Sabbath: The Hour of His Judgment
Image © Pacific Press
Sabbath Afternoon
Read for This Week’s Study: Daniel 8:1-27, Daniel 9:1-27, Ezra 7:1-28, Matthew 3:13-17, Romans 5:6-9, Mark 15:38, Leviticus 16:16.
Memory Text: “And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand” (Romans 13:11-12, NKJV).
Several years ago, National Geographic magazine told about a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park in the United States. After it ended, forest rangers trekked up a mountain to assess the damage. One ranger found a bird literally burned to ashes at the base of a tree. Somewhat sickened by the eerie sight, he knocked over the bird with a stick.
When he struck it, three tiny baby birds scurried from under their dead mother’s wings. The loving mother, keenly aware of impending disaster, had carried her offspring to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings. She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. What a picture of the believer, who is safe in Christ!
The fires of God’s judgment burned themselves out on Him, at Calvary, and all who are in Christ are safe forever beneath His wings. At the cross, Christ was judged as a condemned sinner so that we could be judged as righteous citizens of the heavenly kingdom. He was judged as a criminal so that we could be set free from the destructive fires of eternal loss, both figuratively and, yes, literally, as well.
Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, May 6.
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Well, we have come to 1844 and all that goes with it. I hope that we can discuss this week's lesson in a refreshing and realistic way that will bring us closer to Christ and to one another. I suspect that if we were to do a survey of Seventh-day Adventists (and I know of several) we would find that there is a spectrum of views on the importance of 1844. And, I venture to suggest that there would be a high correlation between age and understanding.
I suggest that, if we are using the time prophecies and their fulfillment to prove that we are "it," then we may reach a stage where this prophecy fails. It is appropriate to quote 1 Cor 13 at this point:
It would be a sad day indeed, if these prophecies and their fulfillment fail because we have lost the plot of charity towards one another. 180 years ago, our pioneers, in the aftermath of the "Great Disappointment," studied and argued together to come up with an alternative explanation. They were unwilling to accept the status quo. And now is probably the time to have a great discussion, leaving behind the current status quo, and revitalizing our faith. Merely catachrestically restating the arguments of our pioneers is not growing our faith and Christian experience.
My prayer is that we can have a discussion about this week's lesson without demonizing those who believe differently to us.
Amen and amen my brother Maurice… Let us not quench the views of those who have a different but relevant explanation… Royce
I absolutely agree with you. We must be tolerant of each other and know that after the fact, a human in need of salvation and acceptance remains, and to accept that no one is infallible, the Seventh Day Adventist included.
As I read the last paragraph of today’s lesson, thoughts of God’s love and compassion come to mind. How long has He suffered the iniquities of mankind; how long has He patiently worked with His prophets and all whom He called to become participants to establish mankind’s rescue; how long has He been patiently working for the right time to come for His Son to become the One to bring an end to sin and death?
At the right time, all His Love for us culminated in the resurrection of His Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who Himself waited patiently and faithfully until the Father’s will established the right time for Him to again take His rightful place in heaven.
Now, all who believe are called to patiently wait a little longer until the right time comes when we can find out that our faith in the completed work of salvation by the Son of God, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, was not in vain. Our Father’s love, mercy, and grace, received through loving His Son in Whom the Father vested His righteousness, will some day soon prove to us that we are the recipients of His unmerited favor – it is His love which will resurrect us, just as it did His beloved Son.
Now, it is time! Now, it is what we get! Today and now. Keep the day going by stopping and thanking God for a minute about all your opportunities!
Some of you will be familiar with my contributions over the last several years. Because of this, rather than merely disappear off the scene without saying anything, I will mention that I am unfortunately no longer in a position to be able to continue my contributions to Sabbath School net.
I would like to thank those who have encouraged my contributions across the years and appreciate expressions of the benefits that some have gained. Whoever you are, whatever your situation and circumstances, may God uphold, guide, sustain and nurture you until all things are re-made new (Revelation 21:1-4).
Until then...
Phil van der Klift
Dear Phil - I am one of those who always looked forward to reading your posts; they uplifted my spirit and stirred in me a feeling of spiritual kinship with you. I have missed your posts already and will continue to do so for a long while.
God’s blessing in all you do until that time . . .
I pray that all is well with you, brother Phil. I hope to resume the conversation about God's matchless grace to us all with you in the Earth made new. Until then...
Have thought about you severally and hope it is well. I indeed missed your comments and contributions to the quarterly and wish you well in whatever it is.
Until then......with love.
I am very sorry to hear this, Phil. Your comments have made me think and have always pointed to God's great love for us. May God bless and keep you. May His grace and peace surround and fill you.
I just wanted to acknowledge each of your responses - Brigitte, Jocelyn, Sarah and Joe. Thank you.
Phil: Your posts have not only inspired me, but have also caused me to look
at many things through a different lens. Your insightful views have been a blessing to me and I sincerely thank you for all you have done on this site.
You will be missed. God bless you until we meet in the kingdom.
Leilani
Dear Phil, I almost liked your post but there's nothing to like about it (don't get me wrong). It saddens me to read this but I believe it's for the good of us all. May God continue to be with you.
I'll however like to get in touch, my email: caleb.beenchog@gmail.com.
Blessings.
Thank you Phil, you will be missed. Have always been blessed with your comments on our wonderful God. Please take care.
Phil, your contribution in this platform has changed the core of my being. God has used you in a special way in forming Christ in me. God be with you.
In acknowledgment also of your responses - Leilani, Janet and Tom. Thank you and I praise God for any and all benefit you have gained.
I have always enjoyed your comments on this platform. I am a member who mostly come on weekly basis to read the comments. I will miss your comments. Hope we will meet one day on the other side. Wishing you well
Thank you Naphtali. Yes, I look forward to also meeting you one day on the other side. May Numbers 6:24-26 be your journey until then.