SDA Sabbath School Lesson 11

Thursday December 12, 1996

Reaction And Influence (Rev. 12:17; Joel 2:32).

How do the majority of people react toward the children of God? Matt. 24:9; Rev. 12:17.

"The decree that will finally go forth against the remnant people of God will be very similar to that issued by Ahasuerus against the Jews [see Esther 3]. Today the enemies of the true church see in the little company keeping the Sabbath commandment, a Mordecai at the gate. The reverence of God's people for His law, is a constant rebuke to those who have cast off the fear of the Lord, and are trampling on His Sabbath.

"Satan will arouse indignation against the minority who refuse to accept popular customs and traditions. Men of position and reputation will join with the lawless and the vile to take counsel against the people of God.... o secure popularity and patronage, legislators will yield to the demand for Sunday laws. But those who fear God, cannot accept an institution that violates a precept of the Decalogue. On this battlefield will be fought the last great conflict ... between truth and error. And we are not left in doubt as to the issue. Today, as in the days of Esther and Mordecai, the Lord will vindicate His truth and His people." - Prophets and Kings, pp. 605, 606.

Describe the positive effect the message and work of the remnant have on the world. Isa. 60:1-5; Joel 2:28-32.

The truth, as it is shared by the remnant in words and deeds, will work under the power of the latter rain to separate multitudes of souls from Babylon's influence.

When tragedies such as hurricanes, famines, earthquakes, or floods devastate any given part of the world, generous people everywhere rally to support the victims with bundles of food, clothing, and household utensils. Sin is the greatest tragedy of all, causing far more serious devastation than any natural calamity. As stewards of God's grace and truth, His children will rally to provide relief for the "refugees" from Babylon. These "victims" will not be cast adrift, but will become part of the remnant church, which keeps the commandments of God and has the testimony of Jesus.

Consider afresh the privilege and responsibility of devoting your life to Christ and sharing His gospel with the world. Because this is our task, consider the need of having a completely biblical understanding of the gospel.