Constantly on the go, they are best known by the attributes of teamwork, planning and perseverance. From one generation to the next they focus on their primary goal. Although often challenged with huge obstacles they find a way to overcome.

Theirs is not a life of inactivity. Theirs no stopping and basking in the accomplishments of yesterday. Theirs no static mission, but one that goes from one victory to the next.

Many seem to serve only rudimentary purposes and appear far removed from the center of influence. Their wide-ranging excursions for the cause often appear fruitless yet they are never discouraged and begin each day with the same intensity as the previous.

Many pay the ultimate price and give their lives for the cause. It’s a serious undertaking and not one for the faint of heart. It’s in their DNA to be givers. All for one and one for all. They are family.

Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Proverbs 6:6

This week as we trace the history of the church from Adam to Noah to Abraham to Moses to Jesus to the Remnant we will draw lessons from a little creature that gets big results – the ant.

The author of this week’s lesson on Christ’s Church and the Law has outlined how each unfolding chapter of God’s church has been a champion and protector of the Law. The church throughout her generations has been privileged to be the depository of the Law. But with privilege there comes responsibility. And for that we look to the ant.

Just like the ant the church can never become static and satisfied with yesterday’s accomplishments. We are a movement and not a monument. Having a protective knowledge of the Law is not the end sum of our faith. Basking in its knowledge while bashing those who don’t is not the goal of the faith we have been baptized into. Our marching orders are clear and our mission is still incomplete.

Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15

To accomplish our mission we must be like the ant. With one common goal we each play a part in the accomplishing of our assignment. Teamwork that is marked by the valuation of everyone’s role is crucial to the unity that Christ has demanded. We are all a part of the body of Christ.

For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14

As for the ant, there are obstacles for us to face in the accomplishing of our task. We will face intense challenges from both within and without. Satanic plans to extinguish the light will be ongoing. Threats of destruction and at the very least, major setbacks, will not cease this side of heaven. But like the ant, God’s church has always survived and will continue to do so by His help. Jesus has promised to be with us each step of the way.

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

And like the ant it takes a total commitment, even to the point of death. Who but God knows the name that will one day end with the title of martyr? But until then the sacrifice demanded today is a sacrifice of love. A life devoted to service for the good of others is the law in action. It is a testimony to the power of Christ to change lives and to renew hearts. Only Jesus can do that and He does all things well.

This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. John 15:12-14

All for One and One for all.

Here are a few Hit the Mark questions for this week’s lesson discussion:

• What does “remnant church” mean to you?
• Isn’t it true that the 4^th commandment is the most important commandment for our generation? Why or why not?
• Isn’t it true that once a person understands the Sabbath, state of the dead and other church pillars, there is not much need to study the Bible? Explain your answer.
• What does “love one another” mean to you?
• Is the following statement True, Mostly True, Somewhat True or not True: We can gauge the success of our church’s mission by the number of baptisms from year to year? Explain your answer.

We close this week an Old Testament scripture that testifies to God’s favoring of grace to the keepers of His commandments from generation to generation:

“Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments. Deuteronomy7:9  

Until next week, let’s all continue to Hit the Mark in Sabbath School!

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