Read Micah 6:1-16. What is the Lord speaking out against here? Micah joins the other Old Testament prophets who emphasize that external forms of religion that lack a humble and intentional manifestation of justice and mercy are never acceptable to a just and merciful God. What is the crucial message of Micah 6:8? “True religion … Continue reading –>
The Old Testament is filled with the idea that those who have been blessed materially and spiritually will reach out to those who have not. Read Isaiah 61:1-11. What is God saying to His people here, and how can we apply what’s said here to ourselves and to our calling before the Lord? See also … Continue reading –>
Many people think God was dealing harshly with Uzzah when he steadied the ark of the covenant, while it was being moved. But if we look carefully we will see God’s mercy even in His justice. So they set the ark of God on a new cart, and brought it out of the house of … Continue reading –>
“Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish . . .; where the river flows everything will live” (Ezek. 47:9, NIV). Ezekiel’s prophecy illustrates that where the river that comes from God’s church flows, there is life. Ezekiel 47:10 adds to the amazement of it all. … Continue reading –>
Read Ezekiel 47:1-8. What’s going on with the temple that Ezekiel saw in vision? The temple appears to have sprung a leak. You may wonder, did a pipe break, or what? In this case, the leak was a good thing. This water leaking out of the temple was going “toward the east.” East of Jerusalem … Continue reading –>
The grace of God that brings revival to those who are dead in transgression and sin is graphically revealed in Ezekiel 37. In vision, the prophet Ezekiel is transported by the Spirit to a valley full of dead, dry, and scattered bones. These bones represent the whole house of Israel. God asks, “Son of man, … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: Ezek. 37:1-14; Eph. 2:10; Ezek. 47:1-8; Matt. 5:16; Rev. 22:1-2; Isa. 61:1-11. Memory Text: “ ‘Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will … Continue reading –>
Read Ellen G. White, “The Law Given to Israel,” pp. 307-314; “God’s Care for the Poor,” pp. 530-536, in Patriarchs and Prophets. The concepts of justice and mercy are seen all through the Old Testament. Look at, for instance, Deuteronomy 24:10-22. Look at the specific instructions given in these cases. We can see, so clearly, the … Continue reading –>
Having the truth, however wonderful, is not enough. In Isaiah 58:1-14, God’s people were passionate about their religious forms and practices and yet weak in applying their faith in a practical manner. God is calling His church today to be a force for good, echoing the call of the Old Testament prophets to demonstrate the … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: God never intended for human beings to suffer in poverty, loneliness pain, and brokenness. He has called us to help care for those who are suffering. Justice and Mercy in the Old Testament: Part 1 – July 16, 2016 1. Have a volunteer read Psalm 146:7-9. a. Ask class members to share a thought … Continue reading –>
As an American, I find the timing of this week’s lesson on Justice and Mercy in the Old Testament: Part 1 providential. Our nation, not unlike nations around the world, is grappling with social unrest that includes the question of Justice and Mercy. How justice is meted out and how mercy is applied leaves a lot … Continue reading –>
You can view an in-depth discussion of “Justice & Mercy in the Old Testament – Part 1” in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris. (Adobe Flash Player version.) A Youtube version of this week’s lesson at Hope Sabbath School is below. You can download the video, the MP3 audio, and the … Continue reading –>
