Friday: Further Thought ~ Remember, Do Not Forget
Further Thought:
“How great the condescension of God and His compassion for His erring creatures in thus placing the beautiful rainbow in the clouds as a token of His covenant with men! The Lord declares that when He looks upon the bow, He will remember His covenant. This does not imply that He would ever forget; but He speaks to us in our own language, that we may better understand Him.
Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com
It was God’s purpose that as the children of after generations should ask the meaning of the glorious arch which spans the heavens, their parents should repeat the story of the Flood, and tell them that the Most High had bended the bow and placed it in the clouds as an assurance that the waters should never again overflow the earth. Thus from generation to generation it would testify of divine love to man and would strengthen his confidence in God.” — Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 106, 107.
Since the founding of Christianity, there has never been a church that has partaken of the wealth and creature comforts that the church in some countries of the world enjoys today. The question is, At what cost? Such affluence surely influences our spirituality — and not for the good either. How could it? Since when have wealth and material abundance fostered the Christian virtues of self-denial and self-sacrifice? In most cases, the opposite occurs: the more people have, the more self-sufficient they become, and the less they tend to depend upon God. Wealth and prosperity, however nice, do come with many dangerous spiritual traps.
Discussion Questions:
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When I was trying to put a cap on this week's lesson, a song that Slim Dusty (a much loved Country and Western singer in Australia) used to sing came to mind.
Although it wasn't written as a religious song it captures the essence that we can use our history as springboard into our future. Maybe it is more spiritual than Slim Dusty and his songwriter envisioned.
" Relax, Eat, Drink and be Merry"
In the news in my country young people are going to have a big three day party to celebrate finishing high school without any regard for the possibility of being a super virus spreader event.
A rich young ruler asked Jesus what must I do to earn eternal life, all my life I have kept all the commandments. Jesus said "One thing you lack, compassion for others" Luke 18:18-27
Luke 12:16-34 Jesus points out that a relationship with Him will bring fulfillment and satisfaction in this life and in eternity.
Where is my focus this season?
Remembering what God has done in the past as creator, as savior for the Jews from slavery in Egypt, as expressions of his love, especially through Jesus' sacrifice that provides life to all who believe, as well as all His gifts, cares and guidance, works to cast out every evil thought and desire. Keeping Him foremost on our minds throughout the day and seeing Him in every aspect of our lives keeps our souls in peace. He is the only way to enjoy freedom from sin. The greatest reward of life comes from pleasing God; by loving Him with all our hearts and all our minds and all our souls.
One word that summarizes this week lesson is "REMEMBER". Why remember, because we tend to forget how good God has been to us in the past. Sister White says...we have nothing to fear of the future, unless we forget how God has led us in the past. Especially in the western world everything is in abundance, we take it for granted and we feel we deserve it, it is just the natural flow of things. But God is the One who has been blessing us...in order that we be a blessing to others in taking the Word of God to the World. Remember to thank God and forget not all His benefits.