were Catholic, except for Mary. She was the only non-Catholic.

The time soon came when all the young people were expected to give confession to the priests, but Mary did not go. The headmistress of the college called her to her office and asked her why she wasn’t a Catholic. Mary answered that she was very happy as a member of the Seventh-day Adventist church. The headmistress suggested to Mary that if she would become a Catholic her parents would not have to know. But Mary told her that she could not lie because whatever she did must be in harmony with truth, so she would not do what the headmistress suggested.

One day Mary went to class and discovered that final exams for all of her subjects were scheduled on three different Sabbaths. She went to the dean of the college, and told him that she was a Seventh-day Adventist and would not be able to take her exams on the Sabbath. The dean said that he could not change the schedule. Mary went home and told her aunt and uncle and they prayed together for the Lord’s help.

The next day Mary went to the pastor of the church and asked for his counsel. He told her the decision was entirely up to her as a matter of conscience. So she very earnestly prayed asking God to solve this problem for her so that she might remain true and faithful to Him.

The Sabbath for Mary’s final exam in bookkeeping came, but, as was her custom, she went to church just like Jesus did. When she got home, she found, to her great surprise, a group of her classmates waiting for her. They were very happy to tell her that there had been no exams that day because the people in charge of administering them had gotten drunk the night before and were unable to give them. So, her exam that had been scheduled for that Sabbath had been postponed until the next day, Sunday.

Being so upset about how things seemed to be working out, Mary had not been able to study much, but this news gave her courage and she studied late into the night to be ready for the next day’s exam. As she began the exam, she found that she was not nervous as she usually was when taking exams, but instead experienced a peace she had never known before. She finished the exam in good time and got the highest grade. But she still faced the problem of two more exams, each one to come on an upcoming Sabbath.

She continued praying and trusted that God would again help her. When the next Sabbath came she went to church. After church the same students were waiting for her on the porch of her home. As before, they were very happy, but they said they didn’t quite understand why all these things were happening, but the teacher who was to have charge of the exam that day had to have an emergency operation in the hospital that morning. And again the exam was postponed until the next day, Sunday. Mary went, as she had the week before, to take her typewriting exam, and once again received the highest grade in the school.

Mary’s third and last exam in shorthand was also scheduled for Sabbath. She had continued praying all week. She went to church on Sabbath and for a third time, when she got home there were her classmates waiting at the door of her home. They said that only the power of God could have worked things out because this time it was the same as it had been the first Sabbath. Those in charge of the exam were drunk from a festival the night before, so the exam had been postponed until the next day, Sunday. When Mary went to take the exam, she again finished first and received the highest grade.

Mary, her fellow classmates, the dean, and headmistress of the college, now could clearly see that God had worked miraculously on her behalf, that Matthew 21:22 had truly been fulfilled in her life. “And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

The God who opened the Red Sea and delivered the children of Israel from the Egyptians, who preserved three faithful, young men in the fiery furnace and changed the heart of a king in the process, who saved Daniel from being lunch for a group of lions and the Jews from Haman the hangman, and changed circumstances so that a young, faithful woman would be able to take her exams on Sunday rather than the Sabbath, is still at work today. May we learn His way which is so much different from our own. How much better it is to do what God says and then wait for God to make a way through our difficulties.

“Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us of which we know nothing. Those who accept the one principle of making the service of God supreme, will find perplexities vanish and a plain path before their feet.” The Ministry of Healing, 481

Elder W.D. Frazee studied the Medical Missionary Course at the College of Medical Evangelists in Loma Linda, California. He was called to Utah as a gospel medical evangelist. He founded the Wildwood Medical Missionary Institute in 1942. He believed that each person is unique, specially designed by the Lord.

Little Things That Aren’t Little

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Many years ago, I participated in a Sabbath School class discussion on 2 Peter 3:9.

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

The question was asked, “Do you believe that God is omnipotent?” Everyone said, “Yes.” The next question was, “Do you believe that God’s will is omnipotent?” I immediately knew where this conversation was going. Yes, God’s will is omnipotent. The text says that God is not willing that any should perish. So, if God is omnipotent, and if His will is omnipotent, and if He is unwilling that any should perish, then that would mean that God will make a way to save everyone. Universalism is “the doctrine of universal reconciliation—the view that all human beings will ultimately be saved and restored to a right relationship with God.” (Source: wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_universalism). Many in the class, myself included, stated that there are other Bible scriptures that do not support that conclusion.

Peter is not the only apostle whose New Testament words are used by Universalists to support their doctrine.

“He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.” 1 John 2:2

“Who [God] desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:4

The truth is, God does desire that all of mankind would be saved. To this end, Jesus Christ gave His life to pay the penalty that sinful man could not pay on his own. God wants everyone to be in heaven. Why is it then that millions—billions—will be lost?

“Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes.” Song of Solomon 2:15

Many of the people who will be lost are not murderers, bank robbers, or criminals. Sin entered this world with a bite from a piece of fruit—a small window of doubt that led to disobedience to God’s expressed will. In fact, when Eve brought the fruit to Adam, he decided that God was too loving for something so small as a bite from a piece of fruit to be unforgiveable. But Luke records Jesus’ words, “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.” Luke 16:10. It will be the little things that will trip up many people.

“The Lord did not prove Adam and Eve in a large matter. The test given them was the smallest that could have been devised. Had it been a large test, then men and women whose hearts incline to evil would excuse themselves by saying, ‘This is a trivial matter, and God is not so particular about little things,’ and there would be constant transgression in things looked upon as small, and which pass unrebuked among men. But the Lord has made it very evident that sin, in any degree, is offensive to Him.” The Signs of the Times, October 29, 1885

The test that Adam failed was little, but sometimes things that seem to be not very important too often have the biggest consequences.

Let’s look at a few examples of the importance of little things.

It Just Takes One

Early in the 1990s, there was a series of mysterious deaths around the city of Boston. What made them so mysterious was that many of these people were in good health. In particular, there was a healthy, 76-year-old woman with no medical issues who just died without explanation. An investigation found that she had died of a vitamin D overdose—vitamin D intoxication, as it is called today. Authorities were very perplexed, because overdosing on vitamin D almost never happens.

Historically, those who typically died from vitamin D intoxication were explorers in either the Arctic or Antarctica. Their food was whatever they could kill in the area, and they would eat every part of the animal, including the organ meats. So, if you shot a polar bear and ate every part of the bear, specifically its liver, you could die from vitamin D intoxication because a polar bear’s liver contains enough vitamin D to kill you. However, this 76-year-old lady, and others in Boston, had not recently traveled to the Arctic or Antarctica, nor had any of them shot a polar bear and eaten its liver. So, authorities turned to a physician who was a vitamin D researcher. He asked for samples of the milk that these people had been drinking.

Milk, straight from the cow, does not contain vitamin D. But the processed milk bought from a local grocery store contains 400 IU (international units) of vitamin D in an 8-ounce serving. This is such a small dose of vitamin D that a person can drink a lot of milk without the fear of being harmed. After testing the milk samples, the researcher found that there were variable amounts of vitamin D in the different milk samples. Some of the milk samples had 250,000 IU per quart (the most common dosage of vitamin D prescribed today is 5,000 IU per day minimum).

The researcher went to the plant where the milk was processed. Milk is generally processed in 250-gallon vats. A small amount of vitamin D was added to these vats by a plant employee. He found that this employee was careless. Before adding vitamin D to the milk, he was to dilute it first, but didn’t. Because of the actions of one person, and a small amount of undiluted vitamin D, a healthy 76-year-old woman died, along with a little child and others.

Size Does Matter

A few years ago, a British airliner took off from London heading out over the Atlantic Ocean. After reaching cruising altitude, the pilot released his seat belt and stood up to stretch. At that precise moment, the pilot-side windshield blew out. Cruising altitude for a commercial airliner is 33,000–42,000 feet, so a breach anywhere in the plane would cause a catastrophic depressurization. Wind like a hurricane blew into the cockpit, grabbed the pilot, and shoved him out through the now-open windshield.

The copilot was still buckled in his seat, but he lunged forward grabbing the pilot’s feet before he was completely ejected. He yelled for help, and several people came into the cockpit to help save the pilot. The wind was so strong that they were unable to pull the pilot back into the cockpit, but they held onto him with all their strength. The copilot radioed a mayday back to London and informed them he needed to immediately return to London for an emergency landing. Air traffic control responded that they would clear the air space and a runway so that he could come straight in. The copilot returned to London, landed the plane, and the pilot’s life was saved.

An investigation was immediately opened to determine what caused the windshield to fail. They found that the plane had been in for maintenance the day before and that a new windshield had been installed. During the replacement of the windshield, the maintenance technician did not have the manufacturer-specified screws, but he did have screws that were very similar in size, so he had used these rather than taking the time to obtain the correct screws. You really couldn’t tell there was a difference between the two types of screws, and everything fit together (or so it seemed); but I’m sure that if you asked that pilot, he would tell you that not using the manufacturer-specified screws made a big difference.

The Smallest Thing Can Have the Biggest Consequence

On January 28, 1986, the space shuttle Challenger lifted off from the launch pad at Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 11:39 a.m. At 46,000 feet above the Atlantic, 73 seconds into the launch, the spacecraft exploded and disintegrated. After an extensive investigation, it was determined that the explosion occurred due to the failure of the primary and secondary “redundant O-ring seals in a joint in the shuttle’s right solid rocket booster.” The O-ring seal is a circular gasket that should have sealed the right rocket booster, but the gasket—affected by the cold temperatures overnight—had become stiff reducing its ability to properly seal the joint.

(Sources: wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Shuttle_Challenger_disaster; priceonomics.com/the-space-shuttle-challenger-explosion-and-the-o)

What Price to Do Right

Have you ever studied the Sabbath with someone and they say, “Well, as long as I keep one day out of seven, I don’t think it matters which day.” A few years ago, I was contacted by a man—I will call him Jim—who said he and his wife had been watching the Steps to Life television program for years, and they wanted to become Seventh-day Adventists. So my wife and I began Bible studies with them and their two teenage children.

After two or three visits, Jim told us that he worked at a local aircraft company on second shift. His workday ended at 10:00 p.m. Now that he would be a Seventh-day Adventist, he asked if he could still work until 10:00 on Friday nights. I told Jim that working on the Sabbath, even for a short space of time, would be a violation of God’s law. The Bible says, “from evening until evening, you shall celebrate your Sabbath.” Leviticus 23:32. Jim asked me to explain when is evening. “At evening when the sun sets.” Mark 1:32, first part. However, I told him that there were other people in his same situation for whom I had written letters to the aircraft companies on their behalf, and that the companies had given them Sabbath off from sundown Friday night to sundown Sabbath night. These individuals were allowed to work extra hours on Sundays or other arrangements had been made so that they could work their full hours, without having to work on the Sabbath. I told Jim I would be willing to write such a letter on his behalf.

Jim’s family had a very nice home and very nice automobiles; they had a lot of nice things. However, most of it wasn’t yet paid for, and it was necessary for both he and his wife to work full-time jobs to meet their obligations. The family decided that they did not want to take the risk that Jim might lose his job over the Sabbath, and they ended the Bible studies.

Sadly, this is not an isolated case. “Please give me a dispensation so I can do this. It’s just a few hours. It seems like such a small thing.” But is it? Human reasoning seeks the path of least resistance, the least amount of risk. I want to do what is right, but do I really have to give up something to do it?

My father was the credit manager for a local community hospital in Washington state. His boss, the business manager, wanted regularity in the work schedule, and he made a rule that everyone would work from 9:00 to 5:00 Monday through Friday. My father went to the business manager to ask to be off from sundown Friday until sundown Saturday. He explained that he was willing to work extra on Sunday or extra hours on the other workdays, or whatever schedule the business manager might want to arrange for him. However, the manager was unwilling to make the allowance for him, and he told my father he would have to find another job, so my father began looking. A day or so later, the business manager realized that my father was serious, and that he would actually find another job. So he arranged for my father to work—during the winter months—from 9:00 to 12:00 every Friday and then work four or five hours on Sunday to make up his time.

Are You Committed?

I had a problem of my own keeping the Sabbath. No matter how I tried, I always seemed to be late getting ready for the Sabbath by just a few minutes. For years I struggled with this. Eventually, I had to ask myself, Am I always going to be late? I realized that I could be late or I could be early, either way the choice was mine. Making the decision to be early provides time for mishaps or troubles to be resolved, and now I am always ready for the Sabbath before the sun goes down.

Little Things Seem Unimportant, but a Little Thing Can Change Everything

Just moments before departure, the crew master of the Titanic was replaced. He left the ship, but unfortunately for the passengers and crew, he took with him, forgotten in his pocket, the key to the locker where the binoculars were kept. Had he handed off the key to the new crew master, it’s possible that the iceberg would have been spotted sooner, giving the ship much-needed time to steer away from it. (Source: intellectualtakeout.org/2017/07/10-small-events-that-changed-the-course-of-history.)

The story of Lot is an amazing Bible story. Lot lived in Sodom. Because of the wicked and sexually-charged lifestyle in Sodom, Lot decided that he needed to do something to protect strangers who ventured to the city. It became his custom to sit at the city gate every evening, and if travelers passed by, he would invite them to his house.

The Bible records that one night two strangers came to the city gate. Lot extended the hospitality of his home for the night, but they said that they would find shelter in the city. Lot pressed upon them that they really needed to come to his house. So, they did, and in doing so, they saved Lot’s life and the lives of his two daughters. However, they—angels disguised as men—weren’t able to save everyone in his family, but not because they didn’t have the power to save them. If the angels had been able to find even ten people in Sodom willing to be saved, the entire city would have been spared. And this, you see, is God’s problem: He offers salvation and makes it possible for every single person in the world to be saved, but only a few accept His offer.

We Cannot See What God Sees

Human beings look on the outside. If we can see it, touch it, smell it, taste it, hear it, then we can believe it. However, this outward focus makes us unable to perceive what we cannot physically discern and, consequently, we make many erroneous judgments. One of these is in estimating a person’s value based on the kind of work he or she does, the culture that he or she comes from, the church he or she attends, his or her gender, or the color of his or her skin. Many people do very important things, but society casts them as of little value because what they do does not appear important when looked upon from an outward perspective only.

One major example of this error in judgment occurs with regard to women. Society today generally asserts that if a woman wants to be important, she must obtain a college education, cultivate a career, seek out positions that hold the greatest worldly importance and influence. The position and work that God gave to Eve and to all her female posterity after her—that of being a wife and mother—is of the greatest importance of all. Society states that motherhood is not a job, and consequently, women who work from sunup to sundown in keeping the home and raising the children are valued far below a female executive making a six-figure salary.

“The mother seldom appreciates her own work, and frequently sets so low an estimate upon her labor that she regards it as domestic drudgery. She goes through the same round day after day, week after week, with no special marked results. She cannot tell, at the close of the day, the many little things she has accomplished. Placed beside her husband’s achievement, she feels that she has done nothing worth mentioning.

“The father frequently comes in with a self-satisfied air, and proudly recounts what he has accomplished through the day. His remarks show that now he must be waited upon by the mother, for she has not done much except take care of the children, cook the meals, and keep the house in order. She has not acted the merchant, bought nor sold; she has not acted the farmer, in tilling the soil; she has not acted the mechanic—therefore she has done nothing to make her weary. He criticizes and censures and dictates as though he was the lord of creation. And this is all the more trying to the wife and mother, because she has become very weary at her post of duty during the day, and yet she cannot see what she has done, and is really disheartened.

“Could the veil be withdrawn, and father and mother see as God sees the work of the day, and see how His infinite eye compares the work of the one with that of the other, they would be astonished at the heavenly revelation. The father would view his labors in a more modest light, while the mother would have new courage and energy to pursue her labor with wisdom, perseverance, and patience. Now she knows its value. While the father has been dealing with the things which must perish and pass away, the mother has been dealing with developing minds and character, working not only for time but for eternity. Her work, if done faithfully in God, will be immortalized.” The Signs of the Times, September 13, 1877

Day by day

You and I are building a character. What we repeatedly do, whether it be our thoughts, words, or actions, becomes a habit, and it is these habits that make up our characters. There are many pastors and churches that talk as though a good character is not that important. Yet, character is so important to Jesus that He went to the cross so that He could restore in us the image [character] of God. We aren’t talking about a physical image—fingers, hands, feet, legs, and all the other physical parts of the body. Character is developed in the heart and mind of a person by the in-working of the Holy Spirit. We will receive a new body when Jesus comes, but receiving a new heart and mind happens here and now. A right character is the only thing we take with us to the next life (Christ’s Object Lessons, 332). “Our characters are now forming for eternity. Here on earth we are training for heaven.” Testimonies, Vol. 6, 268. We can’t take it if we don’t already have it. When we see Jesus, coming in the clouds of glory, we will already have a character fit for heaven, or we will never have one at all.

Jesus said, “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every man according as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:12. So, when I see Jesus, my character will either be fit for heaven, or it won’t.

“The beautiful, well-balanced symmetrical character is developed by individual acts of duty. The character is formed by the conscientious attention to the little things of life, courteous acts of kindness, unselfish deeds of charity. Kind words make the life beautiful and noble; for in them is the spirit that pervades heaven.” The Signs of the Times, December 12, 1878

Character is Perfected by the Little Things

“True love is not a strong, fiery, impetuous passion. On the contrary, it is calm and deep in its nature. It looks beyond mere externals and is attracted by qualities alone. It is wise and discriminating, and its devotion is real and abiding. God tests and proves us by the common occurrences of life. It is the little things which reveal the chapters of the heart. It is the little attentions, the numerous small incidents and simple courtesies of life, that make up the sum of life’s happiness; and it is the neglect of kindly, encouraging, affectionate words, and the little courtesies of life, which help compose the sum of life’s wretchedness. It will be found at last that the denial of self for the good and happiness of those around us constitutes a large share of the life record in heaven. And the fact will also be revealed that the care of self, irrespective of the good and happiness of others, is not beneath the notice of our heavenly Father.” Testimonies, Vol. 2, 133, 134

God uses the everyday things to test us. Our characters are not shaped by one momentous event, but by the many day-in-and-day-out things that we encounter and our responses to them. It is these small tests that strengthen our character to meet the greater tests. Some people have never learned how to handle, or just don’t care about, the small things. If a task is big enough and worth their time, they will commit themselves whole-heartedly to its completion, but those little things, the feeling is that they are just so small. With or without them, they would make no difference. But, remember the pilot hanging out of the cockpit window at 33,000 feet? That small, very specific screw made a huge difference to him, and the small things will make a significant difference to us as we develop a character that reflects the character of Christ.

Remember Daniel and the three worthies? They committed to follow God’s diet even in their captivity in Babylon. Not such a big thing. But do you suppose that their faithfulness in this smaller matter—and many others, I imagine, throughout their lives—prepared the way for their decision to stand faithful on the Plain of Dura, to risk the fiery furnace? For Daniel to continue faithfully to raise his eyes and voice in prayer, praising God, despite the risk of being thrown into the lions’ den?

What you and I consider little is not necessarily what God thinks is little. How does God measure what is small and what is great? Remember the widow with her two mites (Luke 21:1–4)? As Jesus watched the rich putting money in the treasury, He saw this poor woman place her two mites in as well. Small as the gift was, He told His disciples that she had given the greater gift. The rich gave gifts, but there was no sacrifice for them in doing so. But with this woman, these two mites were all she had. She sacrificed her all to help further God’s work. It is not the size of the gift or even the giving of a gift, but rather the motive of the heart that gives it. This is how character is determined.

We need to ask for the spiritual discernment we need so that we can examine ourselves and with clarity see if there is any little thing that prevents us from having a character that will pass the judgment.

“Examine yourselves whether you are in the faith.” 2 Corinthians 13:5

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.

Almost Saved

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On a Friday afternoon in 1985, a jumbo jet, flying from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was on approach to the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport during a violent thunderstorm. It was approaching under Instrument File Rules (IFR) because of the bad weather. Air traffic control asked the pilot to reduce his speed to 137 knots because the jet was gaining too quickly on a Learjet ahead of him struggling with the weather. As the jet neared the runway only a few hundred feet above the ground, a violent downdraft slammed the jet toward the ground. While it plowed up a field with its landing gear, the pilot was able to gain control and lift the jet into the air a few feet off the ground, flying it level toward the runway which now was in sight.

The jet was off course several feet sideways for a straight-on approach to the runway. Two water tanks stood on one side of the runway. The jet—had it been on a straight course to the runway—would have harmlessly flown past them. But because it was off course and so near to the ground, the wing collided with the tanks, spinning the entire aircraft around and breaking it in two. The 100+ passengers sitting in the front half, along with the flight and cabin crews, were killed.

The pilot was very experienced and skillful. He had decades of experience and thousands of hours of flight time, and because of his skill and despite the thunderstorm, he had gained control of the aircraft and made for the runway.

The jet was actually over the airport when the accident happened, so close to a safe and uneventful landing. The pilot, the passengers could see their destination, but most of them never made it there alive.

You and I are approaching a storm. “We are standing on the threshold of the crisis of the ages.” Last Day Events, 12. Many professed Christians will lose their lives in this storm, not just their temporal lives but eternal life.

“Almost but not wholly saved, means to be not almost but wholly lost.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 118

Don’t let it happen to you.

Annual Assemblies: Pentecost

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August 25 – 31, 2024

Key Text

“Then you shall keep the feast of weeks unto the Lord your God with the tribute of a freewill offering from your hand.” Deuteronomy 16:10, first part

Study Help: The Acts of the Apostles, 37–43

Introduction

“Fifty days from the offering of first fruits came the Pentecost, called also the feast of harvest and the feast of weeks.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 540

Sunday

1 THE SECOND ANNUAL FEAST

1.a. By what other names was the Pentecostal festival known? Exodus 23:16, first part; Exodus 34:22, first part

1.b. When did that one-day festival take place? Leviticus 23:15, 16, 21. For what purpose were the yearly feasts appointed?

Note: “Yearly feasts were appointed, at which all the men of the nation were to assemble before the Lord, bringing to Him their offerings of gratitude and the first fruits of His bounties. The object of all these regulations was stated: they proceeded from no exercise of mere arbitrary sovereignty; all were given for the good of Israel. The Lord said, ‘Ye shall be holy men unto Me’—worthy to be acknowledged by a holy God.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 311

1.c. What was the meaning of the two loaves presented before the Lord? What else was offered besides the two loaves? Leviticus 23:17–20

Monday

2 THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CEREMONY

2.a. What counterpart do the two loaves presented at Pentecost have under the New Dispensation? John 6:48, 63; John 14:16, John 14:18

Note: “It was Christ Himself who had led the Hebrews through the wilderness, and had daily fed them with the bread from heaven. That food was a type of the real bread from heaven.” The Desire of Ages, 386

“As our physical life is sustained by food, so our spiritual life is sustained by the word of God. And every soul is to receive life from God’s word for himself. As we must eat for ourselves in order to receive nourishment, so we must receive the word for ourselves. We are not to obtain it merely through the medium of another’s mind. We should carefully study the Bible, asking God for the aid of the Holy Spirit, that we may understand His word. We should take one verse, and concentrate the mind on the task of ascertaining the thought which God has put in that verse for us. We should dwell upon the thought until it becomes our own, and we know ‘what saith the Lord.’ ” Ibid., 390

2.b.  How do we become partakers of the divine nature?  John 14:17; 1 John 3:24; 2 Peter 1:4

Note: “By looking constantly to Jesus with the eye of faith, we shall be strengthened. God will make the most precious revelations to His hungering, thirsting people. They will find that Christ is a personal Saviour. As they feed upon His word, they find that it is spirit and life. The word destroys the natural, earthly nature, and imparts a new life in Christ Jesus. The Holy Spirit comes to the soul as a Comforter. By the transforming agency of His grace, the image of God is reproduced in the disciple; he becomes a new creature. Love takes the place of hatred, and the heart receives the divine similitude. This is what it means to live ‘by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.’ This is eating the Bread that comes down from heaven.” The Desire of Ages, 391

2.c.  When the harvest was reaped, what provision in behalf of the poor had to be considered? Leviticus 23:22

Tuesday

3 SYMBOLISM FULFILLED

3.a. What did the early disciples do during the ten-day period from Christ’s ascension to the day of Pentecost? Acts 1:12–14

Note: “The disciples prayed with intense earnestness for a fitness to … speak words that would lead sinners to Christ. Putting away all differences, all desire for the supremacy, they came close together in Christian fellowship. …

“These days of preparation were days of deep heart searching. The disciples felt their spiritual need and cried to the Lord for the holy unction that was to fit them for the work of soul saving. They did not ask for a blessing for themselves merely. They were weighted with the burden of the salvation of souls. They realized that the gospel was to be carried to the world, and they claimed the power that Christ had promised.” The Acts of the Apostles, 37

3.b.  What happened fifty days after Christ’s resurrection? Acts 2:1–4

Note: “The Spirit came upon the waiting, praying disciples with a fullness that reached every heart. The Infinite One revealed Himself in power to His church.” The Acts of the Apostles, 38

3.c. What was the immediate result of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in fullness? Acts 2:5–8

Note: “Every known tongue was represented by those assembled [in Jerusalem]. This diversity of languages would have been a great hindrance to the proclamation of the gospel; God therefore in a miraculous manner supplied the deficiency of the apostles. The Holy Spirit did for them that which they could not have accomplished for themselves in a lifetime. They could now proclaim the truths of the gospel abroad, speaking with accuracy the languages of those for whom they were laboring. This miraculous gift was a strong evidence to the world that their commission bore the signet of heaven. From this time forth the language of the disciples was pure, simple, and accurate, whether they spoke in their native tongue or in a foreign language.” The Acts of the Apostles, 39, 40

3.d. How did Peter explain the unusual event? Acts 2:14–18

Wednesday

4 A TREMENDOUS HARVEST

4.a. Describe the inspiring scene which took place at Pentecost. Acts 2:38–41

Note: “The scene [at Pentecost] is one full of interest. Behold the people coming from all directions to hear the disciples witness to the truth as it is in Jesus. They press in, crowding the temple. Priests and rulers are there, the dark scowl of malignity still on their faces, their hearts still filled with abiding hatred against Christ, their hands uncleansed from the blood shed when they crucified the world’s Redeemer. They had thought to find the apostles cowed with fear under the strong hand of oppression and murder, but they find them lifted above all fear and filled with the Spirit, proclaiming with power the divinity of Jesus of Nazareth. They hear them declaring with boldness that the One so recently humiliated, derided, smitten by cruel hands, and crucified, is the Prince of life, now exalted to the right hand of God.

“Some of those who listened to the apostles had taken an active part in the condemnation and death of Christ. Their voices had mingled with the rabble in calling for His crucifixion. …

“Now they heard the disciples declaring that it was the Son of God who had been crucified. Priests and rulers trembled. Conviction and anguish seized the people. ‘They were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?’ Among those who listened to the disciples were devout Jews, who were sincere in their belief. The power that accompanied the words of the speaker convinced them that Jesus was indeed the Messiah.” The Acts of the Apostles, 42, 43

4.b.  What is needed for this glorious history to be repeated? Joel 2:23; Zechariah 10:1

Note: “When we have entire, wholehearted consecration to the service of Christ, God will recognize the fact by an outpouring of His Spirit without measure; but this will not be while the largest portion of the church are not laborers together with God.” Christian Service, 253

Thursday

5 PREREQUISITES TO POWER

5.a. What characterizes those blessed to receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit under the latter rain? 1 Corinthians 1:8

Note: “None could share the ‘refreshing’ unless they obtain the victory over every besetment, over pride, selfishness, love of the world, and over every wrong word and action … . Let all remember that God is holy and that none but holy beings can ever dwell in His presence.” Early Writings, 71

5.b. In order to be endowed with the Holy Spirit in fullness, what type of relationship must we have among church members, and what must be our main priority? Acts 4:32; Philippians 2:3-4; and 1 Corinthians 1:9-10

Note: “Notice that it was after the disciples had come into perfect unity, when they were no longer striving for the highest place, that the Spirit was poured out. They were of one accord. All differences had been put away. And the testimony borne of them after the Spirit had been given is the same. Mark the word: ‘The multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul.’ Acts 4:32. The Spirit of Him who died that sinners might live animated the entire congregation of believers.

“The disciples did not ask for a blessing for themselves. They were weighted with the burden of souls. The gospel was to be carried to the ends of the earth, and they claimed the endowment of power that Christ had promised. Then it was that the Holy Spirit was poured out, and thousands were converted in a day.

“So it may be now. Let Christians put away all dissension and give themselves to God for the saving of the lost. Let them ask in faith for the promised blessing, and it will come.” Testimonies, Vol. 8, 20, 21

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1     What was the second annual feast among the Jews?

2     What is the New Testament counterpart of the two loaves of bread?

3     How was the Pentecostal feast fulfilled after Christ’s resurrection?

4     How did Peter explain the descent of the Holy Spirit at that time?

5     How and when will the Pentecostal experience be repeated?

Copyright 2010, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

Annual Assemblies: Passover

by

August 18 – 24, 2024

Key Text

“On the fourteenth day of the first month at twilight is the Lord’s Passover.” Leviticus 23:5

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 537–542

Introduction

“There were three annual feasts, the Passover, the Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles. … Of these feasts the Passover was the most largely attended. … The time of the Passover corresponded to the close of March or the beginning of April.” The Desire of Ages, 75, 76

Sunday

1 THE FIRST ANNUAL ASSEMBLY

1.a. What was celebrated on the 14th day of Abib, corresponding to the end of March and the beginning of April? Exodus 12:5–7, 11; Leviticus 23:5

1.b. To what events, past and future, did the Passover point? Exodus 12:14, 17; 13:3- 4; John 19:14-15. Explain the spiritual meaning. 1 Corinthians 5:7, last part

Note: “On the fourteenth day of the month, at even, the Passover was celebrated.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 539

“The Passover was to be both commemorative and typical, not only pointing back to the deliverance from Egypt, but forward to the greater deliverance which Christ was to accomplish in freeing His people from the bondage of sin. The sacrificial lamb represents ‘the Lamb of God,’ in whom is our only hope of salvation.” Ibid., 277

“The lamb was to be eaten with bitter herbs, as pointing back to the bitterness of the bondage in Egypt. So when we feed upon Christ, it should be with contrition of heart, because of our sins.” Ibid., 278

Monday

2 A SYMBOLIC SIGNIFICANCE

2.a. In what sense has Christ become our Passover? John 6:51–58, 63

Note: “The lamb was to be prepared whole, not a bone of it being broken; so not a bone was to be broken of the Lamb of God, who was to die for us. John 19:36. Thus was also represented the completeness of Christ’s sacrifice.

“The flesh was to be eaten. It is not enough even that we believe on Christ for the forgiveness of sin; we must by faith be constantly receiving spiritual strength and nourishment from Him through His word. … Jesus accepted His Father’s law, wrought out its principles in His life, manifested its spirit, and showed its beneficent power in the heart. Says John, ‘The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.’ John 1:14. The followers of Christ must be partakers of His experience. They must receive and assimilate the word of God so that it shall become the motive power of life and action. By the power of Christ they must be changed into His likeness, and reflect the divine attributes. They must eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God, or there is no life in them. The spirit and work of Christ must become the spirit and work of His disciples.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 277, 278

2.b. What followed the Passover celebration? Exodus 12:15–18; Leviticus 23:6

Note: “The Passover was followed by the seven days’ feast of unleavened bread.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 539

“The use of unleavened bread also was significant. It was expressly enjoined in the law of the Passover, and as strictly observed by the Jews in their practice, that no leaven should be found in their houses during the feast. In like manner the leaven of sin must be put away from all who would receive life and nourishment from Christ.” Ibid., 278

2.c. In what sense does God want us to be a new unleavened lump? 1 Corinthians 5:7, first part; 1 John 5:18; Jude 24

Tuesday

3 FREE FROM LEAVEN/DELIVERED FROM SIN

3.a. What was symbolized by the fact that, for seven days, the Jews were not to eat anything fermented, and that all leaven was to be removed from their homes? Exodus 12:19, 20

Note: “The use of unleavened bread also was significant. … The leaven of sin must be put away from all who would receive life and nourishment from Christ.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 278

“The unleavened bread … represented the Saviour.” The Desire of Ages, 77

3.b.  Give examples from the New Testament where leaven is considered a symbol of sin. Matthew 16:6, 12; and 1 Corinthians 5:8 and Galatians 5:9; 

Note: “The Jews had been accustomed since the days of Moses to put away leaven from their houses at the Passover season, and they had thus been taught to regard it as a type of sin.” The Desire of Ages, 408

3.c.  How did Christ update the Passover feast by bringing a New Testament counterpart? Matthew 26:18–20, 26–29

Note: “As He [Christ] ate the Passover with His disciples, He instituted in its place the service that was to be the memorial of His great sacrifice. The national festival of the Jews was to pass away forever. The service which Christ established was to be observed by His followers in all lands and through all ages.

“The Passover was ordained as a commemoration of the deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage. God had directed that, year by year, as the children should ask the meaning of this ordinance, the history should be repeated. Thus the wonderful deliverance was to be kept fresh in the minds of all. The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper was given to commemorate the great deliverance wrought out as the result of the death of Christ.” The Desire of Ages, 652, 653

3.d. Why, then, is the Old Testament Passover no longer to be observed? Hebrews 9:28; 10:8–10

Note: “Our great High Priest has made the only sacrifice that is of any value in our salvation. When He offered Himself on the cross, a perfect atonement was made for the sins of the people.” Lift Him Up, 319

Wednesday

4 THE LORD’S SUPPER

4.a To what events, past and future, does the Lord’s Supper point? 1 Corinthians 11:26

Note: “When the Saviour yielded up His life on Calvary, the significance of the Passover ceased, and the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper was instituted as a memorial of the same event of which the Passover had been a type.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 539

“The Communion service points to Christ’s second coming. It was designed to keep this hope vivid in the minds of the disciples. Whenever they met together to commemorate His death, they recounted how ‘He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; for this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.’ In their tribulation they found comfort in the hope of their Lord’s return.” The Desire of Ages, 659

“Till He shall come the second time in power and glory, this ordinance [of the Lord’s Supper] is to be celebrated.” Ibid., 653

4.b. Why did the Lord add the foot washing ordinance which was to precede the Lord’s Supper? John 13:12–14, 34, 35

Note: “This ordinance [of foot washing] does not speak so largely to man’s intellectual capacity as to his heart. His moral and spiritual nature needs it. If His disciples had not needed this, it would not have been left for them as Christ’s last established ordinance in connection with, and including, the last supper. It was Christ’s desire to leave to His disciples an ordinance that would do for them the very thing they needed—that would serve to disentangle them from the rites and ceremonies which they had hitherto engaged in as essential, and which the reception of the gospel made no longer of any force. To continue these rites would be an insult to Jehovah. Eating of the body, and drinking of the blood, of Christ, not merely at the sacramental service, but daily partaking of the bread of life to satisfy the soul’s hunger, would be in receiving His word and doing His will.” The Review and Herald, June 14, 1898

Thursday

5 THE FIRST FRUITS

5.a. Describe the ceremony performed on the second day of the Passover festival. Leviticus 23:10, 11

Note: “The Passover was followed by the seven days’ feast of unleavened bread. On the second day of the feast, the first fruits of the year’s harvest, a sheaf of barley, was presented before the Lord.” The Desire of Ages, 77

5.b.        What was symbolized by the sheaf of barley (the first fruits of the harvest) waved before the Lord? 1 Corinthians 15:20,23; 

Note: “Christ arose from the dead as the first fruits of those that slept. He was the antitype of the wave sheaf, and His resurrection took place on the very day when the wave sheaf was to be presented before the Lord.” The Desire of Ages, 785, 786

5.c. Who else are represented by the sheaf of the first fruits? Matthew 27:52-53; James 1:18; Revelation 14:4

Note: “Christ the first fruits represented the great spiritual harvest to be gathered for the kingdom of God. His resurrection is the type and pledge of the resurrection of all the righteous dead.” The Desire of Ages, 786

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1     What is the double meaning of the Passover?

2     What does the unleavened bread represent?

3     What is the symbolic meaning that anything fermented was to be eliminated from the Israelite homes during the Passover celebration?

4     What is the counterpart of the Passover in the New Testament?

5      What was symbolized by the sheaf of barley waved before the Lord on the second day of the Passover feast?

Copyright 2010, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

The Temple, an Object Lesson

by

August 11 – 17, 2024

Key Text

“Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God. Therefore arise and build the sanctuary of the Lord God.” 1 Chronicles 22:19, first part

Study Help: Prophets and Kings, 46–50

Introduction

“The long-cherished plan of David to erect a temple to the Lord was wisely carried out by Solomon.” The Review and Herald, November 2, 1905

Sunday

1 KING DAVID’S NOBLE DESIRE

1.a. While King David was contemplating his magnificent palace, what thought became foremost in his plans? 2 Samuel 7:2

1.b.        What message did God send to King David? 1 Chronicles 22:8–10; 1 Chronicles 28:5, 6. In what sense was David given the privilege of contributing to the building of the temple?

Note: “David had felt deeply his own unworthiness in gathering the material for the house of God, and the expression of loyalty in the ready response of the nobles of his kingdom, as with willing hearts they dedicated their treasures to Jehovah and devoted themselves to His service, filled him with joy. But it was God alone who had imparted this disposition to His people. He, not man, must be glorified. It was He who had provided the people with the riches of earth, and His Spirit had made them willing to bring their precious things for the temple. It was all of the Lord; if His love had not moved upon the hearts of the people, the king’s efforts would have been vain, and the temple would never have been erected.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 753

Monday

2 WISE PLANS FOR THE BUILDING

2.a. What place was chosen for the building of the temple? 2 Chronicles 3:1  (compare Genesis 22:2); Isaiah 8:18; Isaiah 28:16

Note: “The spot on which the temple was built had long been regarded as a consecrated place. It was here that Abraham, the father of the faithful, had revealed his willingness to sacrifice his only son in obedience to the command of Jehovah. Here God had renewed with Abraham the covenant of blessing, which included the glorious Messianic promise to the human race of deliverance through the sacrifice of the Son of the Most High. See Genesis 22:9, 16–18. Here it was that when David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings to stay the avenging sword of the destroying angel, God had answered him by fire from heaven. See 1 Chronicles 21. And now once more the worshipers of Jehovah were here to meet their God and renew their vows of allegiance to Him.” Prophets and Kings, 37

2.b.  What help did King Solomon receive from Hiram king of Tyre? 1 Kings 5:1–9

2.c. Approximately how many men were involved in building the temple? 1 Kings 5:15, 16. How long did it take to complete the work? 1 Kings 6:1, 38

2.d.  How and where were the stones prepared for the building? 1 Kings 6:7. What lesson should we learn from the fact that the house of God was built with the utmost reverence?

Note: “Humility and reverence should characterize the deportment of all who come into the presence of God. In the name of Jesus we may come before Him with confidence, but we must not approach Him with the boldness of presumption, as though He were on a level with ourselves. There are those who address the great and all-powerful and holy God, who dwelleth in light unapproachable, as they would address an equal, or even an inferior. There are those who conduct themselves in His house as they would not presume to do in the audience chamber of an earthly ruler. These should remember that they are in His sight whom seraphim adore, before whom angels veil their faces.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 252

Tuesday

3 A LESSON IN REVERENCE

3.a. Summarize and discuss Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple. 2 Chronicles 6:21-23 . What is unique about the God of heaven?

Note: “The prayer offered by Solomon at the dedication of the temple breathed sentiments of loftiest piety blended with deepest humility. …

“He [Solomon] told them [the people] that the God of heaven is not like the gods of the heathen, who are confined to temples built for them, but that the true God would meet with His people by His Spirit when they should assemble at the house dedicated to His worship. The Lord visits His people in their homes, or wherever they may be, and cheers them by special revelations of His goodness. And in every place God’s children have the privilege of worshiping their heavenly Father.” The Review and Herald, November 30, 1905

3.b.  What happened when Solomon ended his prayer? 2 Chronicles 7:1-3 

Note: “It is impossible to describe the beauty and splendor of this sanctuary. …

“While the courts of the temple resounded with praise, the cloud of God’s glory took possession of the house, as it had formerly filled the wilderness-tabernacle.” The Review and Herald, November 9, 1905

3.c. How are we to show reverence in the presence of God? Habakkuk 2:20 (compare Genesis 28:16-17; Matthew 18:20). What examples should we take into deep consideration? Exodus 3:4-5; Joshua 5:13–15

Note: “The house of God is often desecrated, and the Sabbath violated by Sabbath-believers’ children. In some cases they are even allowed to run about the house, play, talk, and manifest their evil tempers in the very meetings where the saints should worship God in the beauty of holiness. And the place that should be holy, and where a holy stillness should reign, and where there should be perfect order, neatness, and humility, is made to be a perfect Babylon, ‘confusion.’ This is enough to bring God’s displeasure and shut His presence from our assemblies.” Child Guidance, 540

Wednesday

4 CHRIST IN THE SANCTUARY

4.a. Who is represented by the cornerstone of the sanctuary building? Psalm 118:22; Isaiah 28:16; Matthew 21:42

Note: “When the temple of Solomon was erected, the immense stones for the walls and the foundation were entirely prepared at the quarry; after they were brought to the place of building, not an instrument was to be used upon them; the workmen had only to place them in position. For use in the foundation, one stone of unusual size and peculiar shape had been brought; but the workmen could find no place for it, and would not accept it. It was an annoyance to them as it lay unused in their way. Long it remained a rejected stone. But when the builders came to the laying of the corner, they searched for a long time to find a stone of sufficient size and strength, and of the proper shape, to take that particular place, and bear the great weight which would rest upon it. Should they make an unwise choice for this important place, the safety of the entire building would be endangered. They must find a stone capable of resisting the influence of the sun, of frost, and of tempest. Several stones had at different times been chosen, but under the pressure of immense weights they had crumbled to pieces. Others could not bear the test of the sudden atmospheric changes. But at last attention was called to the stone so long rejected. It had been exposed to the air, to sun and storm, without revealing the slightest crack. The builders examined this stone. It had borne every test but one. If it could bear the test of severe pressure, they decided to accept it for the cornerstone. The trial was made. The stone was accepted, brought to its assigned position, and found to be an exact fit.” The Desire of Ages, 597, 598

4.b.  The world longs for peace and safety (1Thessalonians 5:3) . Where, only, can peace and safety be found? John 14:27; Ephesians 2:13-14

Note: “In infinite wisdom, God chose the foundation stone, and laid it Himself. He called it ‘a sure foundation.’ The entire world may lay upon it their burdens and griefs; it can endure them all. With perfect safety they may build upon it. Christ is a ‘tried stone.’ Those who trust in Him, He never disappoints. … In Christ the guilty heart has found relief. He is the sure foundation. All who make Him their dependence rest in perfect security.” The Desire of Ages, 598, 599

Thursday

5 BUILDING THE TEMPLE OF CHARACTER

5.a. Since the temple was to symbolize God’s church on earth, and since we are called to take part in the work of edifying His house, with what materials should we build? 1 Corinthians 3:12 ; Ephesians 2:20–22

Note: “He who would grow into a beautiful building for the Lord must cultivate every power of the being. It is only by the right use of the talents that the character can develop harmoniously. Thus we bring to the foundation that which is represented in the Word as gold, silver, precious stones—material that will stand the test of God’s purifying fires. In our character building Christ is our example.” Child Guidance, 166

5.b.  Where can we see God’s ways in the plan of salvation? Psalm 77:13. Why does the Spirit of Prophecy emphasize the importance of studying the sanctuary service?

Note: “The subject of the sanctuary and the investigative judgment should be clearly understood by the people of God. All need a knowledge for themselves of the position and work of their great High Priest. Otherwise it will be impossible for them to exercise the faith which is essential at this time or to occupy the position which God designs them to fill. Every individual has a soul to save or to lose. Each has a case pending at the bar of God.” The Great Controversy, 488

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1     What was one of King David’s most ardent desires? Why didn’t the Lord allow him to carry out his building plan?

2     What was the name of the mountain selected for the temple in Jerusalem, and for what reason was that place chosen for the building?

3     How did the builders show great reverence in their work? What are other Bible examples of reverence?

4     Summarize Solomon’s dedicatory prayer.

5     Specify the materials with which we, as builders, should help build the house of God, the church.

Copyright 2010, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

Forbearance with Honest Doubters

by

August 4 – 10, 2024

Key Text

“Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.” Isaiah 55:6

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 101–104

Introduction

“God does not give us up because of our sins. We may make mistakes and grieve His Spirit; but when we repent and come to Him with contrite hearts, He will not turn us away.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 350

Sunday

1 THE MORAL CONDITION OF HUMAN NATURE

1.a. Into whose hands did Adam betray the government of this world? Luke 4:5-6; John 16:11; 1 John 5:18-19. Whose spirit controls those who live in sin? Ephesians 2:1–3

Note: “We must inevitably be under the control of the one or the other of the two great powers that are contending for the supremacy of the world. It is not necessary for us deliberately to choose the service of the kingdom of darkness in order to come under its dominion. We have only to neglect to ally ourselves with the kingdom of light. If we do not cooperate with the heavenly agencies, Satan will take possession of the heart and will make it his abiding place.” The Desire of Ages, 324

1.b. With what thought do willful sinners deceive themselves? Malachi 3:14-15; Ecclesiastes 8:11

Note: “Satan does not enter with his array of temptations at once. He disguises these temptations with a semblance of good. He mingles with amusements and folly some little improvements, and deceived souls make it an excuse that great good is to be derived by engaging in them. This is only the deceptive part. It is Satan’s hellish arts masked. Beguiled souls take one step, then are prepared for the next.” Messages to Young People, 83

Monday

2 A COMMON TEMPTATION

2.a. How was the psalmist tempted when he saw the temporal prosperity of the wicked? Psalm 73:2–13. What struggle takes place in the mind of everyone who looks away (or is tempted to turn away) from God?

Note: “There are times when, under adversity and sorrow, the servants of God become discouraged and despondent. They brood over their circumstances, and, contrasting their condition with the prosperity of those who have no thought or care for eternal things, they feel aggrieved. They manifest a spirit of reproach and murmur and repine at their lot. They seem to consider that God is under special obligation to bless them and prosper their undertakings, and therefore, as they are placed in situations of trial, they grow rebellious and look with envy on the wicked who flourish in their iniquity. They seem to regard the condition of the transgressor as preferable to their own. These bitter thoughts are suggested to the mind by the deceiver of mankind. It is his delight to stir up rebellion in the breasts of the children of God. He knows it causes them weakness and is a source of dishonor to their God. He desires us to think that it is a vain thing to serve God, and that those who are unmindful of the claims of heaven are more favored than those who strive to obey the commandments of God.

“The psalmist David had this experience. When he looked upon the flourishing condition of the wicked he was envious of their success. … ‘Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. For all the day long have I been plagued.’ ” The Signs of the Times, February 3, 1888

2.b.  When, where, and how did the king see the final end of those who fear God contrasted with those who fear Him not? Psalm 73:16-17

Note: “When he [David] went into the sanctuary and communed with the Lord, he no longer desired the portion of the wicked; for then he understood their end. He saw that their way led to destruction at last, and their pleasure was but for a season. Envy had no more a place in his heart. His rebellious spirit bowed in humble submission to his God.” The Signs of the Times, February 3, 1888

2.c. In the sanctuary service, how did he contemplate the end of the wicked? Psalms 73:18-19,27; Psalms 75:8; Psalms 76:12. How did he also see the merciful hand of God extended to repentant sinners? Psalm 77:7–9,15

Tuesday

3 THE PSALMIST’S CONFESSION

3.a. What confession did David make after his eyes were opened? Psalm 73:21–26,28

Note: “He [David] saw that the guidance of the Lord was of infinitely more value than all the temporal prosperity of the world; for the way of the Lord kept the feet in the paths of righteousness that lead to eternal glory.” The Signs of the Times, February 3, 1888

3.b.  After the psalmist’s repentance and confession, what appeal came forth from his heart in the sanctuary? Psalm 74:3-4,7–10

3.c. What must we realize in order to escape the common temptation to envy the temporal prosperity of ungodly people? Psalm 77:1–3

Note: “Yielding to temptation begins in permitting the mind to waver, to be inconstant in your trust in God. If we do not choose to give ourselves fully to God then we are in darkness. When we make any reserve we are leaving open a door through which Satan can enter to lead us astray by his temptations. He knows that if he can obscure our vision, so that the eye of faith cannot see God, there will be no barrier against sin.” Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 92

“The warfare between good and evil has not grown less fierce than it was in the days of the Saviour. The path to heaven is no smoother now than it was then. All our sins must be put away. Every darling indulgence that hinders our spiritual progress must be cut off. The right eye or the right hand must be sacrificed if it causes us to offend. Are we willing to renounce our own wisdom and to receive the kingdom of heaven as a little child? Are we willing to part with our self-righteousness? Are we willing to sacrifice the approbation of men? The prize of eternal life is of infinite value. Are we willing to welcome the Holy Spirit’s aid, and cooperate with it, putting forth efforts and making sacrifices proportionate to the value of the object to be obtained?” Messages to Young People, 56

“Against every evildoer God’s law utters condemnation. He may disregard that voice, he may seek to drown its warning, but in vain. It follows him. It makes itself heard. It destroys his peace. … A quenchless fire, it consumes at last soul and body.” Education, 144, 145

Wednesday

4 THE PREDOMINANT CONCERN

4.a. After returning to God with repentance and confession, what was the psalmist’s main concern? Psalms 74:18–23; Psalms 79:1. What reveals the loving nature of God’s justice in behalf of His children?

Note: “God cannot be excluded from any transaction in which the rights of His children are concerned. Over every one that is serving Him in sincerity, His hand is spread as a buckler. None can wound the humblest disciple of Jesus without smiting that hand which holds the sword of justice.” The Signs of the Times, December 20, 1883

4.b.  By looking to the sanctuary (in Psalms 76:2 and Psalms 77:13), how did the psalmist plead for mercy and help—and why ought we to echo these sentiments? Psalms 79:8–10; Psalms 80:1, 3

Note: “When I think how strong we might be if we would take hold of the strength of the Mighty One, and then see how weak we are because we do not claim the promises of God, my soul cries out in anguish, ‘Spare Thy people, O Lord, and give not Thine heritage to reproach;’ ‘wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?’

“There are among us many who profess the truth but who refuse to be crucified with Christ. The Author of our salvation labored and suffered for us. His whole life was one long scene of toil and privation. He could have done as many of His professed followers choose to do; He could have passed His days on earth in ease and plenty, and appropriated to Himself all the pleasures and enjoyments of this life. But He sought not His own comfort or gratification; He lived to do good, to save others from shame, suffering, and ruin.” The Signs of the Times, September 27, 1883

“We want to be sure that we are the children of light; that we are following in the footsteps of our Redeemer and Example. The cross lies in our pathway, but shall we not take it up and bear it for His sake who bore the cross for us? All who are seeking to serve God will have trials; but shall we say, What does it profit to come out from the world and be separate? …

“There must be a coming up, lest Satan divert the mind from the contemplation of the spiritual and eternal, to the earthly and temporal. God is willing to give you grace and strength for every time of need, if you seek for it with a sincere heart.” Ibid., February 3, 1888

Thursday

5 THE ONLY HOPE FOR FALLEN HUMANITY

5.a. Why should we share the concern of the psalmist who was perplexed by doubt? Psalm 119:53, 126; Ecclesiastes 12:14

Note: “For certain things, fasting and prayer are recommended and appropriate. In the hand of God they are a means of cleansing the heart and promoting a receptive frame of mind. We obtain answers to our prayers because we humble our souls before God.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 187, 188

5.b. What should we do when we send our petitions to the One who is looking down from His throne in the sanctuary as described in Psalm 102:1-20? Revelation 3:20; Hebrews 12:25. What happens when we harden our hearts against the influence of the Holy Spirit?

Note: “Every time you refuse to listen to the message of mercy, you strengthen yourself in unbelief. Every time you fail to open the door of your heart to Christ, you become more and more unwilling to listen to the voice of Him that speaketh.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 237

5.c. What lesson should we learn from the apostle Paul’s struggling against evil? 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1     What are the only two possibilities between which every person must choose his or her destiny?

2     What thoughts almost led the psalmist into perdition?

3     When and where did he wake up to his error? What confession did he make?

4     What was the psalmist’s main concern after his repentance? Why should we share his concern?

5     How did the apostle Paul describe his struggle against sin? What is the only hope for fallen humanity?

Copyright 2010, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

The Symbol of God’s Presence Returns to Israel

by

Light For Today From the Sanctuary Service

July 28 – August 3, 2024

Key Text

“And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners, saying, ‘What shall we do with the ark of the Lord?’ ” 1 Samuel 6:2, first part

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 586–591

Introduction

“For seven long months the ark remained in Philistia. During all this time the Israelites made no attempt to recover the symbol of Jehovah’s presence. But the Philistines were now as anxious to free themselves from its power as they had been to obtain it.” The Signs of the Times, January 12, 1882

Sunday

1 THE ARK SENT BACK

1.a. When the Philistines realized they had offended the God of Israel by taking the ark of the covenant—the symbol of the divine presence—what did they decide to do? 1 Samuel 6:1–3

 Note: “It was in accordance with the prevailing superstition that the Philistine lords directed the people to make representations of the plagues by which they had been afflicted.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 587

1.b.  How was the ark returned to the land and the people of Israel? Summarize the event described in 1 Samuel 6:7–9, 14, 15.

1.c. For lack of due respect for the emblem of God’s presence, why was the punishment harder on the Israelites than on the Philistines? 1 Samuel 6:19, 20; James 4:17

Note: “The Philistines, who had not a knowledge of God’s law, had placed the ark upon a cart when they returned it to Israel, and the Lord accepted the effort which they made. But the Israelites had in their hands a plain statement of the will of God in all these matters, and their neglect of these instructions was dishonoring to God.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 706

Monday

2 THE ARK MOVED TO KIRJATH-JEARIM

2.a. As the survivors in Beth-shemesh were afraid to have the ark of God in their midst, to what other place did they send it? How long did it stay there? In the meantime, what were the people of Israel led to do and why? 1 Samuel 6:21; 7:1, 2

2.b.  What did Samuel—the high priest, prophet, and judge—instruct the people to do as a first step out of the difficult situation caused by apostasy? 1 Samuel 7:3. How is this a lesson for us today?

Note: “As God’s purchased possession, we are under contract to work as Christ worked in His divine service, not in accordance with our natural inclinations, but in harmony with the Spirit of God. But the lives of men, as the gospel finds them, are full of sin. By yielding to temptation, they have weakened their power to obey. Their hearts are ‘deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.’ They are dead in trespasses and sins, and in their own strength they can do no good.

“In order to serve God acceptably, we must be ‘born again.’ Our natural dispositions, which are in opposition to the Spirit of God, must be put away. We must be made new men and women in Christ Jesus. Our old, unrenewed lives must give place to a new life—a life full of love, of trust, of willing obedience. … Unless the change takes place, we cannot serve God aright. Our work will be defective; earthly plans will be brought in; strange fire, dishonoring to God, will be offered. Our lives will be unholy and unhappy, full of unrest and trouble.

“The change of heart represented by the new birth can be brought about only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit. It alone can cleanse us from all impurity. If it is allowed to mold and fashion our hearts, we shall be able to discern the character of the kingdom of God, and realize the necessity of the change which must be made before we can obtain entrance to this kingdom. Pride and self-love resist the Spirit of God; every natural inclination of the soul opposes the change from self-importance and pride to the meekness and lowliness of Christ. But if we would travel in the pathway to eternal life, we must not listen to the whispering of self.” The Youth’s Instructor, September 9, 1897

Tuesday

3 THE ARK ON ITS WAY TO JERUSALEM

3.a. When David was established on the throne of Israel, what did he decide to do about the ark of God? 1 Chronicles 13:1–6

Note: “David summoned thirty thousand of the leading men of Israel, for it was his purpose to make the occasion a scene of great rejoicing and imposing display. The people responded gladly to the call. The high priest, with his brethren in sacred office and the princes and leading men of the tribes, assembled at Kirjath-jearim. David was aglow with holy zeal. The ark was brought out from the house of Abinadab and placed upon a new cart drawn by oxen, while two of the sons of Abinadab attended it.

“The men of Israel followed with exultant shouts and songs of rejoicing, a multitude of voices joining in melody with the sound of musical instruments; ‘David and all the house of Israel played before the Lord … on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.’ It had been long since Israel had witnessed such a scene of triumph. With solemn gladness the vast procession wound its way along the hills and valleys toward the Holy City.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 704, 705

3.b.  What happened on the way as David and the people were transporting the ark of God? 2 Samuel 6:5–10

Note: “A sudden terror fell upon the rejoicing throng. David was astonished and greatly alarmed, and in his heart he questioned the justice of God. He had been seeking to honor the ark as the symbol of the divine presence. Why, then, had that fearful judgment been sent to turn the season of gladness into an occasion of grief and mourning? …

“The fate of Uzzah was a divine judgment upon the violation of a most explicit command. Through Moses the Lord had given special instruction concerning the transportation of the ark. None but the priests, the descendants of Aaron, were to touch it, or even to look upon it uncovered. … Thus in the bringing of the ark from Kirjath-jearim there had been a direct and inexcusable disregard of the Lord’s directions.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 705

Wednesday

4 THE ARK IN THE HOUSE OF OBED-EDOM

4.a. While the ark rested in the house of Obed-edom, and while David had time to examine his own heart, why was the attention of all Israel directed to Obed-edom and his household? 2 Samuel 6:11

Note: “Feeling that his own heart was not wholly right with God, David, seeing the stroke upon Uzzah, had feared the ark, lest some sin on his part should bring judgments upon him. …

“Upon David the divine rebuke accomplished its work. He was led to realize as he had never realized before the sacredness of the law of God and the necessity of strict obedience. The favor shown to the house of Obed-edom led David again to hope that the ark might bring a blessing to him and to his people.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 706

4.b.  What should we learn from the blessing that came upon Obed-edom? Psalm 89:13–17

Note: “Let us pray for the blessing of Christ’s abiding presence in our homes. Let us take time to teach our children lessons of faith and trust in Him. We may think that by so doing we are neglecting our business, but are we? We never lose by taking time to seek God for His blessing.” The Signs of the Times, March 3, 1909

4.c. What was done with the ark after a period of three months? 2 Samuel 6:12, 17; 1 Chronicles 15:1–3

Note: “At the end of three months he [David] resolved to make another attempt to remove the ark, and he now gave earnest heed to carry out in every particular the directions of the Lord. Again the chief men of the nation were summoned, and a vast assemblage gathered about the dwelling place of the Gittite. With reverent care the ark was now placed upon the shoulders of men of divine appointment, the multitude fell into line, and with trembling hearts the vast procession again set forth. After advancing six paces the trumpet sounded a halt. By David’s direction sacrifices of ‘oxen and fatlings’ were to be offered. Rejoicing now took the place of trembling and terror.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 706

Thursday

5 THE ARK BROUGHT TO JERUSALEM

5.a. As the procession following the ark approached the capital city, what song was heard from hundreds of voices? Psalm 24:7–10

Note: “The triumphal procession approached the capital, following the sacred symbol of their invisible King. Then a burst of song demanded of the watchers upon the walls that the gates of the Holy City should be thrown open: ‘Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.’ A band of singers and players answered: ‘Who is this King of glory?’ From another company came the response: ‘The Lord strong and mighty, The Lord mighty in battle.’ Then hundreds of voices, uniting, swelled the triumphal chorus: ‘Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.’ Again the joyful interrogation was heard, ‘Who is this King of glory?’ And the voice of the great multitude, like ‘the sound of many waters,’ was heard in the rapturous reply: ‘The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory.’ Psalm 24:7–10.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 707

5.b.  What effect did the bringing of the ark of God have upon the people? 1 Chronicles 16:7, 30–36

Note: “The solemn ceremonies attending the removal of the ark had made a lasting impression upon the people of Israel, arousing a deeper interest in the sanctuary service and kindling anew their zeal for Jehovah. David endeavored by every means in his power to deepen these impressions. The service of song was made a regular part of religious worship, and David composed psalms, not only for the use of the priests in the sanctuary service, but also to be sung by the people in their journeys to the national altar at the annual feasts. The influence thus exerted was far-reaching, and it resulted in freeing the nation from idolatry.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 711

5.c. In the plan of God, what kind of “weapons” should Israel have employed to conquer the neighboring nations? Deuteronomy 1:30; 3:21, 22; 2 Chronicles 20:21, 22

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1     Why did the Philistines decide to return the ark of God to Israel?

2     What difference did God make between Jews and Gentiles when punishing those who tampered with the ark? Why such a difference?

3     On what condition would God protect Israel from their enemies?

4     What reception was made for the arrival of the ark in Jerusalem?

5     What was the main “weapon” Israel needed in order to dominate other nations? What has always been more important than the sword?

Copyright 2010, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

Recipe – Pow Wow Potatoes

by

Potato – Oh, We Love It

The potato. Oh, how we love it. Season it with herbs, fry it, bake it, roast it, or mash it. Make it into fries, hash browns, tater tots, or potato chips. I can’t imagine any other food item that is more versatile. The potato is a starchy root vegetable of the nightshade family, native to the Americas. The English word potato comes from the Spanish word patata, which is used in Spain.

The origin of the potato has been traced back to the region of modern-day Peru and northwest Bolivia, with the earliest archaeological evidence dating back to 2,500 BC. The potato made its way to Europe on the ships of returning Spaniards after the conquest of the Inca Empire. After 1750 it became an important food staple and field crop, and played a major role in Europe’s 19th century population boom.

Then, there were not as many varieties of potato as there are today, leaving the potato vulnerable to disease. From 1845–1852, the Great Irish Famine was caused by a plant disease known as late or potato blight, spreading rapidly throughout western Ireland and parts of the Scottish Highlands. Crops were devastated and resulted in starvation and disease. Roughly one million people died and, ultimately, 2.1 million people left Ireland.

Today there are 5,000 cultivated potato varieties around the world—3,000 are found in the Andes, mainly in Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, and Colombia—and 200 wild species and subspecies. Whichever is your favorite, the potato certainly holds a top spot on the dining room table.

Source: wikipedia.org/wiki/Potato; Wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Famine_(Ireland)

Recipe – Pow Wow Potatoes

Ingredients

5 or 6 potatoes

1-2 Tbs. olive oil

Garlic & herbal seasoning

Nutritional yeast

Braggs Liquid Aminos

Process

Cut the potatoes into large French fries, or a desired size, leaving the skin on. Place in a mixing bowl, mix lightly with olive oil, and sprinkle with garlic & herbal seasoning to taste. Then sprinkle with a light coating of nutritional yeast flakes.

Stir to coat evenly. Dribble sparingly with Braggs Liquid Aminos. Do not salt the mix. Spread the potatoes evenly over parchment paper or on a non-stick baking sheet.

Preheat the oven to 400°F, and bake for about 20 minutes—a little longer if the potatoes were cut into larger pieces. Remove from oven when golden, light brown.