Thursday: Changed by Contemplation
Daily Lesson for Thursday 20th of November 2025
Contemplating the life example of great heroes of faith is essential for our spiritual growth. At the same time, our ultimate example is Jesus Christ—His life and teachings. How does focusing on the life of Jesus change us? See Hebrews 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 3:18.
Marco Iacoboni, a neuroscientist at the University of California, Los Angeles, researched the function of mirror neurons. These small cell circuits are activated both when we perform a certain action—such as laughing or embracing someone—and when we observe someone else performing the same action. The activity of these neurons reduces the distinction between seeing and doing.
Image © Review & Herald Publishing at Goodsalt.com
Ellen G. White speaks about the importance of beholding the character of Jesus: “Looking unto Jesus we obtain brighter and more distinct views of God, and by beholding we become changed. Goodness, love for our fellow men, becomes our natural instinct. We develop a character which is the counterpart of the divine character. Growing into His likeness, we enlarge our capacity for knowing God. More and more we enter into fellowship with the heavenly world, and we have continually increasing power to receive the riches of the knowledge and wisdom of eternity.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 355.
Read Romans 12:1-2. What two processes work for conflicting purposes in our lives? How can we be sure that we give room to the right one?
In the summary chapter of his Epistle to the Romans, the apostle Paul speaks about two antagonistic forces trying to shape our lives. On the one hand, the surrounding world, with its various influences, tries to force us daily into its own mold, effecting a conformation in us that works from the outside in.
To counteract this impact, the Holy Spirit is able to transform us inside out in a manner similar to the way a caterpillar metamorphoses into a beautiful butterfly. But for that process to happen, we need to consecrate ourselves to God and ask Him to continue the good work that He has started in us (Philippians 1:6). In the end, we have to make the conscious choice, moment by moment, to walk in the Spirit.
(18)
In his brief meditation John Donne captured the essence of our lesson study today. We are not alone but live in a matrix of family and community where both our and their actions have a response in one another. Much of our discussion about salvation is centred on our own personal salvation and our own personal relationship with Jesus. We are not alone. Our interconnectedness with others means that our spiritual decisions, and our example will affect them. The Bible uses the metaphors of light and salt to illustrate the influence of our example within our horizon.
In that respect, it is important to see salvation, not just as eternal life in the future, but as a transformation in our church and community now. Are we up to that task or are we more concerned about defending our own patch of ideas?
Paul says this:
In the words of John Mark Comer: “Contemplation is not about trying to get something from God. It’s about learning to be with the God who’s already given and done all to us.”
As humans we contemplate many things at any point in time: We ponder on special memories, look foward to an holiday, we picture and contemplate different scenes and activities in our minds, at times for me I stop and gaze at a particular view, through imagination I have gotten caught on a given movie or at times how my favourite team scored or performed in the last match. As Christians maybe a particular song comes to mind and while thinking of the sobg, it gives an experience that moves beyond ourselfs, a glimplse of God's glory and His beauty.
Joshua contemplated and by extension spent reasonable time being near God- in the tent of the meeting. As the young Joshua served Moses, he lingered and took time in the tent with God, he stayed in the presence of God even after Moses had left (Exodus 33:11). In contemplating Joshua learnt taking time to gaze and listen to what God was saying and what He wanted him to become.
It is through contemplation that Joshua headed to a call to meditate on God’s Word every moment both day and night (Joshua 1:8). He learnt to abide with God and by so doing let God shape his courage, his decision making and all that was before him. Later as Joshua faced real battles, he learnt reflect and pause looking beyond circumstancesbut always focused on to the Commander of the Lord’s army (Joshua 5:13–15), to recieve both direction and the much needed strength from the Lord.Thus contemplation isn't about escaping reality—Utopia but it involves gazing on the that which God wants, it is about knowing that God is in control and remembering his wonderful promises, listening to Him speak to us in our solitude and acknowledging He will carry us through whatever the situation. This too is our invitation to slow down, refocus and behold a God is faithful and wants us to trust Him-Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
In the lives of Caleb and Joshua we see two things.
1. How they were not influenced by their peers.
2. How they influenced an entire generation to be faithful to God.
Every single one of us has an influence of those around us, whomever we talk with.
On the flight home from a missionary student experience. The ministerial student got to talking to a gentleman sitting beside him. When the plane landed the gentleman said everyone leaves a footprint on our souls. You left a footprint on my soul today, and he just walked away. He was a man with a long beard, maybe a holy man out of the jungles.
Yes Calab and Joshua left footprints on a generation of Israelites and whomever studies the Word of God.
We leave an influence on those we meet.
Going back to Sabbaths lesson. Even when we are adults we need role models who is your earthly role model or gurus if you prefer? I have many and I do pick ones that give me a positive influence, one’s to fit me for God’s Heavenly Kingdom.
Reflecting on the life of Christ—especially His sacrifice on Calvary—has shaped the way I respond to people and circumstances. When I struggle to forgive someone because of how deeply they’ve hurt me, I look to the cross. Remembering how we treated Jesus, yet how willingly He forgave and embraced us as though we had never sinned, becomes the reason I choose to forgive others.
Thinking about how Christ doesn’t hold our past against us once we confess our sins has also changed how I relate to people. His example helps me accept others more freely and welcome them as brothers and sisters, regardless of their background.
Contemplating Christ is teaching me to forgive more readily, love more generously, and open my heart more fully.
Amen
Thank you for sharing.
I am tempted to believe that in these last days, according to prophecy, it is not only the test of the Sabbath that will identify God’s true children. I believe the entire fruit of the Holy Spirit will also be tested whether it is only on the surface or deeply rooted in our character.
Will our love, peace, humility, and patience remain firm when we face harsh circumstances? Or do they fade away when life becomes difficult?
We see this clearly in the example of Caleb and Joshua. When the other spies were overwhelmed by fear, complaining, and doubt, Caleb and Joshua stood firm in faith, courage, and loyalty to God. Their character did not collapse under pressure. Instead, their trust in God grew stronger in the midst of adversity. Because their faith was genuine and deeply rooted, they remained steadfast when tested.
May we also develop a faith and character that can stand strong in the challenging times ahead.
The beauty of God and His love is the contrast with freedom. God never imposes Himself unless He has an intervention to save. God wants to save everyone, but very few seem to notice that. (2 Pet. 3:9) Let us choose today His ways for us, because they are the best!
One of the families we visited a number of Sabbaths ago stood in church and shared a beautiful testimony. They said that, long ago, they used to see our late grandparents the old men who helped start the church. They remembered their dedication, how they willingly used their resources to build God’s house, and how warmly they related with people. Even in times of food shortage, they always seemed to have something to share. Their lives preached quietly, yet powerfully.
Another family we visited last Sunday afternoon after rain interrupted our Sabbath visit shared the same memory. They spoke of how deeply our grandparents’ character had touched them their kindness, generosity, and peaceful spirit that drew people closer to God.
God came into the world in the form of Jesus. And today, if people long to “see” Jesus, they should be able to see Him in us through our character, our compassion, our peace making spirit, and our willingness to care for the needy.
But before we can reflect Him, we must first contemplate Him. By contemplating Christ beholding His beauty, His love, His humility we are transformed into His likeness. Only then can our lives become a living testimony, just like those who went before us.
There are many questions to ponder:
What does it mean to love God with all one's heart?
How does this singleness of focusing our love on God and His Righteousness come about?
How can we know that we still harbor desires for 'worldly' things?
What is our emotional 'reflex' response when confronted by something unexpected - anger, fear, confusion, looking for protection - or quite reflection?
“Changed by Contemplation” – so many questions to ponder. As a born-again Christian, I am reminded to walk by faith in the ‘newness’ of life – engaging and keeping the new nature in its new ‘default position’ calibrated by ongoing, open, honest communication with the Holy Spirit in all things - having the spiritual 'compass' set to the new 'North" - worshipping-God-in-Spirit-and-Truth - John 4:24.
Tbe principle of being changed by contemplation is known even in secular circles. This is why it isn't enough to train for a potential contingency one or two, or even a few times. Airline pilots will spend many hours in both classroom and flight simulation rehearsing various protocols to nearly every conceivable emergency. They do this so that should the need arise they automatically know what to do, they don't have to consult a manual,Siri,Alexa,or Google, because in times of emergency there isn't time to do so. The protocol must be so embedded in their memory that instantaneously they know what procedure to follow.
Should Christians be any different? Shouldn't we be so versed in Scripture that like Jesus did when faced with the temptation in the wilderness by Satan, he knew exactly which verses to recite to refute Satan's temptations. He didn't need to consult the Torah, or pray about it. He was already studied up and prayed up ahead of time so that when the temptation arose the response to it was automatic. It wasn't some magical or mystical power that gave him the advantage over the adversary, it was years of beholding the scriptures as well as the Father.
The principle works when we work it. It doesn't when we try to "wing it." What are we filling our mind with, the ways of the world, the things that distract us and keep us from being fully prepared for when the fire of temptation comes upon us, or upon the Word of God? Are we so appreciative of what Jesus did for us, especially at Calvary, that sin loses it's attraction? Would we rather die than sin against such a great manifestation of love poured out on our behalf?
If we have not prepared our minds and hearts beforehand, when the temptation comes we will succumb to it. We must live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Father (Matt. 4:4).
We must contemplate those words, ruminate them, and at last, digest them, so that they become part of us, and our automatic go to response when the situation arises. The principle works when we work it.
What if we would behold (contemplate) more and more of the matchless love of Christ? Do you think it would change us? I believe it would.
I am blessed!
God wants us to be brave and trust His promises. Even things seem scary or too big for us, God is always bigger! He will always be with you, just like He was with Joshua and Caleb.o
The picture today is worth a thousand words. I don't believe I have that many words to say. Yes, contemplating the Cross of Christ doses draw us to the foot of the Cross, then it is still up to us to refrain from letting the distractions of this world draw us away. I like what Tim suggested, by beholding more and more the love of Christ great sacrifice we become like him, or succumb if you prefer. It works; I am a testimony of that also. Isaiah 26:3, works for me, it will work for you also. Ok he does give us loved ones to bolster our backbones. Sometimes just a smile, or a hold of hand when we are in pain, or a word of encouragement, gives us intestinal fortitude for the day.
2 Corinthians 3:18 ESV
[18] And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
A great promise for us to behold. Our skin may be the same but our hearts are transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit we have asked to be with us.
Romans 8:16.
Luke 11:9.
2 Timothy 1:9.