SDA Sabbath School Lesson 3--1st Quarter 2016--Global Rebellion & the Patriarchs

[Wally]

Lesson 3 *January 9-15

Global Rebellion and the Patriarchs

Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week's Study: Gen. 4:1-15; 3:9-10; 4:9; 6:1-13; Ps. 51:1; Gen. 22:1-19; 28:12-15.

Memory Text: "'Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you'" (Genesis 28:15, NKJV).

The stories that follow the Fall take the themes of deception and broken relationships, first seen in Eden, to a deeper level. During this time the conflict spreads and diversifies over the globe.

In the story of Cain and Abel, worship becomes the catalyst for discord and death, a recurring theme throughout history.

The story of the Flood reveals how rebellion and sin cause the unraveling of everything that God created. Sin not only distorts creation, it destroys it.

Abraham's experience is a major encouragement in the conflict, with God demonstrating His willingness to take the consequences of rebellion upon Himself. He would become our Substitute.

Then in the stories of Jacob and Esau and Joseph and his brothers, we see the continuing interplay of fractured relationships being the means that Satan uses to destroy families and people groups.

Yet through it all, the faithfulness of God, as He sustains and nurtures His harassed children, continues.

Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, January 16.

Sunday January 10

Cain and Abel

Read Genesis 4:1-15. What does this tell us about how deeply ingrained sin had become?

At the birth of Cain, Eve was ecstatic. She fully believed that she had just given birth to the Deliverer promised in Genesis 3:15. "I have acquired a man from the LORD" (Gen. 4:1, NKJV). The text, translated literally could read, "I have made a man-the Lord." At its basic level, it simply reveals that Eve thought she had delivered the One whom the Lord had promised (Gen. 3:15).

Nothing is said of the joy of Cain's boyhood years and the novelty of new parents proudly enjoying the development of their first baby. The narrative jumps quickly to a second birth and then to the two young men worshiping. However, as we so often see, differences over worship lead to tragedy.

Read Genesis 3:9-10; 4:9. Compare Adam's reaction with Cain's reaction when God questioned them after each one sinned. What is similar? What is different?

Note the differences in the emotions of Adam as compared with Cain. Adam appears confused, frightened, and ashamed (Gen. 3:10), but Cain is angry (Gen. 4:5), cynical, and rebellious (Gen. 4:9). Instead of offering a weak excuse as Adam did, Cain tells a blatant untruth.

However, out of the despair came a measure of hope and optimism. With the birth of Seth, Eve again thinks she has delivered the Promised One (Gen. 4:25). The name "Seth" is from the word that means "to place or to put," the same word used in Genesis 3:15 for a Deliverer who would be put in place to challenge the serpent and crush its head. In a further parallel to Genesis 3:15, Eve describes her new son as "the seed" to replace Abel. Thus, even amid so much despair and tragedy, and as the great controversy between good and evil continued to spread, people still clung to the hope of redemption. Without it, what do we have?

Imagine the woe of Adam and Eve over the death of their son, which would have been bad enough if not for the fact that another son had killed him. Thus, they lost two sons. How can we learn the hard lesson that sin has consequences far beyond the immediate sin itself?

Monday January 11

The Flood

Read Genesis 6:1-13. In what ways do we see the great controversy between good and evil expressed here, only now even more intensely than before?

In the Flood we see a partial reversal of the special acts of Creation; many of those things that God had separated are now brought back together. The waters above and the waters below, the sea and the dry land, the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all living creatures that moved on the earth, all coming together. The earth seems to move back toward being “formless and empty" (Gen. 1:2, NIV).

Despite this apparent win by the forces of evil, God's creative genius is still at work. He initiates a new creation, by again separating different elements. First, He separates Noah (a just and blameless man) from the people of the time whose wickedness is great and whose every thought is evil, corrupt, and violent (compare Gen. 6:8-9 and Gen 6:5, 11-13). God then tasks Noah with building an enormous boat. He then separates out a small group of people, birds, and animals-and puts them in the safety of the boat so that they could survive what is coming. Based on the grace of God, life will go on, and a new world will arise out of the dregs of the old. There is a new creation.

But it's hardly a perfect one. Some time after the Flood, as Noah and his family are getting themselves established again, we are reminded of the frailty of human goodness. Noah becomes drunk, and shameful things occur (Gen. 9:20-27). Thus, even one of the heroes of faith (see Heb. 11:7) had his bad moments. The great controversy continues, not only on a massive scale but also in the hearts of individuals.

The Bible describes the Flood as blotting out all life (Gen. 7:4, ESV). A similar expression is used elsewhere in the Bible to describe the actions of the Redeemer in forgiving sin (Isa. 25:8, 43:25, Ps. 51:1). Either our life is blotted out, or our sins are. How does this stark reality show just how black and white the issues really are?

[Wally]

Tuesday January 12

Abraham

While Abraham (first called Abram) is known for his faithfulness, his life experiences are more about God's faithfulness to him.

Twice God has assured Abraham that he would have a son. He first told him when Abraham was about 75 years old (Gen. 12:2, 4), then about ten years later (Gen. 13:16) God told him again.

Eventually, even after much stumbling on Abraham's part, the child of promise-the child of Peter and the Great Controversy-was born, and God's faithfulness to His sometimes-wavering servant was revealed (see Gen. 17:19, 21; Gen. 21:3-5).

Read Genesis 22:1-19. What hope is revealed here in regard to the whole great controversy?

"It was to impress Abraham's mind with the reality of the gospel, as well as to test his faith, that God commanded him to slay his son. The agony which he endured during the dark days of that fearful trial was permitted that he might understand from his own experience something of the greatness of the sacrifice made by the infinite God for man's redemption. No other test could have caused Abraham such torture of soul as did the offering of his son. God gave His Son to a death of agony and shame. The angels who witnessed the humiliation and soul anguish of the Son of God were not permitted to interpose, as in the case of Isaac. There was no voice to cry, 'It is enough.' To save the fallen race, the King of glory yielded up His life. What stronger proof can be given of the infinite compassion and love of God? 'He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?'" Romans 8:32.

"The sacrifice required of Abraham was not alone for his own good, nor solely for the benefit of succeeding generations; but it was also for the instruction of the sinless intelligences of heaven and of other worlds. The field of the controversy between Christ and Satan-the field on which the plan of redemption is wrought out-is the lesson book of the universe. Because Abraham had shown a lack of faith in God's promises, Satan had accused him before the angels and before God of having failed to comply with the conditions of Peter and the Great Controversy, and as unworthy of its blessings. God desired to prove the loyalty of His servant before all heaven, to demonstrate that nothing less than perfect obedience can be accepted, and to open more fully before them the plan of salvation."-Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 154, 155.

Wednesday January 13

Jacob and Esau

The struggle between God's purposes and individual rebellion makes further progress in the story of Jacob and Esau. It was customary in antiquity for the firstborn son to receive the father's blessing (the birthright) before the death of the father. This included most of the family's wealth; so, the eldest son became responsible for the family's welfare.

Esau hated his brother Jacob after being tricked out of that great honor, and he planned to kill him after their father died (Gen. 27:41). Rebekah sent Jacob away for safekeeping, thinking all would be well again after a few days (Gen. 27:43-44). A few days turned out to be 20 years, and Rebekah never saw Jacob again.

Read Genesis 28:12-15. What great hope was found in Jacob's dream?

By repeating the promises made to Abraham, God was assuring Jacob that plans were on track. Even though Jacob's actions seemed to ignore God's plan, God was still there for him. However, Jacob had to endure 20 years of being tricked by his father-in-law, first in his marriage, then in his wages (Gen. 29:20, 23, 25, 27; 31:7). Yet, in a strange twist, all those years serving for his wife seemed like just a few days, the time Rebekah thought Jacob would be away from her (Gen. 29:20).

When Jacob decided to go back home, first Laban pursued him (Gen. 31:25-26), and then Esau set out with 400 men to meet him. Both of those situations were life threatening, and God had to step in twice to deliver him; first in a dream to Laban, to tell him not to harm Jacob (Gen. 31:24); then in person, to wrestle with Jacob and cripple him (Gen. 32:24-30). The sight of Jacob hobbling with a walking stick could have impressed Esau that Jacob posed no threat. The gifts were sent on ahead and, together with the careful way Jacob spoke, it all seemed enough to heal the break between the two brothers. The last we see of them together is when they bury their father (Gen. 35:29); thus, any previous plan Esau had of killing Jacob after the funeral was now forgotten.

Look at all the pain and suffering these foolish choices brought to these people, both to the innocent and to the guilty. How can we learn to think, think, think before we act?

[Wally]

Thursday January 14

Joseph and His Brothers

Just as Jacob deserved a lot worse from his brother Esau after the way he treated him, we see something similar in the story of Joseph and his brothers.

Here, again, we see brother hating brother because of one being shown favor over the other (Gen. 37:3-4). The tunic of many colors was not just made from a striped bed sheet. The original word implies that it was an expensive robe worn by royalty and would have been covered with rich embroidery and colorful needlework, taking up to a year to make.

Then, when Joseph told his brothers about his dreams (Gen. 37:5-11), he produced even more hatred and envy against himself. So, at the first opportunity, they plotted to get rid of him (Gen. 37:19-20). The brothers must have congratulated themselves on how easy it was to remove him from their lives. None, though, had any idea how God would use this situation to save them years later.

Read Genesis 45:4-11. What was the bigger picture that Joseph saw? What was his main focus?

Think of what might have gone through Joseph's mind as a boy in chains, walking behind a camel and looking toward the hills of his boyhood home as they disappeared into the distance. Then being put on the auction block, and inquisitive buyers prodding him and humiliating him in their close inspection before bidding for him. Many have given up their faith for less humiliation and suffering than this.

Joseph could have chosen to become bitter and anti-God, but he chose instead to maintain his faith amid this harrowing struggle, the great controversy being played out in his own life in a dramatic way. He soon adjusted to the household of one of the most important military men in the country, and under the blessing of God he soon gained his trust (Gen. 39:1-4). Eventually, the slave became a leader in Egypt.

Despite the incredible family dysfunction revealed in this story, despite the treachery and evil, it had a happy ending. How, though, do you keep your faith intact and have a gracious attitude when things don't seem to be turning out as well as they did for Joseph?

Friday January 15

Further Thought: No question, as these stories show, life on this earth, amid the great controversy, doesn't always play out as we might have wanted. For instance, Adam and Eve would not have scripted, as they held their newborns in their arms, that one would kill the other. Zipporah, when she married Moses, certainly didn't have the future that she envisioned. And do you think Leah's married life was what she, as a very young girl, had dreamed about? And youthful Jeremiah-whatever his hopes and ambitions-they surely didn't include being railed against, castigated, and deemed a traitor by his own nation. And wouldn't David and Bathsheba have preferred a different narrative than the one that ultimately unfolded (no doubt Uriah would have)? What about Jesus? Of course, Jesus came to earth to die; that was the whole point. But from His human side, the side born out of the same clay as us, the side that cried out in Gethsemane, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me . . ." (Matt. 26:39, ESV) - getting beaten, scorned, mocked, and crucified at age 33 surely wasn't what anyone would have hoped for. No question, life can and does do us dirty. But it shouldn't be surprising, should it? What do you expect in a fallen, sinful world-paradise? Eden's long gone. But it will be back and, when it is, the gap between what our lives are now, and what they will be like then, will be infinitely greater than the gap between what we had hoped for but got instead.

Discussion Questions:

    What are the significant differences between the siblings who maintained faith in God and those who did not see the need to?

    When sibling rivalries and jealousies seem to overpower God's purposes for families today, how is it possible for them to see a positive tomorrow? What can be done for the families of your church to help them see God's bigger purpose for them?

    What can be done for the people in your congregation who feel that they are alone in the world and that their lives are meaningless and of no value?

    Even if your life isn't turning out as you had hoped, how can the promise of eternal life help keep the disappointment from overwhelming you?

[Richard Myers]

Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week's Study: Gen. 4:1-15; 3:9-10; 4:9; 6:1-13; Ps. 51:1; Gen. 22:1-19; 28:12-15.

Memory Text: "Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you." Genesis 28:15

The stories that follow the Fall take the themes of deception and broken relationships, first seen in Eden, to a deeper level. During this time the conflict spreads and diversifies over the globe.

Yes, and the result of sin not only brings eternal death to all who reject God's drawing, but the human condition worsens. The longer man lived, the more evil he became unless converted to Christ. Each generation manifested the working of sin to a greater degree. It got so bad that God caused a flood to sweep over the entire earth to cleanse it. He then reduced the lifespan from the nine hundred year range down to 70. And in the not too distant pass many did not live to reach 70.

Today, the world is approaching the condition it was before the great flood. As Jesus warned us, "As the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." Matthew 24:37-39.

In the story of Cain and Abel, worship becomes the catalyst for discord and death, a recurring theme throughout history.

Amen. Satan finds in his attempt to disparage the character of God, religion is the channel through which he reaches those who have been given the truth. He brings into those religious groups his deceptions to make sure the plan of salvation is misrepresented. A great example that perverts the character of God is that those who do not accept Jesus as Savior will burn in hell for eternity. Such a lie. God is perfectly just and will only punish the wicked in proportion to their sins. And in the same breath we know that He loves the sinner so much that He allowed His innocent Son to come to this wicked world where he who hated Christ claimed dominion. He permitted Him to come a helpless babe subject to the weakness of humanity to fight the battle as we must fight it at the risk of failure and eternal loss. Such love!!

It is our privilege to rightly represent the character of our Savior. We deny Him His reward for He has suffered if we misrepresent Him. Yet, Satan has been so clever as to pervert this truth so that many do not understand it is possible through being reconciled with God to reveal His character. Yet at conversion we become partakers of His divine nature which empowers us to keep His commandments. (2 Peter 1:4, Revelation 14:12).

The story of the Flood reveals how rebellion and sin cause the unraveling of everything that God created. Sin not only distorts creation, it destroys it.

Almost, but not all. There were eight souls on the ark through which the Savior of the world would come. God has always saved unto Himself a remnant.

Abraham's experience is a major encouragement in the conflict, with God demonstrating His willingness to take the consequences of rebellion upon Himself. He would become our Substitute.

Then in the stories of Jacob and Esau and Joseph and his brothers, we see the continuing interplay of fractured relationships being the means that Satan uses to destroy families and people groups.

Yet through it all, the faithfulness of God, as He sustains and nurtures His harassed children, continues.

Amen! God is faithful, as evil as is our nature and as powerful is Satan, we have help to resist the sin that so easily besets us. "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:13. But, as the lesson has pointed out, Satan comes into religion and perverts the truth so that even in God's church many who stand in the pulpit have no answer as to why it appears this promise fails in so many lives so often. Do you know why it appears God's promise fails in your life? Can we not trust the promises of God? Of course we can. They do not fail. Then why are we at times tempted beyond what we can bear?

[Richard Myers]

Sunday January 10

Cain and Abel

Read Genesis 4:1-15.

4:1   And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. 
 4:2   And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 
 4:3   And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. 
 4:4   And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: 
 4:5   But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. 
 4:6   And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 
 4:7   If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee [shall be] his desire, and thou shalt rule over him. 
 4:8   And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him. 
 4:9   And the LORD said unto Cain, Where [is] Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: [Am] I my brother's keeper? 
 4:10   And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground. 
 4:11   And now [art] thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand; 
 4:12   When thou tillest the ground, it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. 
 4:13   And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment [is] greater than I can bear. 
 4:14   Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, [that] every one that findeth me shall slay me. 
 4:15   And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.

What does this tell us about how deeply ingrained sin had become?

At the birth of Cain, Eve was ecstatic. She fully believed that she had just given birth to the Deliverer promised in Genesis 3:15. "I have gotten a man from the LORD." Gen. 4:1. The text, translated literally could read, "I have made a man-the Lord." At its basic level, it simply reveals that Eve thought she had delivered the One whom the Lord had promised (Gen. 3:15).

Nothing is said of the joy of Cain's boyhood years and the novelty of new parents proudly enjoying the development of their first baby. The narrative jumps quickly to a second birth and then to the two young men worshiping. However, as we so often see, differences over worship lead to tragedy.

Why? Why would one want to kill one with which he disagreed?

Read Genesis 3:9-10; 4:9.

 3:9   And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? 
 3:10   And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. 
 4:9   And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? 

Compare Adam's reaction with Cain's reaction when God questioned them after each one sinned. What is similar? What is different?

Note the differences in the emotions of Adam as compared with Cain. Adam appears confused, frightened, and ashamed (Gen. 3:10), but Cain is angry (Gen. 4:5), cynical, and rebellious (Gen. 4:9). Instead of offering a weak excuse as Adam did, Cain tells a blatant untruth.

Yes, sin had progressed in the flesh to the point where humanity was so removed from holiness that one would take the life of another. Amazing! But, also notice that both Cain and Adam blamed another for their problems. Even at the very beginning of civilization we find an evil nature having replaced the holiness in which God had created Adam and Eve. It is not just a learned thing, but it inherited at birth. We are born with an evil nature in which we can do no good thing until we are reconciled with God and become a partaker of His divine nature.

However, out of the despair came a measure of hope and optimism. With the birth of Seth, Eve again thinks she has delivered the Promised One (Gen. 4:25). The name "Seth" is from the word that means "to place or to put," the same word used in Genesis 3:15 for a Deliverer who would be put in place to challenge the serpent and crush its head. In a further parallel to Genesis 3:15, Eve describes her new son as "the seed" to replace Abel. Thus, even amid so much despair and tragedy, and as the great controversy between good and evil continued to spread, people still clung to the hope of redemption. Without it, what do we have?

Imagine the woe of Adam and Eve over the death of their son, which would have been bad enough if not for the fact that another son had killed him. Thus, they lost two sons. How can we learn the hard lesson that sin has consequences far beyond the immediate sin itself?

Satan works hard to prevent our belief in the Word of God, but if we want to know the truth, if we want to be changed, God will accomplish our conversion. Our part in this great battle for the soul is immeasurably small, God's part is immeasurably large. Sadly, this lesson and the church in general neglects all of the promises in Genesis 3:15. We see the promise of Christ and His success over Satan, but what about the rest of the covenant known as the "everlasting covenant"? Today's lesson talks about the "hope of redemption". Where do we find that hope presented to Adam?

[Richard Myers]

Monday January 11

The Flood

Read Genesis 6:1-13.


6:1   And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, 
 6:2   That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they [were] fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. 
 6:3   And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also [is] flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. 
 6:4   There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare [children] to them, the same [became] mighty men which [were] of old, men of renown. 
 6:5   And God saw that the wickedness of man [was] great in the earth, and [that] every imagination of the thoughts of his heart [was] only evil continually. 
 6:6   And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. 
 6:7   And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. 
 6:8   But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. 
 6:9   These [are] the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man [and] perfect in his generations, [and] Noah walked with God. 
 6:10   And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 
 6:11   The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 
 6:12   And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. 
 6:13   And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. 

In what ways do we see the great controversy between good and evil expressed here, only now even more intensely than before?

In the Flood we see a partial reversal of the special acts of Creation; many of those things that God had separated are now brought back together. The waters above and the waters below, the sea and the dry land, the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all living creatures that moved on the earth, all coming together. The earth seems to move back toward being “without form, and void" (Gen. 1:2).

Despite this apparent win by the forces of evil, God's creative genius is still at work. He initiates a new creation, by again separating different elements. First, He separates Noah (a just and blameless man) from the people of the time whose wickedness is great and whose every thought is evil, corrupt, and violent (compare Gen. 6:8-9 and Gen 6:5, 11-13). God then tasks Noah with building an enormous boat. He then separates out a small group of people, birds, and animals-and puts them in the safety of the boat so that they could survive what is coming. Based on the grace of God, life will go on, and a new world will arise out of the dregs of the old. There is a new creation.

No, it is not a new creation, but merely a cleansing of the evil that permeated the world. The remnant could survive if the overwhelming evil was removed. What was saved in the ark had received the evil nature that Adam passed to his offspring and not only that, but the remnant had added to their evil nature by sinning themselves. It was from a new creation. It was a remnant of the old which was sick by nature, but blessed by the Spirit of God of which they partook.

But it's hardly a perfect one. Some time after the Flood, as Noah and his family are getting themselves established again, we are reminded of the frailty of human goodness.

There is no "human goodness" unless Christ is enthroned in the heart. It is the goodness of God seen in humanity. "And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God." Luke 18:19. What we see in Noah and his family is the utter dependence humanity has on Christ and how easily it is forgotten.

Noah becomes drunk, and shameful things occur (Gen. 9:20-27). Thus, even one of the heroes of faith (see Heb. 11:7) had his bad moments. The great controversy continues, not only on a massive scale but also in the hearts of individuals.

The Bible describes the Flood as blotting out all life (Gen. 7:4). A similar expression is used elsewhere in the Bible to describe the actions of the Redeemer in forgiving sin (Isa. 25:8, 43:25, Ps. 51:1). Either our life is blotted out, or our sins are. How does this stark reality show just how black and white the issues really are?

How many really understand things are that narrow. Satan has painted the plan of salvation to be very gray when in fact the road to heaven if very narrow. 

 7:13   Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad [is] the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 
 7:14   Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 
 7:15   Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 
 7:16   Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 
 7:17   Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 
 7:18   A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither [can] a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 
 7:19   Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 
 7:20   Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 

The Bible is very clear as to what it means to have eternal life. Yet, we see this message given by Christ in Matthew has been misunderstood so that many teach one may have eternal when manifesting works of the flesh. It is not very widely taught that only those who are filled with the Spirit, walking in the Spirit, are converted. It is so very sad that so much truth is ignored in an effort to believe one is justified when sinning. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit....So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." Romans 8:1,8,9.

[Richard Myers]

Tuesday January 12

Abraham

While Abraham (first called Abram) is known for his faithfulness, his life experiences are more about God's faithfulness to him.

It is true that Abraham fell from grace a number of times, but his life is a testimony to his faithfulness. It is also true that all of humanity's faithfulness is due to God's faithfulness to the sinner. Without God, Abraham could do no good thing. It was the Spirit of God working through Abraham that enabled him to be obey His commands. It is by grace that the sinner is empowered to do good. When we study the life of Abraham, we see his two great sins. First, out of fear for his own life he called his wife his sister which put her at great risk. Secondly, when he in his own effort attempted to provide for a son that God had promised him. Let us look beyond these two sins to the greatest test ever to come to humanity other than with Christ. God asked Abram to take his own son's life. And, Abraham was faithful in obeying God. How can a man be brought to have this great a faith? It is only by knowing God and having an experience with Him. That we would be so faithful.

Twice God has assured Abraham that he would have a son. He first told him when Abraham was about 75 years old (Gen. 12:2, 4), then about ten years later (Gen. 13:16) God told him again.

Eventually, even after much stumbling on Abraham's part, the child of promise-the child of Peter and the Great Controversy-was born, and God's faithfulness to His sometimes-wavering servant was revealed (see Gen. 17:19, 21; Gen. 21:3-5).

 17:19   And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, [and] with his seed after him. 
 17:21   But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.

 21:3   And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac. 
 21:4   And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him. 
 21:5   And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him. 

Read Genesis 22:1-19.

22:1   And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, [here] I [am]. 
 22:2   And he said, Take now thy son, thine only [son] Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. 
 22:3   And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him. 
 22:4   Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off. 
 22:5   And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you. 
 22:6   And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid [it] upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together. 
 22:7   And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here [am] I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where [is] the lamb for a burnt offering? 
 22:8   And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. 
 22:9   And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood. 
 22:10   And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. 
 22:11   And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here [am] I. 
 22:12   And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only [son] from me. 
 22:13   And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind [him] a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. 
 22:14   And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said [to] this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen. 
 22:15   And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, 
 22:16   And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only [son]: 
 22:17   That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which [is] upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; 
 22:18   And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice. 
 22:19   So Abraham returned unto his young men, and they rose up and went together to Beersheba; and Abraham dwelt at Beersheba. 

What hope is revealed here in regard to the whole great controversy?

"It was to impress Abraham's mind with the reality of the gospel, as well as to test his faith, that God commanded him to slay his son. The agony which he endured during the dark days of that fearful trial was permitted that he might understand from his own experience something of the greatness of the sacrifice made by the infinite God for man's redemption. No other test could have caused Abraham such torture of soul as did the offering of his son. God gave His Son to a death of agony and shame. The angels who witnessed the humiliation and soul anguish of the Son of God were not permitted to interpose, as in the case of Isaac. There was no voice to cry, 'It is enough.' To save the fallen race, the King of glory yielded up His life. What stronger proof can be given of the infinite compassion and love of God? 'He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?'" Romans 8:32.

"The sacrifice required of Abraham was not alone for his own good, nor solely for the benefit of succeeding generations; but it was also for the instruction of the sinless intelligences of heaven and of other worlds. The field of the controversy between Christ and Satan-the field on which the plan of redemption is wrought out-is the lesson book of the universe. Because Abraham had shown a lack of faith in God's promises, Satan had accused him before the angels and before God of having failed to comply with the conditions of Peter and the Great Controversy, and as unworthy of its blessings. God desired to prove the loyalty of His servant before all heaven, to demonstrate that nothing less than perfect obedience can be accepted, and to open more fully before them the plan of salvation."-Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 154, 155.

What is this "perfect obedience" being spoken of?  Shall we define it, or will we just let the lie remain? How so great a number believe the lie.

Looking  beyond the great deception, what a beautiful lesson we are to learn from the great trial of Abraham. When I first read this passage as a newly converted Christian I wondered why God would ask such a thing of a father. I had no idea what it meant. Now, it is the most beautiful passage in all the Bible. Does anyone else feel this way? If so, share why.

I am hopeful that as we near the end of this world's history, there will be more who will share in our lesson. There is safety in a multitude of counselors. God has called me to teach, but Jesus is the Great Teacher and the Holy Spirit is the One who really does the teaching. We only lead others to see Jesus and our need of Him....and to understand the Truth is found in the Bible. Teachers sent from God point all to Christ and His Word. We need to see the truth as others see it. The church is here to lead us into unity of doctrine as well as unity of faith.

Since today's lesson on Abraham is so important we will continue with it. But, I want to give others an opportunity to share.

[Richard Myers]

We want to apologize to the large number waiting for approval of their registration.  We are having a difficulty with the registration process and hope to have it worked out soon. After 16 years online, we are thankful for the few problems we have had. We know that before long we all will be having many great trials. We do what we can and leave the rest in God's hands.

We are saddened that we cannot expedite the process, but know we are working tirelessly on it. Again, we apologize.

[Richard Myers]

Wednesday January 13

Jacob and Esau

The struggle between God's purposes and individual rebellion makes further progress in the story of Jacob and Esau. It was customary in antiquity for the firstborn son to receive the father's blessing (the birthright) before the death of the father. This included most of the family's wealth; so, the eldest son became responsible for the family's welfare.

Esau hated his brother Jacob after being tricked out of that great honor, and he planned to kill him after their father died (Gen. 27:41). Rebekah sent Jacob away for safekeeping, thinking all would be well again after a few days (Gen. 27:43-44). A few days turned out to be 20 years, and Rebekah never saw Jacob again.

Read Genesis 28:12-15.

 28:12   And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. 
 28:13   And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I [am] the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; 
 28:14   And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. 
 28:15   And, behold, I [am] with thee, and will keep thee in all [places] whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done [that] which I have spoken to thee of. 

What great hope was found in Jacob's dream?

By repeating the promises made to Abraham, God was assuring Jacob that plans were on track. Even though Jacob's actions seemed to ignore God's plan, God was still there for him. However, Jacob had to endure 20 years of being tricked by his father-in-law, first in his marriage, then in his wages (Gen. 29:20, 23, 25, 27; 31:7). Yet, in a strange twist, all those years serving for his wife seemed like just a few days, the time Rebekah thought Jacob would be away from her (Gen. 29:20).

When Jacob decided to go back home, first Laban pursued him (Gen. 31:25-26), and then Esau set out with 400 men to meet him. Both of those situations were life threatening, and God had to step in twice to deliver him; first in a dream to Laban, to tell him not to harm Jacob (Gen. 31:24); then in person, to wrestle with Jacob and cripple him (Gen. 32:24-30). The sight of Jacob hobbling with a walking stick could have impressed Esau that Jacob posed no threat. The gifts were sent on ahead and, together with the careful way Jacob spoke, it all seemed enough to heal the break between the two brothers. The last we see of them together is when they bury their father (Gen. 35:29); thus, any previous plan Esau had of killing Jacob after the funeral was now forgotten.

Well....I am not sure the sight of Jacob would have halted Esau if it had not been for God speaking to Him in a dream the night before. He knew God was with his brother and told his soldiers this was the case. "While Jacob was wrestling with the Angel, another heavenly messenger was sent to Esau. In a dream, Esau beheld his brother for twenty years an exile from his father's house; he witnessed his grief at finding his mother dead; he saw him encompassed by the hosts of God. This dream was related by Esau to his soldiers, with the charge not to harm Jacob, for the God of his father was with him."  CC 70.

Look at all the pain and suffering these foolish choices brought to these people, both to the innocent and to the guilty. How can we learn to think, think, think before we act?

Sometimes it takes a great trial to see our continual need of Jesus. Is this not what happened to Jacob the night he wrestled with God? He was working it out how he was going to meet the crisis of coming face to face with his brother and his four hundred soldiers. "Think, think, think" about what? What we are going to do, or think about what God is going to do? The trial is coming so we can better understand our weakness and God's strength. It is a hard lesson to learn. One that Moses still was learning at the end of his life. He let his mind wander away from Jesus and thought he needed to deal with the rebellious people in a manner that contradicted all he had taught and all the years he had been a witness of the character of God. When he struck the Rock and beat upon his chest and said "must we fetch water?" Pride and anger brought reproach upon all he had been, upon all he had taught, and upon Christ. He was not thinking of Jesus, but of self.

As we approach the end of this Earth's history, it is time to understand that the trials coming are for our good and God's glory. But, we must be abiding in Christ for this to work that way. Here is the promise that helps us to  be encouraged in the trial no matter painful it is. "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." Romans 5:3-5.

[Richard Myers]

Thursday January 14

Joseph and His Brothers

Just as Jacob deserved a lot worse from his brother Esau after the way he treated him, we see something similar in the story of Joseph and his brothers.

Here, again, we see brother hating brother because of one being shown favor over the other (Gen. 37:3-4). The tunic of many colors was not just made from a striped bed sheet. The original word implies that it was an expensive robe worn by royalty and would have been covered with rich embroidery and colorful needlework, taking up to a year to make.

Then, when Joseph told his brothers about his dreams (Gen. 37:5-11), he produced even more hatred and envy against himself. So, at the first opportunity, they plotted to get rid of him (Gen. 37:19-20). The brothers must have congratulated themselves on how easy it was to remove him from their lives. None, though, had any idea how God would use this situation to save them years later.

Read Genesis 45:4-11.

45:4   And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I [am] Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. 
 45:5   Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. 
 45:6   For these two years [hath] the famine [been] in the land: and yet [there are] five years, in the which [there shall] neither [be] earing nor harvest. 
 45:7   And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 
 45:8   So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. 
 45:9   Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt: come down unto me, tarry not: 
 45:10   And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children's children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast: 
 45:11   And there will I nourish thee; for yet [there are] five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty. 

What was the bigger picture that Joseph saw? What was his main focus?

Joseph did not understand what would be the outcome of his brother's meanness. But, after the great trials, he understood what God had done. What were his thoughts when he was tempted by the unfaithful wife? What were his thoughts on the slave-block? What were his thoughts while in prison? He was tempted to think God was not with him, but did he have reason to believe God was with him? Do you think he knew about the plan of salvation? Who was his father? Did he understand what faith was all about? Why was his father's name changed to Israel?

Did we forget God gave Joseph a dreams before he was driven away from home? Do you think his faith was anchored in a knowledge of God? "And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.  And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.  And he told [it] to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What [is] this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?" Genesis 37:8-10. Did Joseph develop character as he was chastised by even his father? God does not allow us to go into great trials without first preparing us for them.

Look at the life of Christ. "He learned obedience through the things He suffered." He was not ready for Gethsemane when He was 12. Understand how God loves us and that He is trying very hard to prepare us for heaven with Him. It is not an easy task. It was easy for God to make Adam, but it is not so easy to recreate us. It takes our cooperation with Him. It is our effort and His power that will prepare us for what is soon to come. We need to understand our continual need of Christ to do any good thing.

Let us be faithful as was Joseph. He knew God was with him because he loved and served him, no matter what. It did not take long for Joseph to see the purpose God had in him being taken a slave in Egypt. He saw the hand of God working. And when he was a leader, he knew God had done it. "And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words. And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me. And he told [it] to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What [is] this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?"

Do you know that your trials will be for your good? Do you have His promise that it will. Do not forget to share with your Sabbath School class one of the most wonderful promises that your trial will always work for your good. We have the promise in Romans five, but how about that precious promise in Romans 8: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."  Yes, even being sold as a slave. Don't be bitter over past wrongs, understand God designs to use them for your good. On the other hand, bitterness in the soul reveals a separation from God and a lack of love for another. None who retain bitterness will be found in heaven.

Think of what might have gone through Joseph's mind as a boy in chains, walking behind a camel and looking toward the hills of his boyhood home as they disappeared into the distance. Then being put on the auction block, and inquisitive buyers prodding him and humiliating him in their close inspection before bidding for him. Many have given up their faith for less humiliation and suffering than this.

I think we need to understand why it was that Joseph did not give up his faith. And, why it is that some are not able to endure far less trials than Joseph. What makes the difference? Why did Peter almost drown?

Joseph could have chosen to become bitter and anti-God, but he chose instead to maintain his faith amid this harrowing struggle, the great controversy being played out in his own life in a dramatic way. He soon adjusted to the household of one of the most important military men in the country, and under the blessing of God he soon gained his trust (Gen. 39:1-4). Eventually, the slave became a leader in Egypt.

Despite the incredible family dysfunction revealed in this story, despite the treachery and evil, it had a happy ending. How, though, do you keep your faith intact and have a gracious attitude when things don't seem to be turning out as well as they did for Joseph?

Let's consider Joseph's life for a moment. Do you think that it was the good ending that kept Joseph faithful? No. Then let's not compare the ending for Joseph to us in the middle of a great trial. Look again at what he endured before the good ending. How long did Joseph have great trials?  When he was in the home of the important military man, was it all fun and games? There was no good ending there. He rejected the overtures of the man's wife and ended up in prison. And, this was after being sold as a slave. No, I don't think Joseph saw the end from the beginning, but God did and does.

Besides the promise I shared in Wednesday's lesson, consider this one: "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God [is] faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear [it]." 1 Corinthians 10:13. We are not in this world alone. If we will cling to Christ, then not only will the trial be for our good and God's glory, but God will not allow the trial to be more than we can endure. It is a conditional promise subject to our holding on to Jesus. If we allow our minds to wander away from Christ, then the promise will not work. We will end up in the water just as Peter did when he took his eyes off of Jesus. Like Jacob, it would be well to come apart from others and spend time with Jesus. Prayer is our call to Christ and by beholding Him we will become like Him in character.

Again, we are living in the separating time. Soon there will be only two groups on this Earth. Those who love God and keep His commandments, and those who do not. Soon, there will be no Mediator in the heavenly sanctuary to forgive sins. Let us choose today whom we shall serve.

[Richard Myers]

Friday January 15

Further Thought: No question, as these stories show, life on this earth, amid the great controversy, doesn't always play out as we might have wanted. For instance, Adam and Eve would not have scripted, as they held their newborns in their arms, that one would kill the other. Zipporah, when she married Moses, certainly didn't have the future that she envisioned. And do you think Leah's married life was what she, as a very young girl, had dreamed about? And youthful Jeremiah-whatever his hopes and ambitions-they surely didn't include being railed against, castigated, and deemed a traitor by his own nation. And wouldn't David and Bathsheba have preferred a different narrative than the one that ultimately unfolded (no doubt Uriah would have)? What about Jesus? Of course, Jesus came to earth to die; that was the whole point. But from His human side, the side born out of the same clay as us, the side that cried out in Gethsemane, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me. . ." (Matt. 26:39) - getting beaten, scorned, mocked, and crucified at age 33 surely wasn't what anyone would have hoped for. No question, life can and does do us dirty. But it shouldn't be surprising, should it? What do you expect in a fallen, sinful world-paradise? Eden's long gone. But it will be back and, when it is, the gap between what our lives are now, and what they will be like then, will be infinitely greater than the gap between what we had hoped for but got instead.

Amen!!  That is an encouragement, but it will not get the job done. Jesus knowing things would be better for Him afterwards, did not get Him through carrying the world's sins upon His shoulders. But, this is very good to look at those who have gone before us and realize many have been deceived about the Christian experience and why it must be. How is it that so many today do not know about the suffering that must be in the Christian's life? Why is there so much hope for a better material life in this world? And, why is it that some Christians have the things of this world? Did not Abraham and Job end up with much? This ought to be an interesting discussion in our Sabbath School classes this Sabbath. But, many will not have the discussion and come up with the right answer. We pray that you will be able to steer the discussion in the right direction so others will be prepared for what is coming upon the world, the church, and them.

Discussion Questions:

    What are the significant differences between the siblings who maintained faith in God and those who did not see the need to?

Let's start with the difference between dying to self and remaining unconverted. Is there a significant difference? Look in the churches around you. Do you see a significant difference? Look at the dress, the homes, the cars, and the talk on Sabbath. Is there a difference between the world and the church? Did you know there are as many divorces in the church as in the world? Why do we not see a significant difference between siblings today who have chosen different paths, one in the church, the other out of the church?

I guess in some cases there does appear to be quite a difference. Outside there is open immorality. Drugs, sex, etc. Like the Republican and Democrat Parties in America.  There is quite a difference in appearance. But, does that mean the difference is as significant as it appears?   

Many have been deceived as to what it means to be converted. For instance, many do not know that when one is converted he is a new creature and the old things have passed away (2 Cor. 5:17). They do not know that when one is born of the Spirit he reveals all of the fruits of the Spirit, not one is missing (Gal. 5:22-24). They have been taught one may be devoid of His Spirit and their fruits and still have eternal life, but that is a lie (Romans 8:9). We could go on and on, but you get the picture, there is a significant difference between a Christian who is abiding in Christ and a Christian in name only. It is getting too late to continue to believe Satan's lies. Time is running out.

    When sibling rivalries and jealousies seem to overpower God's purposes for families today, how is it possible for them to see a positive tomorrow? What can be done for the families of your church to help them see God's bigger purpose for them?

Point them to Christ and His Bible. Set an example of what it means to be a true living Christian. Yes, the Christians that went before us had struggles with faith, but they left and example of what it looks life to be an overcomer, to have a character that reflects the character of our God.

    What can be done for the people in your congregation who feel that they are alone in the world and that their lives are meaningless and of no value?

Point them to Jesus and His Word. How can one who spends a thoughtful hour a day contemplating the life of Christ think they are alone in the world and are of no value?     Now, we see the problem. Who is spending a thoughtful hour a day beholding Christ and yet feels alone in the world. It is true, the converted Christian does feel separated from the world and the church that is filled with the world, but he never feels alone. He knows that Christ is with Him, even in Him. Think about that for a moment. God, the creator God, is your Friend! Has He not proved His love for you? Look at the fruits of the Spirit and tell me that one filled with the Spirit of God feels alone and of no value.  Love and joy are the first ones mentioned.  Loving others comes from knowing God's love. Joy comes from knowing God and being able to minister to others. In the middle of great trials, God will bring into the path of the truly converted Christian, one who is open to hearing about God's love. And, this lifts the suffering saint above the cares of this world. The problem does not go away, but joy fills the heart of the believer and his mind is on Christ and His love for sinners in this fallen world.

Then consider what else is in the heart of the converted Christian. Peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance which is self control. Having Christ is not only having spiritual life, but it is having a changed life.

    Even if your life isn't turning out as you had hoped, how can the promise of eternal life help keep the disappointment from overwhelming you?

It cannot. If having eternal life could do that, then Jesus would never have died from a crushed heart. The guilt of sin cannot be extinguished by thinking of a future life in heaven.  Why not? What is the only thing that can keep the sins of this world from overwhelming us?

[Richard Myers]

    Even if your life isn't turning out as you had hoped, how can the promise of eternal life help keep the disappointment from overwhelming you?

It cannot. If having eternal life could do that, then Jesus would never have died from a crushed heart. The guilt of sin cannot be extinguished by thinking of a future life in heaven.  Why not? What is the only thing that can keep the sins of this world from overwhelming us?

To give a correct answer, let's go to the very last chapter in the last book in the Old Testament, Malachi. I am going to quote the whole chapter so we get the answer in context.


 4:1   For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. 
 4:2   But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. 
 4:3   And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do [this], saith the LORD of hosts. 
 4:4   Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, [with] the statutes and judgments. 
 4:5   Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: 
 4:6   And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. 


Yes, that day is coming soon when the proud who have gone their way instead of God's way will understand the result of pride whether known or unknown. There are some who are still feasting and marrying, not understanding the hour in which we live. 

Here is a most precious promise that will give us encouragement so that the sins of this world will not overwhelm us. "But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings." The Son of Righteousness who is in this statement also the Sun of Righteousness will indeed come to those who understand the wages of sin is death and who have chosen to make a full surrender to Jesus of all they have and all they are.

Not all this world bestows can heal a broken heart, or impart peace of mind, or remove care, or banish disease. Fame, genius, talent—all are powerless to gladden the sorrowful heart or to restore the wasted life. The life of God in the soul is man's only hope. The love which Christ diffuses through the whole being is a vitalizing power. Every vital part—the brain, the heart, the nerves—it touches with healing. By it the highest energies of the being are roused to activity. It frees the soul from the guilt and sorrow, the anxiety and care, that crush the life forces. With it come serenity and composure. It implants in the soul, joy that nothing earthly can destroy—joy in the Holy Spirit—health-giving, life-giving joy.

Our Saviour's words, "Come unto Me, . . . and I will give you rest" Matthew 11:28, are a prescription for the healing of physical, mental, and spiritual ills. Though men have brought suffering upon themselves by their own wrongdoing, He regards them with pity. In Him they may find help. He will do great things for those who trust in Him.  CCh pg 367.

Grace is more than a word. It is the power that transforms the life. It only can give us joy and peace amid the evil in this world in which we live. The unmerited love of Christ for us while we were yet sinners has a  softening, subduing power over the evil nature which controls the carnal man. We may want to overcome, we may wish for heaven, but a profession of faith will not change the evil heart and remove the burden of guilt that all carry until they are born again of His Spirit. This we may experience today if we will come to Jesus just as we are and learn of Him who gave all that we might live.

Let our Sabbath Schools around the world place Jesus at the center of this week's lesson. Let us encourage each other to look to Jesus continually as our trials increase until the day in which the Sun of Righteousness arrives with healing in His wings to take us to a home where there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Have a blessed Sabbath dear brothers and sisters. And, let not your heart be troubled, prophecy must be fulfilled and it reveals our redemption draweth nigh.