Studying the last week of Jesus’ ministry on earth prior to His crucifixion is always a source of encouragement and inspiration. It also offers a snapshot of how restlessness and ambition drive people to do and say ill-advised things. Read Luke 22:14-30 and think about Jesus’ emotions as He hears His disciples argue during this solemn meal … Continue reading –>
As in the case of the aspen and its larger underground system, selfishness is part of the huge underground system called “sin,” which keeps us from finding true rest in Jesus. Of all the expressions of sin in our lives, selfishness seems to be the easiest to manifest, doesn’t it? For most of us, selfishness … Continue reading –>
Very few people enjoy conflict. We crave harmony and peace. We even teach seminars on peacemaking and conflict resolution in our churches or institutions. Read Matthew 10:34-39. What does Jesus mean when He says that He did not come to bring peace but to bring a sword? What does this mean, considering that Jesus is “the … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: Matthew 10:34-39, Luke 12:13-21, Philippians 2:5-8, Luke 22:14-30, Matthew 23:1-13. Memory Text: “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice” (James 3:16). Aspens are beautiful trees, reaching 45-90 feet (15-30 meters) in height. They thrive in cold climates with cool summers. Their wood is used in furniture and … Continue reading –>
Impact of a Mission School By Diana Fish What kind of impact can a mission school have on a family? Shima, which means “mother” in the Navajo language, heard about Holbrook Seventh-day Adventist Indian School about 40 years ago. An elderly friend spoke very highly of Holbrook Seventh-day Adventist Indian School, located on the Navajo … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: “Now they seemed sincerely to repent of their sinful conduct; but they sorrowed because of the result of their evil course rather than from a sense of their ingratitude and disobedience. When they found that the Lord did not relent in His decree, their self-will again arose, and they declared that they would … Continue reading –>
What similarities do you see in Israel’s wanderings in the wilderness and God’s people living just prior to the Second Coming of Jesus? (See 1 Corinthians 10:1-11.) Throughout history, God’s people have been roaming in the wilderness as they seek the Promised Land. This wilderness has many faces. Right now, it looks like an endless media barrage, the … Continue reading –>
What opportunity is God offering Moses in the face of this rebellion? Read Numbers 14.11-12. God is offering to destroy the Israelites and make a whole new nation with Moses as the father of them all. How does Moses respond to this outright rebellion, not simply against him but against God? (Numbers 14:13-19). This is the moment that … Continue reading –>
The story begins on a positive note. The Israelites have finally reached the borders of Canaan, and 12 spies are sent to explore the land. Their report is extraordinary. Read the spies’ report in Numbers 13:27-33. At which point are the expectations of the Israelites dashed? In spite of Caleb’s intervention, the voices of the doubters and … Continue reading –>
Read Numbers 12:1-3. What are Miriam and Aaron upset about? Ostensibly, Miriam and Aaron were unhappy about Moses’ Cushite wife. Zipporah was an outsider hailing from Midian (see Exodus 3:1). Even among Israel’s “elite,” the fallenness of our nature is revealed, and not in a very pleasant way either. (Is it ever?) The biblical text, however, clearly shows … Continue reading –>
