Sabbath: Dying Like a Seed
Image © Pacific Press
Sabbath Afternoon
Read for This Week’s Lesson: Philippians 2:5-9; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Samuel 2:12-3:18; 1 Samuel 13:1-14; Zechariah 4:1-14.
Memory Text: “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain” (John 12:24, NKJV).
Jesus’ picture of a kernel of wheat dying is a fascinating analogy of our submission to God’s will. First, there is the falling. The kernel that falls from the wheat stalk has no control over where or how it falls to the ground. It has no control over the ground that surrounds and then presses over it.
Second, there is the waiting. As the kernel lies in the earth, it does not know what the future holds. It cannot “imagine” what life will be like in the future, for it is only a kernel of wheat.
Third, there is the dying. The kernel cannot possibly become a wheat stalk unless it gives up its safe, comfortable situation as a kernel. It must “die”; that is, it must give up what it has always been before so it may be transformed from a seed into a fruit-bearing plant.
The Week at a Glance: If we know that God’s will is best for us, why do we have such a hard time accepting it? What example of submission has Christ left for us? How do you see the analogy of the kernel of wheat applying to your own life?
Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, September 17.
(20)
I propose that there are some foundational truths that are worth keeping in mind to help clearer understanding - including understanding of the topic of this weeks lesson. Three that I would suggest are particularly relevant are:
1) There is only one form of life that is actually viable. And that form of life is the zoe referred to by Jesus in John 10:10. Keep in mind that, in its widest sense,zoe refers to the quality of life that God Himself experiences, which God has designed His creation to also participate in (experience)*.
2) What is that one viable form of life based upon? It is based upon the principle ('law'**) of agape love (1 John 4:7-9; Philippians 2:1-8; John 15:13). Agape love means living to authentically benefit others rather than living to benefit self at other's expense (ie self-seeking).
3) While Adam and Eve were created with a heart that was committed to other-benefiting, Satan deceived them into instead embracing self-seeking (Genesis 3:6). And this inherited tendency is passed down to all humans from birth (Romans 5:12-14; Psalm 51:5). Thus, the default tendency of humans is self-seeking which inherently produces "perishing" (death by self-destruction). And unless we 'die' to this tendency and are instead raised (reborn) to newness of life by the Holy Spirit (John 3:3-6; Psalm 51:10), we are terminally doomed. This newness of life is based on a heart now aligned with other-benefiting rather than the former self-seeking.
I believe you will find greater depth of awareness from this week's lesson if you can keep the above propositions in mind.
-------
* This acknowledges that there are some 'things' that the Creator 'possesses' which the created are incapable of also possessing - for example, self-existence, omniscience, omnipotence, and omnipresence. But every other aspect of life and living short of that, God designed that we would mutually share in along with Him and He with us. God held back no aspect of abundant life and living from His creation that His creation could actually have/experience!
** Ellen White proposes that the principle/'law' of self-renouncing love is so foundational that she defines it as "the law of life for earth and in heaven" and which has "its source in the heart of God" Desire of Ages 19.2
Phil - Thank you for this insightful comment. I only read it after having submitted my comment regarding your reference of Rom.8:31-32 from yesterday's lesson. It truely is remarkable how our perspective regarding 'life' changes when God 'renews/give rebirth' to our heart and mind.
I whole-heartedly agree with Ellen White's comment you quoted and will keep a watchful eye out for the deeper, spiritual aspects of this week's lesson.
What is the LORD's will for me?
First and foremost it is to worship, love and obey Him, then to invite the Holy Spirit to transform my character to be like Jesus Christ's character.
Jesus only did and taught what He saw His Father do.
John 5:19-22
John 6:63NLT (Jesus said) The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.
Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
Christ's teachings were always simple, yet profound. He used the ordinary events of life to teach lessons of eternal life. As we attempt to reach others, we can do no better than to follow the example of Jesus.
For our memory text, context is important. Some Greeks had come to the disciples, saying, "Sir, we would like to see Jesus." (John 12:21) This was not too long after the triumphal entry, and the disciples were filled with visions of high positions in the kingdom Christ was about to establish. Instead, They heard these serious words:
He was talking about His death in our memory text, while looking forward to the rich harvest of souls His death would eventually bring. But there was a broader lesson yet:
As Maurice pointed out in Sunday's lesson, the gospel message is totally counter-cultural, including "some pretty weird principles," as Maurice put it.
Yes, we must internalize the principle that we must die to our self-serving ways in order to live for God. Death to self results in life eternal. But the question is how do we die to self? Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." Luke 9:23 And that presents another conundrum: It is impossible to crucify oneself. All we can do is to submit to carry the cross, as did Simon from Cyrene. (Luke 23:26) We will have to let God do the crucifying for us. AS I read in The Youth's Instructor of Sep 9, 1897, "He longs to crucify self for you, raising you to newness of life in him."
It seems to me that our part is to give Him the time to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. This setting aside of daily time for Him is my battle.
---------------------------
Note: Christ's Object Lessons by Ellen G. White is a one of my favorite books. It focuses on the profound lessons Christ taught in such simple object lessons. You can have it conveniently with you on your electronic device, as I have, for less than a dollar. (Of course, you may prefer the satisfying feel of a real book in your hands, and that is available too.)
Accepting God's ways for my life may be a difficult task sometimes, but I need to learn it! It is so much better when I accept everything that God has let me go through. Later on (counsciousness also comes at God's timing) I can see that everything happened for my own good. May the Lord be praised, for ever! May all the glory be to Him who saves me (everyone) through His marvelous Son!