Friday: Further Study
Multitudes will be called to a wider ministry. The whole world is opening to the gospel. . . . From every quarter of this world of ours comes the cry of sin-stricken hearts for a knowledge of the God of love. . . . It rests with us who have received the knowledge, with our children to whom we may impart it, to answer their cry.
Image © Jeff Preston from GoodSalt.com
To every household and every school, to every parent, teacher, and child upon whom has shone the light of the gospel, comes at this crisis the question put to Esther the queen at that momentous crisis in Israel’s history, Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
—Ellen G. White, The Adventist Home, pages. 484, 485.
Discussion Questions:
- Discuss the prophecies in the book of Daniel, especially Daniel 2, Daniel 7, and Daniel 8. In what ways are these such a powerful testimony, not only to the prophetic reliability of the Bible but to God’s foreknowledge of the future? For instance, notice how, among these three chapters, three of the four main kingdoms are named for us. How should this help us learn to trust in the Word of God and His promises to us?
- In these accounts in the book of Daniel and some of the other stories (such as Joseph), there were some miracles that, of course, greatly added to the credibility of their witness to the pagans around them. At the same time, too, what aspects of their character lend even more credibility to their witness? That is, in what way can character and faithfulness, even more than signs and wonders, be a more powerful witness to others about the reality of God and what He can do in our lives?
- As we saw in Wednesday’s study, Matthew 24:14 says that the gospel needs to go to the ends of the earth, and then the end will come. Does this mean that Jesus will not come back until we do the work that He has called us to do? Discuss.
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Does this mean that Jesus will not come back until we do the work that He has called us to do? Discuss.
The work will be done, Jesus said if necessary even the stones will cry out, our choice is - do we want to be part of God's army?
l felt a challenge that at workplaces we can witness the word of God. Its high time we should stand and proclaim the word. Mathew 28 :18-20.
Agreed we are to do our part in spreading the word at work, in our communities, etc. And yet, we are not to go about spreading our own thoughts, but prayerfully, as Daniel was - three times a day - or even more, that we will speak when the spirit moves us to, and say the things that He gives us to say. The tongue is a powerful tool, do not hold back the words of the Lord, and do not go forward without Him who is able to convict the heart unto Himself. Let us join our Almighty God in His plan and His work for the salvation of our fellow men and women.
I love that Esther was obviously in tune with God's purpose. A time to be silent and a time to speak! A time to pray and fast and as God reveals a time to wait for Him to work (as in waiting for God to honor a jew-Mordecai) before revealing her request to grant life to her people! To God be the glory!