Sabbath: Exiles as Missionaries
Read for This Week’s Study: Daniel 1-12; Isa. 39:5-7; Dan. 2:44; Matt. 24:14-15; Genesis 41.
Memory Text:
(Daniel 7:14 NIV).He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed
As a people of prophecy, Seventh-day Adventists believe in the soon coming of Jesus Christ. His coming will end this world as we know it and ultimately will usher in God’s everlasting kingdom, depicted in the book of Daniel this way: The kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him
(Dan. 7:27, NKJV). This kingdom is the culmination of our faith; it is what the book of Hebrews (Heb. 11:16) called the better country,
the one that all God’s people through the ages have trusted will come, the one whose builder and maker is God
(Heb. 11:10).
But the book of Daniel is also a kind of handbook for missionary activity. From it we can draw lessons on how the Lord was able to use some of His people to witness to those who were steeped in spiritual and theological ignorance. Through their faithfulness and diligence and unwavering faith, these believers revealed the reality of the living God to those who knew only false ones and gave these pagans a chance at a place in this everlasting kingdom, as well.
Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, August 1.
(25)
Humans are exiles, who have been expelled and barred from their Eden home (Genesis 3:24), a place built by the Creator and referred to as the “better country.” (Hebrews 11:10, 16). Corrupt living is unwelcome in Eden.
So why long for the Promised Land – Eden restored? (Revelation 22:1, 2) What is the excitement of the Heavenly Canaan?
Some may not understand why the things of earth grow dim to the faithful, who may seem dull, boring and fun-deprived in their choices (1 John 3:1-3). Their conversation becomes less frivolous and they are not so thrilled by common jokes and loose talk. They are being changed (2 Corinthians 3:18) and are unashamed (Mark 8:38).
In this utterly depraved world there is so much course content on television/internet it becomes wearisome to the pilgrims with heaven on their mind. Programming is such that it makes simple and innocent kid’s programs refreshing to Christian adults. Of course this does not include those productions which are loaded with the excitement and charm of the leading Western children’s entertainment media centers and their experimental content which bear an unholy character.
At some point the faithful in exile become misfits in a wayward society and feel out of place. Still they endure until the day of Christ’s appearing (1 John 2:28). In the meantime they find joy in service, and just as well they should; for this is the excitement of the Heavenly Canaan. What are the things exciting to you?
The saints ought to acknowledge their weaknesses, but need not apologize for strange faithfulness while in exile (Daniel 1:8). Instead they should long to be more faithful.
Lessons which I've learnt from the story of Jonah:
1.God doesn't use the spiritually qualified people but He qualifies those who are willing to serve Him.
2. Spiritual Jealousness over the wicked as did Jonah, should turned into spiritual love to save the wicked.
3.Provided that we diligently serve the purpose of God, our spiritual status and performances, should not be judged, affected or determined in human set standards.
4. God uses a variety of means to save the wicked, He doesn't wholly leave the wicked under the domination of the evil.
Daniel & his 3 friends were in Babylon through no fault of their own. The exile was the result of the evil actions of the king of Judah and those that followed him. However we don't find Daniel & friends rejecting God, no, they continued to worship God, it showed that their relationship with God was strong and not based on circumstances.
God the father who has know the affairs of men, has chosen this time in earth history to reveal the matters of the heart that we his people should look forward to the earth made new, that this book the bible hold for us the key to eternal life and that as a believer these men of God who walk with the lord knew that we in this time of history needed to know that we are not forgotten and he is preparing a place for me and all those who look forward to his appearing.
My heavenly father, now i blive that u dead for me. Plse take me as i am my heart is filthy. Fr give me of my sins today and all the days of my live. Man of galley please meet me at the point of my need and reveal to me the days of my life. Thanx father fr hearing to my prayer. Amen.