LESSON 1 *June 25—July 1
Sabbath Afternoon
Read for This Week’s Study: Psalm 23, Rom. 12:18–21.
Memory Text: “He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of
righteousness for His name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3, NKJV).
Sophie leaned back against her bedroom door and slid to the floor.
Tears were welling up fast, and it was only a moment before she was
sobbing. “How could he? How could he!” Sophie had just received
news that was breaking her heart. Someone she thought was a friend,
someone she respected and trusted, was spreading awful gossip about her in
order to ruin her reputation and the work she had been doing. Grabbing her
Bible off the bed, she suddenly found herself staring at some very familiar
words: “He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for
His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of
death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they
comfort me” (Ps. 23:3, 4, NKJV).
“Surely this can’t be!” she blurted out to herself. But the logic seemed
inescapable. The Shepherd in the psalm was guiding His sheep in paths of
righteousness, but these very paths also seemed to wind their way into the
valley of the shadow of death. Could it be possible that even this painful
betrayal by a friend, this dark valley, could be used by God to train her in
righteousness?
The Week at a Glance: At what times have you grown more
spiritually—through the easy times or the harder ones?
* Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, July 2.
EGW Notes — SATURDAY ↓
Sabbath Afternoon, June 25
Lesson 1 - The Shepherd’s Crucible
As Jesus, the great Teacher, presents His lessons to be learned from the
open book of nature, He opens the eye of their understanding to reveal the
attention that is given to objects in proportion to the rank they occupy in
the scale of creation. If the grass of the field, which today is so beautiful,
delighting the senses, [and] is tomorrow cut down and burned, receives so
great attention from God, how much more will He not bestow upon man
formed in His image. We cannot form exaggerated ideas of the value of
the human soul, and the attention given by Heaven to man. He then gives
the comforting assurance, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good
pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
Jesus is the good Shepherd. His followers are the sheep of His pasture.
A shepherd is always with his flock to defend them, to keep them from the
wolves, to hunt up the lost sheep and carry them back to the fold, to lead
them beside green pastures and beside living
waters.—Lift Him Up, p. 215.
Let us never forget, even when we walk in the valley, that Christ is as
much with us when we walk trustingly there as when we are on the
mountaintop. The voice said to us, “Will you not roll your burden upon
the Burden Bearer, the Lord Jesus Christ? Will you not live on the sunny
side of the cross? saying, ‘I know [Him] whom I have believed, and am
persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him
against that day.’ ‘Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now
ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of
glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls’ ” (1
Timothy 1:12; 1 Peter 1:8, 9).
. . . I must trust in Him irrespective of the changes of my emotional
atmosphere. I must show forth the praises of Him who has called me “out
of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). My heart must be
steadfast in Christ, my Saviour, beholding His love and gracious goodness.
I must not trust Him now and then, but always, that I may manifest the
results of abiding in Him who has bought me with His precious blood. We
must learn to believe the promises, to have an abiding faith so that we
may take them as the sure word of
God.—Mind, Character, and Personality,
vol. 2, pp. 811, 812.
Satan is our destroyer, but Christ is our restorer. We must put faith into
constant exercise, and trust in God, whatever our feelings may be. . . . You
can say with the psalmist, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the
shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy
staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of
mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I
will dwell in the house of the Lord for
ever.”—Lift Him Up, p. 332.
SUNDAY June 26
A Guide for the Journey: The Shepherd
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Ps. 23:1, NKJV).
Some children were asked to draw a picture of God. Without exception,
each one drew a picture with a heart somewhere in it. When asked why,
they declared unanimously that God is love. It was as simple as that.
It is easy to have a good opinion of God and His purposes when
everything is going well. But as we grow older and life becomes harder and
more complicated, our view of God often changes. God doesn’t change, of
course (Heb. 13:8, James 1:17), but we do.
Because of the pastoral lifestyle of the people in Old Testament times,
Psalm 23 uses the image of a shepherd to describe the way God cares for
us. The symbol of a shepherd is used for God—in both the Old Testament
and the New Testament. It’s a wonderful picture and one that is changeless,
too. Before we look at Psalm 23, let’s survey how different Bible writers
understand the work and character of the Shepherd throughout the Bible.
What do you learn about the Shepherd from each text?
Isa. 40:11
Jer. 23:3, 4
Ezek. 34:12
John 10:14–16
1 Pet. 2:25
* Your notes will not be saved!
Now turn to Psalm 23. What does the Shepherd do to care for His
sheep?
Ps. 23:2
Ps. 23:3
Ps. 23:4
Ps. 23:5
Ps. 23:6
* Your notes will not be saved!
What does it mean to you to know that there is Someone like this
caring for you? How could you use this picture to encourage someone
whose picture of God has been obscured because of his or her own
struggles, whatever they are?
EGW Notes — SUNDAY ↓
Sunday, June 26
A Guide for the Journey: The Shepherd
As the shepherd loves his sheep, and cannot rest if even one be
missing, so, in an infinitely higher degree, does God love every outcast
soul. Men may deny the claim of His love, they may wander from Him,
they may choose another master; yet they are God’s, and He longs to
recover His own. He says, “As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day
that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out My sheep,
and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in
the cloudy and dark day.” Ezekiel 34:12.
In the parable the shepherd goes out to search for one sheep—the very
least that can be numbered. So if there had been but one lost soul, Christ
would have died for that one.
The sheep that has strayed from the fold is the most helpless of all
creatures. It must be sought for by the shepherd, for it cannot find its way
back. So with the soul that has wandered away from God; he is as helpless
as the lost sheep, and unless divine love had come to his rescue he could
never find his way to God.—Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 187.
However much a shepherd may love his sheep, he loves his sons and
daughters more. Jesus is not only our shepherd; He is our “everlasting
Father.” And He says, “I know Mine own, and Mine own know Me, even as
the Father knoweth Me, and I know the Father.” John 10:14, 15, R. V. What
a statement is this!—the only-begotten Son, He who is in the bosom of the
Father, He whom God has declared to be “the Man that is My fellow”
(Zechariah 13:7),—the communion between Him and the eternal God is
taken to represent the communion between Christ and His children on the
earth!
Because we are the gift of His Father, and the reward of His work, Jesus
loves us. He loves us as His children. Reader, He loves you. Heaven itself
can bestow nothing greater, nothing better. Therefore
trust.—The Desire of Ages, p. 483.
While we review, not the dark chapters in our experience, but the
manifestations of God’s great mercy and unfailing love, we shall praise far
more than complain. We shall talk of the loving faithfulness of God as the
true, tender, compassionate shepherd of His flock, which He has declared
that none shall pluck out of His hand. The language of the heart will not
be selfish murmuring and repining. Praise, like clear-flowing streams, will
come from God’s truly believing ones. “Goodness and mercy shall follow
me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.” “Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me
to glory. Whom have I in heaven but Thee? And there is none upon earth
that I desire beside Thee.” Psalm 23:6; 73:24,
25.—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, pp. 367, 368.
MONDAY June 27
Locations on the Journey
“He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake” (Ps. 23:3, NRSV).
Imagine the “paths of righteousness” (Ps. 23:3) stretching out before
you, way out into the distance. You cannot see the end, but you know that at
the end of the journey is home, God’s house. As you focus a little closer to
you, do you see where the path leads? You can see some places clearly, but
other parts are totally obstructed by large or dangerous obstacles.
Sometimes the path disappears over a ridge. Some parts of the path are easy
to walk along; others are difficult. It was just like this as Israel traveled
from Egypt to the Promised Land, and it is described the same way in this
psalm.
Identify from Psalm 23 the locations that David sees the sheep
passing through when following the paths of righteousness as they
make their way to the house of the Lord.
But why are these paths called “paths of righteousness” or “right paths”
(NIV, NRSV)? Here are four important reasons. First, they are the right paths
because they lead to the right destination—the Shepherd’s home. Second,
they are the right paths because they keep us in harmony with the right
Person—the Shepherd Himself. Third, they are the right paths because they
train us to be the right people—like the Shepherd. Fourth, they are the right
paths because they give us the right witness—as we become the right
people, we give glory to the Lord. They are “right” or “righteous” paths,
whether the going is easy or hard.
It is important to realize that when God leads us, it is not simply a
question of His delivering a parcel to the destination. It is much more than
guidance and protection. Like the many examples all through the Bible in
which God is leading His people (whether it is leading Abraham by His
promises or leading Israel by the pillar of fire and cloud), when God is
guiding, it is always about His training His people in righteousness.
How conscious are you that righteousness is the Shepherd’s priority
for your life? How can trials change your life so that you better
reflect the character of Christ?
EGW Notes — MONDAY ↓
Monday, June 27
Locations on the Journey
Human beings suffer much because they step out of the path that God
has chosen for them to follow. They walk in the sparks of the fire they
themselves have kindled, and the sure result is affliction, unrest, and
sorrow, which they might have avoided if they had submitted their will to
God. . . . Whatever path God chooses for us, whatever way He ordains for
our feet, that is the only path of safety. With the eye of faith, with
childlike submission as obedient children, we must look to God, to follow
His guidance, and difficulties will clear away. The promise is, “I will
instruct thee and teach
thee.”—Sons and Daughters of God, p. 175.
If your steps are ordered by the Lord, . . . you must not expect that your
path will always be one of outward peace and prosperity. The path that
leads to eternal day is not the easiest to travel, and at times it will seem
dark and thorny. But you have the assurance that God’s everlasting arms
encircle you, to protect you from evil. He wants you to exercise earnest
faith in Him, and learn to trust Him in the shadow as well as in the
sunshine.
The follower of Christ must have faith abiding in the heart; for without
this it is impossible to please God. Faith is the hand that takes hold of
infinite help; it is the medium by which the renewed heart is made to beat
in unison with the heart of
Christ.—Messages to Young People, p. 102.
Our sorrows do not spring out of the ground. In every affliction God
has a purpose to work out for our good. Every blow that destroys an idol,
every providence that weakens our hold upon earth and fastens our
affections more firmly upon God, is a blessing. The pruning may be
painful for a time, but afterward it “yieldeth the peaceable fruit of
righteousness.” We should receive with gratitude whatever will quicken
the conscience, elevate the thoughts, and ennoble the life. The fruitless
branches are cut off and cast into the fire. Let us be thankful that through
painful pruning we may retain a connection with the living Vine; for if we
suffer with Christ, we shall also reign with Him. The very trial that taxes
our faith the most severely and makes it seem as though God had forsaken
us is to lead us more closely to Him, that we may lay all our burdens at
the feet of Christ and experience the peace which He will give us in
exchange. God loves and cares for the feeblest of His creatures, and we
cannot dishonor Him more than by doubting His love to us. O let us
cultivate that living faith that will trust Him in the hour of darkness and
trial!—My Life Today, p. 93.
TUESDAY June 28
Unexpected Detour 1: The Valley
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will
fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they
comfort me”
(Ps. 23:4, NKJV).
It would be nice if the paths of righteousness wound their way only
along the grass-covered banks of cool streams. But that is not the way
David paints it. Also, along these paths is the valley of the shadow of death—not
a place that we are eager to visit! At certain times of the year, the
wadis and ravines found in Israel are prone to flash floods that can come
unexpectedly and prove overwhelming. These places also are
characteristically narrow, with steep sides that block out the light. Hence,
“the shadow of death” is an image for “very deep shadow,” or “deep
darkness.”
Think about the times you have been in your own “valley of the
shadow of death.” What has it been like? Did you have fear, even
though you knew that the Shepherd was there? Which Bible texts were
most precious to you at that time, and why?
How do you think the sheep ended up in the valley? Do you think the
sheep went there on their own, or did the Shepherd lead the sheep that
way Himself? Justify your answer.
Elisabeth Elliot writes, “A lamb who found himself in the valley of the
shadow of death might conclude that he had been falsely led. It was needful
for him to traverse that darkness in order to learn not to fear. The shepherd
is still with him.”—Quest for Love (Grand Rapids, MI: Revell Books,
1996), p. 218.
Have you ever felt that you have been “falsely led” into the valley?
How did you respond to God during this time? Why do you think the
Shepherd might be willing to risk being misunderstood by permitting
us to enter a dark valley?
EGW Notes — TUESDAY ↓
Tuesday, June 28
Unexpected Detour 1: The Valley
When Henry White, our eldest son, lay dying, he said, “A bed of pain is
a precious place when we have the presence of Jesus.” When we are
obliged to drink of the bitter waters, turn away from the bitter to the
precious and the bright. In trial grace can give the human soul assurance,
and when we stand at the deathbed and see how the Christian can bear
suffering and go through the valley of death, we gather strength and
courage to work, and we fail not, neither are we discouraged in leading
souls to Jesus.
Those who have borne the greatest sorrows are frequently the ones
who carry the greatest comfort to others, bringing sunshine wherever
they go. Such ones have been chastened and sweetened by their afflictions;
they did not lose confidence in God when trouble assailed them, but clung
closer to His protecting love. Such ones are a living proof of the tender
care of God, who makes the darkness as well as the light, and chastens us
for our good. Christ is the light of the world; in Him is no darkness.
Precious light! Let us live in that light! Bid adieu to sadness and repining.
Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say,
Rejoice.—Selected Messages,
book 2, p. 274.
The word is: Go forward; discharge your individual duty, and leave all
consequences in the hands of God. If we move forward where Jesus leads
the way we shall see His triumph, we shall share His joy. We must share
the conflicts if we wear the crown of victory. Like Jesus, we must be made
perfect through suffering. Had Christ’s life been one of ease, then might
we safely yield to sloth. Since His life was marked with continual selfdenial,
suffering, and self-sacrifice, we shall make no complaint if we are
partakers with Him. We can walk safely in the darkest path if we have the
Light of the world for our
guide.—Selected Messages, book 1, pp. 28, 29.
Let us remember that the life of God’s children in this world is a
pilgrim life. We have not wisdom to plan our own lives. It is not for us to
shape our future. “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a
place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he
went out, not knowing whither he went.” Hebrews 11:8. . . .
Too many, in planning for a brilliant future, make an utter failure. Let
God plan for you. As a little child, trust to the guidance of Him who will
“keep the feet of His saints.” 1 Samuel 2:9. God never leads His children
otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from
the beginning and discern the glory of the purpose which they are
fulfilling as co-workers with
Him.—The Ministry of Healing, pp. 478, 479.
WEDNESDAY June 29
Unexpected Detour 2: The Surrounded Table
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You
anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over”
(Ps. 23:5, NKJV).
Throughout our lives, we will inevitably bump into some enemies. How
do you deal with them? Have you ever lain awake at night, tossing and
turning, dreaming up ways to take revenge on those who are trying to hurt
you or destroy your work? It can be hard for Christians to know how to
handle enemies.
What types of enemies have you had in your life? How have you
responded to those who have tried to hurt you or those you care for?
How well did you follow Christ’s words to us in Matthew 5:44, or
Paul’s in Romans 12:18–21?
In Psalm 23:5, David shows us an interesting way of dealing with
enemies. He obscures their presence by looking instead at what God is
doing in his behalf. And God is there preparing a banquet for him.
In David’s culture, when an honored guest came for a feast, the host
would anoint his head with oil as the guest was about to enter the
banqueting hall. The oil was a mixture of olive oil and perfume. Then the
guest would be seated in front of far more food than one could ever eat.
How could the three items (table, oil, cup) in Psalm 23:5 help to
remind us about how God provides, even when we are in the valley?
As Paul reminds us, “our struggle is not against enemies of blood and
flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic
powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the
heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12, NRSV). Our enemies include those we see and
those we don’t. Whether we like it or not, we are surrounded. Yet, when we
are with the Shepherd, not one enemy, visible or invisible, can steal what
He has provided for us.
Reflect on how the Shepherd has treated you when you have been
surrounded by enemies. What can you see in these times that can
enable you to give thanks even during such difficulties?
EGW Notes — WEDNESDAY ↓
Wednesday, June 29
Unexpected Detour 2: The Surrounded Table
In the discharge of our duties we are neither to despise nor to fear our
enemies. . . . Putting our trust in God, we are to move steadily forward,
doing His work with unselfishness, in humble dependence upon Him,
committing to His providence ourselves and all that concerns our present
and future, holding the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end,
remembering that we receive the blessings of heaven, not because of our
worthiness, but because of Christ’s worthiness and our acceptance,
through faith in Him, of God’s abounding
grace.—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 108.
If we encounter difficulties, and in Christ’s strength overcome them; if
we meet enemies, and in Christ’s strength put them to flight; if we accept
responsibilities, and in Christ’s strength discharge them faithfully, we are
gaining a precious experience. We learn, as we could not otherwise have
learned, that our Saviour is a present help in every time of
need.—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 34.
Christ did not tell His disciples that their work would be easy. He
showed them the vast confederacy of evil arrayed against them. They
would have to fight “against principalities, against powers, against the
rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high
places.” Ephesians 6:12. But they would not be left to fight alone. He
assured them that He would be with them; and that if they would go forth
in faith, they should move under the shield of Omnipotence. He bade them
be brave and strong; for One mightier than angels would be in their
ranks—the General of the armies of heaven. He made full provision for the
prosecution of their work and took upon Himself the responsibility of its
success. So long as they obeyed His word, and worked in connection with
Him, they could not fail. Go to all nations, He bade them. Go to the
farthest part of the habitable globe and be assured that My presence will
be with you even there. Labor in faith and confidence; for the time will
never come when I will forsake you. I will be with you always, helping
you to perform your duty, guiding, comforting, sanctifying, sustaining
you, giving you success in speaking words that shall draw the attention of
others to heaven.—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 29.
THURSDAY June 30
A Certain Promise for the Journey
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever”
(Ps. 23:6, NKJV).
When we are in the valley or surrounded by enemies, it is sometimes
tempting to believe that we have been left alone. It does not always feel as
though God has been doing much; we reason that if He had been helping,
we wouldn’t be in this situation to begin with. But David obviously does
not see it like this.
In spite of his trials, what two things does David say in Psalm 23:6 that
he is certain of? (See also Eph. 1:4, 2 Pet. 1:10, and Heb. 11:13–15.)
Some translations say that goodness and unfailing love (God’s
covenantal commitment) will “follow” me all the days of my life. However,
the original verb is much stronger, and the text should read that goodness
and unfailing love will “pursue” me all the days of my life. (In fact, it’s the
same Hebrew verb used in such verses as Genesis 14:14, Joshua 10:19, and
1 Samuel 25:29, where the idea of “pursuit” is very clear.)
What picture do you get in your mind when you imagine goodness
and unfailing love “pursuing” you? What do you think David meant to
tell us about God by describing His care for us this way?
No matter how deep the valley or how persistent the enemies, the
certainty of God’s goodness and unfailing love and the certainty of His
guidance to the very end of our journey is unquestionable. If these thoughts
could sustain Jesus through Calvary, we should take heart, as well.
There are times, however, when those we care for are full of questions.
Like David, the best way to address these concerns is often not with a
theological description of what God can do. Rather, as David shows us in
Psalm 23:6, it is through an affirmation, the sharing of a personal
conviction, of the truth about our God.
What evidence is there from your own knowledge of God that can
illustrate the certainty that His goodness and unfailing love pursue
us? What evidence could you add from the Bible? How could you
share this with those who may be questioning the certainty of God’s
care? How is the Cross the greatest example of this “pursuit”?
EGW Notes — THURSDAY ↓
Thursday, June 30
A Certain Promise for the Journey
How shall we know for ourselves God’s goodness and His love? The
psalmist tells us—not, hear and know, read and know, or believe and
know; but—“Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Instead of relying upon
the word of another, taste for yourself.
Experience is knowledge derived from experiment. Experimental
religion is what is needed now. “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”
Some—yes, a large number—have a theoretical knowledge of religious truth, but
have never felt the renewing power of divine grace upon their own
hearts.—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 221.
God has provided a balm for every wound. There is a balm in Gilead,
there is a physician there. Will you not now as never before study the
Scriptures? Seek the Lord for wisdom in every emergency. In every trial
plead with Jesus to show you a way out of your troubles, then your eyes
will be opened to behold the remedy and to apply to your case the healing
promises that have been recorded in His Word. In this way the enemy will
find no place to lead you into mourning and unbelief, but instead you will
have faith and hope and courage in the Lord. The Holy Spirit will give you
clear discernment that you may see and appropriate every blessing that
will act as an antidote to grief, as a branch of healing to every draught of
bitterness that is placed to your lips. Every draught of bitterness will be
mingled with the love of Jesus, and in place of complaining of the
bitterness, you will realize that Jesus’ love and grace are so mingled with
sorrow that it has been turned into subdued, holy, sanctified
joy.—Selected Messages, book 2, pp. 273, 274.
When God’s people take their eyes off the things of this world and
place them on heaven and heavenly things they will be a peculiar people,
because they will see the mercy and goodness and compassion that God
has shown to the children of men. His love will call forth a response from
them, and their lives will show to those around them that the Spirit of God
is controlling them, that they are setting their affections on things above,
not on the things of the earth.
. . . As we think of how Christ came to our world to die for fallen man,
we understand something of the price that was paid for our redemption,
and we realize that there is no true goodness or greatness apart from God.
. . .
We are almost home; we shall soon hear the voice of the Saviour richer
than any music, saying, Your warfare is accomplished. Enter into the joy
of thy Lord. Blessed, blessed benediction; I want to hear it from His
immortal lips. I want to praise Him; I want to honor Him that sitteth on
the throne. I want my voice to echo and re-echo through the courts of
heaven. Will you be there? God help us, and fill us with all fullness and
power, and then we can taste of the joys of the world to
come.—In Heavenly Places, p. 368.
FRIDAY July 1
Further Thought: Read Ellen G. White, “Missionaries in the
Home,” p. 143, in Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4; “The Divine
Shepherd,” pp. 476–484, in The Desire of Ages.
“Those who are finally victorious will have seasons of terrible perplexity
and trial in their religious life; but they must not cast away their confidence,
for this is a part of their discipline in the school of Christ, and it is essential
in order that all dross may be purged away. The servant of God must endure
with fortitude the attacks of the enemy, his grievous taunts, and must
overcome the obstacles which Satan will place in his way. . . .
“But if you keep looking up, not down at your difficulties, you will not
faint in the way, you will soon see Jesus reaching His hand to help you, and
you will only have to give Him your hand in simple confidence, and let
Him lead you. As you become trustful, you will become hopeful. . . .
“You will find help in Christ to form a strong, symmetrical, beautiful
character. Satan cannot make of none effect the light shining forth from
such a character. . . . God has given us His best gift, even His only-begotten
Son, to uplift, ennoble, and fit us, by putting on us His own perfection of
character, for a home in His kingdom.”—Ellen G. White, Messages to
Young People, pp. 63, 64.
Discussion Questions:
-
1. To what extent have you been aware that the “terrible perplexity
and trial” that comes into your life may actually be part of your
“discipline in the school of Christ”?
-
2. How might our help, comfort, and encouragement to those in the
valley be part of the Shepherd’s way of getting people through their
crises? What things can you as a church do to be better used by the
Lord to help those in need?
-
3. In class, go around and have each person talk about how
goodness and mercy “pursued” them. What can you learn from one
another’s experiences?
-
4. Think about the last hours of Christ’s life, as He entered into the
crucible. From what you can tell, either from the Bible or Ellen G.
White (The Desire of Ages is a great source), how was Jesus, in His
humanity, able to endure? What can we take from His example for
ourselves in whatever crucibles we face, as well?
EGW Notes — FRIDAY ↓
Friday, July 1
For Further Reading
Lift Him Up, “Brought Back by the Shepherd,” p. 214;
Sons and Daughters of God, “God’s Goodness and Mercy Inspire Courage,” p. 198.
INSIDE STORY
Part 1: Possessed at 11
By ANDREW MCCHESNEY
Sweat poured down 11-year-old Eduardo’s face as he raced his
skateboard back and forth on the street outside his house on a hot summer
morning.
“Eduardo Ferreira dos Santos!” his mother called. “Come in and take a
shower before lunch.”
Perspiring and panting, Eduardo headed straight for the kitchen,
forgetting the shower and thinking only about lunch. Eduardo ignored a
stranger seated in the living room, waiting for her nails to be painted. His
mother ran her own home business, a beauty salon offering manicures and
haircuts.
Before Eduardo reached the kitchen, he was stopped by his 12-year-old
sister. “Sit down and catch your breath,” she said.
Eduardo obediently plopped down onto a chair. Immediately, an unholy
shriek escaped his lips. His body began to convulse. His mother rushed to
him. A low, distorted voice spoke from Eduardo’s mouth, telling his mother
to hand over her son or watch him die. Eduardo’s mother began to cry.
“Don’t worry,” the stranger told Eduardo’s mother. “Your son has been
chosen to be part of our group. I am a Candomblé leader.”
Eduardo’s mother had heard about Candomblé, a religion that arrived in
Brazil on slave ships from Africa in the early 19th century. Candomblé
teaches that people can be possessed by the spirits of gods. The spirits,
however, aren’t gods but fallen angels. Eduardo had been possessed by one
of them, an evil spirit from a legion that surrounded the stranger.
After some time, the evil spirit left, and Eduardo returned to normal. He
didn’t remember the incident, but his mother couldn’t forget, and she took
him to the Candomblé temple. The temple priests welcomed Eduardo like a
king.
“What an honor,” one said. “You have been handpicked,” said another.
Only 11, Eduardo was introduced to spiritism and devil worship. Over
the next seven years, he spent much time at the temple, learning to be a
priest. Evil spirits spoke to him and through him. The most important
lesson, they said, was never to leave a job undone. If he started a task, he
had to finish it.
As an adult, Eduardo became high priest of a temple. He earned money
from people who wanted him to curse their enemies. But the evil spirits
forbade him from cursing Seventh-day Adventists and other Protestant
Christians. “They are protected,” the spirits said, adding that any attempt to
curse them would cause Eduardo to lose his powers. The spirits also banned
Eduardo from communicating with Adventists and other Protestants.
Eduardo found a common-law wife, Sidilene Silva de Oliveira, and they
had a son, Eduardo Junior. Life was peaceful until Junior said he wanted to
join the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Your Thirteenth Sabbath Offering will help open eight churches in the South American Division,
including four in Brazil, where EDUARDO FERREIRA DOS SANTOS lives.
Provided by the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission, which uses Sabbath School
mission offerings to spread the gospel worldwide. Read new stories daily at
AdventistMission.org.
