LESSON 11 *June 7–13
Sabbath Afternoon
Read for This Week’s Study: Ruth 1:1–5; Ruth 2:5–20; Job 1:6–11; Matt. 4:8, 9; Esther 3:1–14; Rev. 12:14–17.
Memory Text: “So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of the scepter” (Esther 5:2, NKJV).
This week we continue to explore stories that prefigure last-day events. By using real-life events and people, God helps us to see things from His perspective and helps us understand how to interpret the prophecies that come later, which are given to help strengthen our faith.
Our attention turns to two important women whose stories have touched the hearts of countless generations: Ruth and Esther. One is a dispossessed widow who finds hope after meeting the kindly Boaz, her kinsman redeemer. Their marriage has become a favorite love story for Christians because of the way it reflects Christ’s love for us. The other is a young girl living in a foreign land who becomes aware of a plot to destroy her people and finds herself thrust onto the main stage in the drama that unfolds to save them.
In prophecy, of course, a woman is a powerful symbol for God’s church, shedding much light on how God regards His people. Let’s look at the biblical accounts of these two women, whose life circumstances have been immortalized in the Word of God, and seek to draw whatever lessons we can from their experiences.
* Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, June 14.
EGW Notes — SATURDAY ↓
Sabbath Afternoon, June 7
Lesson 11 - Ruth and Esther
The decree of the Medes and Persians could not be revoked; apparently there was no hope; all the Israelites were doomed to destruction.
But the plots of the enemy were defeated by a Power that reigns among the children of men. In the providence of God, Esther, a Jewess who feared the Most High, had been made queen of the Medo-Persian kingdom. Mordecai was a near relative of hers. In their extremity they decided to appeal to Xerxes in behalf of their people. Esther was to venture into his presence as an intercessor. “Who knoweth,” said Mordecai, “whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Verse 14.
The crisis that Esther faced demanded quick, earnest action; but both she and Mordecai realized that unless God should work mightily in their behalf, their own efforts would be unavailing. So Esther took time for communion with God, the source of her
strength.—Prophets and Kings, p. 601.
The Bible is a revelation of the divine will and purpose of God. Those who follow its teachings are doers of the words of Christ, and by this means they bring solid timbers into their character building. Let us heed the words of inspiration, which exhort us to “be pitiful, be courteous.” Boaz represented the character of the Christian gentleman. Like Abraham, he commanded his household after him to keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment. He showed courtesy to all his servants, and as he passed among his workmen in the field, he said unto the reapers, “The Lord be with you. And they answered him, The Lord bless thee.” Here is a lesson . . . for employers and the employed. The [workers] are strengthened in their hearts to do righteously, to be faithful to [employers] who manifest respectful kindness and courtesy towards them. Christians should be the most courteous people in the world.—“Respond to Divine Love,”
Home Missionary, December 1, 1894, par. 1.
Occasions of indulgence such as are pictured in the first chapter of Esther, do not glorify God. But the Lord accomplishes His will through men who are nevertheless misleading others. If God did not stretch forth His restraining hand, strange presentations would be seen. But God impresses human minds to accomplish His purpose, even though the one used continues to follow wrong practices. And the Lord works out His plans through men who do not acknowledge His lessons of wisdom. In His hand is the heart of every earthly ruler, to turn whithersoever He will, as He turneth the waters of the river.
Through the experience that brought Esther to the Medo-Persian throne, God was working for the accomplishment of His purposes for His people. That which was done under the influence of much wine worked out for good to Israel.— “Lessons from Esther,” in
Manuscript 39, 1910, par. 16, 17.
SUNDAY June 8
Famine in “The House of Bread”
Critics of the Christian faith have often pointed to the brutal reality
of living in this world as evidence that: (a) God does not exist, (b) He
is powerless to intervene when bad things happen, or (c) He doesn’t
care when we hurt. Many of the stories of the Bible, however, provide
abundant evidence that none of these assumptions are correct. True,
God is allowing the human race to reap the consequences of rebellion
against Him. But without violating our free will, He is always present,
always working in human history, always moving us toward the ultimate
resolution of the problems of sin and suffering. The story of Ruth
provides one such example.
Read Ruth 1:1–5. What hardships fell on Naomi and Ruth, and what
caused them? How does this reflect the situation that the entire
human race now faces?
* Your notes will not be saved!
There is irony to be found in the opening statement of this story: there
was a famine that affected Bethlehem, a town whose name means “house
of bread.” One is reminded of the abundance of Eden, where God told
Adam and Eve, “ ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat’ ” (Gen.
2:16, NKJV). The human race began its existence in abundance, under
the care of a generous Creator, but then exchanged its role as caretakers
of creation for the slavery of sin. “ ‘In the sweat of your face you shall eat
bread till you return to the ground,’ ” God told Adam (Gen. 3:19, NKJV).
Like Naomi, we have been dispossessed from the inheritance that
God originally planned for us to have, and our lives have become a
hardship. Eden was given as a gift, but not unconditionally: humans
were free to rebel, but that would mean they would have to take responsibility
for their own well-being. Originally, we were meant to “subdue”
the whole unfallen world under God’s blessing, but now we are faced
with the task of subduing a fallen one. Selfish human beings competing
for scarce resources leads to much heartache and suffering.
The tragedy is unspeakable: the earth still produces abundantly, a
powerful testimony to God’s love. But between human greed and the
ravages of sin, the world at times seems to subdue us more than we
subdue it. One day, however, all this will end.
Even after six thousand years of sin and death, how does the
earth still reveal the wonders of God’s love and creative power?
EGW Notes — SUNDAY ↓
Sunday, June 8
Famine in “The House of Bread”
It is not because of inherent power that year by year the earth produces her bounties and continues her motion round the sun. The hand of God guides the planets and keeps them in position in their orderly march through the heavens. It is through His power that summer and winter, seedtime and harvest, day and night follow each other in their regular succession. It is by His word that vegetation flourishes, that the leaves appear and the flowers bloom. Every good thing we have, each ray of sunshine and shower of rain, every morsel of food, every moment of life, is a gift of love.
While we were yet unloving and unlovely in character, “hateful, and hating one another,” our heavenly Father had mercy on us. “After that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.” Titus 3:3–5. His love received, will make us, in like manner, kind and tender, not merely toward those who please us, but to the most faulty and erring and
sinful.—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, pp. 74, 75.
The things of nature that we now behold give us but a faint conception of Eden’s glory. Sin has marred earth’s beauty; on all things may be seen traces of the work of evil. Yet much that is beautiful remains. Nature testifies that One infinite in power, great in goodness, mercy, and love, created the earth, and filled it with life and gladness. Even in their blighted state, all things reveal the handiwork of the great Master Artist. Wherever we turn, we may hear the voice of God, and see evidences of His goodness.
From the solemn roll of the deep-toned thunder and old ocean’s ceaseless roar, to the glad songs that make the forests vocal with melody, nature’s ten thousand voices speak His praise. In earth and sea and sky, with their marvelous tint and color, varying in gorgeous contrast or blended in harmony, we behold His glory. The everlasting hills tell us of His power. The trees that wave their green banners in the sunlight, and the flowers in their delicate beauty, point to their Creator. The living green that carpets the brown earth tells of God’s care for the humblest of His creatures. The caves of the sea and the depths of the earth reveal His treasures. He who placed the pearls in the ocean and the amethyst and chrysolite among the rocks, is a lover of the beautiful. The sun rising in the heavens is a representative of Him who is the life and light of all that He has made. All the brightness and beauty that adorn the earth and light up the heavens, speak of
God.—The Ministry of Healing, p. 411.
MONDAY June 9
Ruth and Boaz
Naomi asked that her name be changed to Mara because of the bitterness
that had fallen over her life (see Ruth 1:20). Our relationship with
our Creator has been irreparably damaged by sin, forcing us into spiritual
poverty. Our prospects are dim, and we spend our lives gleaning what we
can from the edges of the field, living on the scraps of joy that can still
be found in a broken world. But it all changes the moment we make a
remarkable discovery: God has not forgotten us.
Read Ruth 2:5–20. Why is this such a pivotal moment in the story?
Why do you think Naomi’s discovery of the benefactor’s identity
was such good news?
Naomi could not take possession of her husband Elimelech’s land
without obtaining assistance from her husband’s family. She hopes
that Ruth can marry a close relative of her deceased husband and bear
a child in Elimelech’s name. God had made provision in Israel for
individuals to reclaim their inheritance in the Promised Land: a close
relative was needed to redeem Elimelech’s inheritance. Boaz was not
just a kind farmer; he was a kinsman of Elimelech who could redeem
the land.
The discovery that Boaz was not only kindhearted and generous but
a relative was the best possible news: the poverty in which these two
women existed did not have to last forever.
Christians have long understood Boaz to be a type of Christ, who is
not only our Creator but chose to become our kinsman—a real, fleshand-
blood human being, one of the reasons why, again and again, He
called Himself “the Son of man” (Matt. 12:8, Mark 8:31, Luke 22:22,
John 3:14).
Far too many people think of God in harsh terms—e.g., “Perhaps
He will let us into heaven if we check all the correct boxes on a moral
inventory, but He will do so grudgingly because we have scraped by on
a technicality.” The picture of Christ revealed in Boaz completely displaces
such notions. God not only notices us, but, in spite of our deep
spiritual poverty, He wants us as His bride.
Try to wrap your mind around not only the Creator’s becoming
part of His own creation but then dying for it. How should this
astonishing truth impact how we view our own existence?
EGW Notes — MONDAY ↓
Monday, June 9
Ruth and Boaz
Further provision was made for the poor. There is nothing, after their recognition of the claims of God, that more distinguishes the laws given by Moses than the liberal, tender, and hospitable spirit enjoined toward the poor. Although God had promised greatly to bless His people, it was not His design that poverty should be wholly unknown among them. He declared that the poor should never cease out of the land. There would ever be those among His people who would call into exercise their sympathy, tenderness, and benevolence. Then, as now, persons were subject to misfortune, sickness, and loss of property; yet so long as they followed the instruction given by God, there were no beggars among them, neither any who suffered for food. . . .
Such were the provisions made by our merciful Creator, to lessen suffering, to bring some ray of hope, to flash some gleam of sunshine, into the life of the destitute and
distressed.—Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 530, 534.
Christ honored the marriage relation by making it also a symbol of the union between Him and His redeemed ones. He Himself is the Bridegroom; the bride is the church, of which, as His chosen one, He says, “Thou art all fair, My love; there is no spot in thee.” Song of Solomon 4:7.
Christ “loved the church, and gave Himself for it; that He might sanctify and cleanse it; . . . that it should be holy and without blemish.” “So ought men to love their wives.” Ephesians 5:25-28.
The family tie is the closest, the most tender and sacred, of any on earth. It was designed to be a blessing to mankind. And it is a blessing wherever the marriage covenant is entered into intelligently, in the fear of God, and with due consideration for its
responsibilities.—The Ministry of Healing, p. 356.
Christ is coming with clouds and with great glory. A multitude of shining angels will attend Him. He will come to raise the dead, and to change the living saints from glory to glory. He will come to honor those who have loved Him, and kept His commandments, and to take them to Himself. He has not forgotten them nor His promise. There will be a relinking of the family chain. When we look upon our dead, we may think of the morning when the trump of God shall sound, when “the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” 1 Corinthians 15:52. A little longer, and we shall see the King in His beauty. A little longer, and He will wipe all tears from our eyes. A little longer, and He will present us “faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy.” Jude 1:24. Wherefore, when He gave the signs of His coming He said, “When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth
nigh.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 632.
TUESDAY June 10
Boaz as Redeemer
Boaz falls deeply in love with Ruth and wishes to marry her, but
there is a significant barrier: there is a closer relative who also has a
claim on the woman and the land. If we consider Boaz to be a type of
Christ, this situation may reveal an issue at stake in the great controversy.
Christ loves us, but there is a “closer relative” who also has a
claim: Satan.
What do the following passages reveal about Satan’s claim on humanity?
(Job 1:6–11; Matt. 4:8, 9; Jude 1:9; Luke 22:31).
When Satan appeared in the heavenly council, he told God that he
had been “ ‘going to and fro in the earth’ ” (Job 1:7), and when God
asked him if he had noticed the righteous Job, Satan laid claim to him
as one of his own, suggesting that Job’s heart did not really belong to
God. That is, he really follows You only because You are good to him.
Stop being good to him and see who truly has Job’s allegiance.
In Jude, we see a brief reference to a story that was well known in
Israel: after Moses had been buried by God (Deut. 34:6), he was later
resurrected. Though we are not privy to the details, the text itself, which
says that they disputed over the body of Moses, implies that Satan was
making some kind of claim on it.
“For the first time Christ was about to give life to the dead. As the
Prince of life and the shining ones approached the grave, Satan was
alarmed for his supremacy. With his evil angels he stood to dispute an
invasion of the territory that he claimed as his own. He boasted that
the servant of God had become his prisoner. He declared that even
Moses was not able to keep the law of God; that he had taken to himself
the glory due to Jehovah—the very sin which had caused Satan’s
banishment from heaven—and by transgression had come under the
dominion of Satan.”—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 478.
Obviously, Christ refuted Satan’s claim, and Moses was resurrected
(see Matt. 17:3).
In Ruth 4:1–12, Boaz travels to the gate of Bethlehem—the town
where Christ would enter our world as our close relative. The elders
gather, and finally a sandal (a symbol of ownership) is exchanged.
The gate of a village is where cases were decided: this is a type of
judgment scene. It reflects the judgment scene of Daniel 7:13, 14, 22,
26, 27. We must not miss this critical aspect of judgment: judgment is
in “favor of the saints” but only because Christ paid the price for us,
just as Boaz did for his bride.
EGW Notes — TUESDAY ↓
Tuesday, June 10
Boaz as Redeemer
Those who accept Christ as their personal Saviour are not left as orphans, to bear the trials of life alone. He receives them as members of the heavenly family; He bids them call His Father their Father. They are His “little ones,” dear to the heart of God, bound to Him by the most tender and abiding ties. He has toward them an exceeding tenderness, as far surpassing what our father or mother has felt toward us in our helplessness as the divine is above the human.
Of Christ’s relation to His people, there is a beautiful illustration in the laws given to Israel. When through poverty a Hebrew had been forced to part with his patrimony, and to sell himself as a bondservant, the duty of redeeming him and his inheritance fell to the one who was nearest of kin. See Leviticus 25:25, 47–49; Ruth 2:20. So the work of redeeming us and our inheritance, lost through sin, fell upon Him who is “near of kin” unto us. It was to redeem us that He became our kinsman. Closer than father, mother, brother, friend, or lover is the Lord our Saviour. “Fear not,” He says, “for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine.” “Since thou wast precious in My sight, thou hast been honorable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.” Isaiah 43:1, 4.
Christ loves the heavenly beings that surround His throne; but what shall account for the great love wherewith He has loved us? We cannot understand it, but we can know it true in our own experience. And if we do hold the relation of kinship to Him, with what tenderness should we regard those who are brethren and sisters of our Lord! Should we not be quick to recognize the claims of our divine relationship? Adopted into the family of God, should we not honor our Father and our
kindred?—The Desire of Ages, p. 327.
One reason of the spiritual feebleness of today is the low estimate that believers in Christ are constantly inclined to form of themselves. Christ paid an infinite price for us, and he desires his chosen heritage to value themselves according to the price he placed upon them. Do not disappoint Jesus by placing a low estimate upon yourselves. Embrace the opportunities and privileges which will increase your value with God; for by accepting the treasures of his grace you will become precious and lovely in his sight. Practical godliness will run through your lives like threads of gold, and as God beholds your consecration to him, he will say, “I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir.” All heaven rejoices over the weak, faulty human soul that gives itself to Jesus, and in his strength lives a life of purity.—“The Source of Strength,”
Signs of the Times, October 22, 1896, par. 8.
WEDNESDAY June 11
Haman and Satan
In the story of Esther, we meet Haman, who is hungry for position
and power. He is given a great degree of prominence in the empire,
above all the other princes (Esther 3:1).
If we read Ezekiel 28:11–15 and Isaiah 14:12–15 about Lucifer, we
can find some parallels with Haman, an evil antagonist to God’s chosen
people, who refuses to bow to God’s supremacy. Satan’s overarching
intentions are revealed in the story of the temptation of Christ, where
he takes Jesus to a high place to show Him the kingdoms of the world
(Matt 4:8–11). Christ, as we have seen, came to redeem the world and
claim it as His own—and He did it as one of us. Jesus is the kinsman
redeemer, and the price He paid to redeem the world was exceedingly
high.
In the book of Revelation, we see that Satan’s lust for power and
worship brings this world to its final crisis. His deceptions convince
the world to “marvel” and follow the beast (Rev. 13:3, 4, NKJV), except
for notable exceptions who refuse to worship him. With these people,
he resorts to force.
Haman notices that Mordecai—one of God’s chosen people—would
not defer to him or acknowledge what he believed to be his right to
“worship.” He is “filled with wrath” (Esther 3:5, 6, NKJV), and he
becomes determined to eliminate all of Mordecai’s people from the
face of the earth.
Read Esther 3:1–14, Revelation 12:14–17, and Revelation 13:15.
What parallels do you find between these passages? How is John’s
description of God’s remnant church like Haman’s description of
God’s people?
The devil has laid claim to this world, but the presence of people who
stay loyal to God—who keep His commandments—disproves his claim of
complete supremacy. “When the Sabbath shall become the special point
of controversy throughout Christendom, the persistent refusal of a small
minority to yield to the popular demand will make them objects of universal
execration.”—Ellen G. White, Signs of the Times, February 22, 1910.
Think about the “small” things that test your faith now. If you
compromise on them, the “small” things, how will you do when
the big test comes?
EGW Notes — WEDNESDAY ↓
Wednesday, June 11
Haman and Satan
The decree which is to go forth against the people of God in the near future is in some respects similar to that issued by Ahasuerus against the Jews in the time of Esther. The Persian edict sprang from the malice of Haman against Mordecai. Not that Mordecai had done Haman harm, but he had refused to flatter his vanity by showing him the reverence which is due only to God. The king’s decision against the Jews was secured under false pretenses. Satan instigated this scheme in order to rid the earth of those who preserved a knowledge of the true God. But his plots were defeated by a counter-power that reigns among the children of men. Angels who excel in strength were commissioned to protect the people of God, and the plots of their adversaries returned upon their own heads.
History repeats itself. The same masterful mind that plotted against the faithful in ages past is now at work to gain control of the Protestant churches, that through them he may condemn and put to death all who will not worship the idol sabbath. We have not to battle with man, as it may appear. We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. But if the people of God will put their trust in Him, and by faith rely upon His power, the devices of Satan will be defeated in our time as signally as in the days of Mordecai. . . .
Christ never purchased peace and friendship by compromise with evil. Tho His heart overflowed with love toward the human race, He could not be indulgent to their sins. Because He loved men and women, He was a stern reprover of their vices. His life of suffering, the humiliation to which He was subjected by a perverse nation, show His followers that there must be no sacrifice of principle. God’s tried people must maintain watchfulness, with fervent prayer, lest, in their eagerness to prevent discord, they surrender truth, and thus dishonor the God of truth. Peace is too dearly obtained if purchased by the smallest concession to Satan’s agencies. The least surrender of principle entangles us in the snare of the enemy.—“The Seal of God—No. 2,”
Signs of the Times, November 8, 1899, par. 9, 10, 13.
Thoughts and meditations upon the goodness of God to us would close the avenues of the soul to Satan’s suggestions.
God’s love for us is proved daily; yet we are thoughtless of His favors and indifferent to His entreaties. He seeks to impress us with His Spirit of tenderness, His love and forbearance; but we scarcely recognize the marks of His kindness, and have little sense of the lesson of love He desires us to learn. Some, like Haman, forget all God’s favors, because Mordecai is before them and is not disgraced; because their hearts are filled with enmity and hatred, rather than love, the spirit of our dear Redeemer, who gave His precious life for His
enemies.—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 222.
THURSDAY June 12
For Such a Time as This
There is an unfortunate tendency among some Christians to dwell on
the hard things of Bible prophecy. We see that trying times lie ahead,
and the study of prophecy can become fear-based, focusing on hardship
instead of the promised resolution to the story. While God does not
sugarcoat the future, and He is honest about the events that will transpire
between now and the close of the great controversy, it is important
always to read the story to the end.
There is a general pattern in prophecy in which God reveals the truth
about the mess created by our human rebellion, and He shows us the
consequences. But then He always holds out hope. Some have looked
at the predictions of a final crisis—the “time of Jacob’s trouble”—with
fear and trembling. Undoubtedly, the closing moments will not be easy
ones for God’s people. But just as the prediction of hard times is reliable,
so is the promise of deliverance.
In Revelation 12, the devil pursues Christ’s bride with hateful vengeance,
but God intervenes to save her. The story of Esther also has a
beautiful queen playing a central role in the drama, and God uses her
powerfully to save His people.
Read Esther 4:13, 14; Esther 5:1–3; and Esther 9:20–28. What lessons
can we draw from these passages regarding our plight in the closing
moments of earth’s history?
God raised up His remnant church for a specific moment in history.
As the 1,260 days of the Dark Ages drew to a close, God brought His
bride out of hiding (compare with Rev. 12:14) to carry His final message
of mercy—the three angels’ messages—to the world. We are here
“for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).
Esther discovered she was not alone in facing the persecution being
unleashed on her people by Haman: she found favor from the king,
and her people were ultimately delivered. Neither are we alone as we
enter the final moments of earth’s history—the King is on our side, and
God’s people will be delivered, as well.
Things worked out well, at least in this story, for God’s people. It
doesn’t always happen that way, though, does it? Why, then, must
we always take a long-term view of things in order to maintain
the hope that we have in Christ?
EGW Notes — THURSDAY ↓
Thursday, June 12
For Such a Time as This
The trying experiences that came to God’s people in the days of Esther were not peculiar to that age alone. The revelator, looking down the ages to the close of time, has declared, “The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 12:17. Some who today are living on the earth will see these words fulfilled. The same spirit that in ages past led men to persecute the true church, will in the future lead to the pursuance of a similar course toward those who maintain their loyalty to God. Even now preparations are being made for this last great conflict.
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. 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.—Prophets and Kings, p. 605.
In ancient times the Lord worked in a wonderful way through consecrated women who united in His work with men whom He had chosen to stand as His representatives. He used women to gain great and decisive victories. More than once, in times of emergency, He brought them to the front and worked through them for the salvation of many lives. Through Esther the queen, the Lord accomplished a mighty deliverance for His people. At a time when it seemed that no power could save them, Esther and the women associated with her, by fasting and prayer and prompt action, met the issue, and brought salvation to their
people.—Daughters of God, p. 45.
The trying experiences that came to God’s people in the days of Esther, were not peculiar to that age alone. The Revelator, looking down the ages to the close of time, declared by inspiration, “The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” . . .
The decree which is to go forth against the people of God will be very similar to that issued by Ahasuerus against the Jews in the time of Esther. . . .
Those who fear God can not accept an institution that violates a precept of the decalogue. On this battle-field comes the last great conflict of the controversy between truth and error. And we are not left in doubt as to the issue. Now, as in the days of Esther and Mordecai, the Lord will vindicate his truth and his people.—“The Return of the Exiles—No. 11,”
Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, January 23, 1908, par. 20–22.
FRIDAY June 13
Further Thought: “The First King of Israel,” pp. 605, 606, in
Patriarchs and Prophets.
“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. Wealth, genius, education, will combine to cover them
with contempt. Persecuting rulers, ministers, and church members will
conspire against them. With voice and pen, by boasts, threats, and ridicule,
they will seek to overthrow their faith. By false representations
and angry appeals, men will stir up the passions of the people. Not
having a ‘Thus saith the Scriptures’ to bring against the advocates of
the Bible Sabbath, they will resort to oppressive enactments to supply
the lack. To 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 in the controversy 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.”—Ellen G. White, Prophets and Kings, pp. 605, 606.
Discussion Questions:
-
Why do you think God allows His people to pass through trying
times? What is the point of allowing it?
-
How does a believer prepare himself or herself for any potential
hardship that may come with loyalty to Christ? Where do you
find hope in the midst of difficult circumstances?
-
Why do you think we tend to dwell on the harder things of
prophecy and allow them to eclipse the bigger picture that provides
good news?
-
A friend comes to you after reading the book of Revelation and
confides that she finds it “terrifying.” What approach would you
use to help her understand more clearly and find peace of mind?
-
Someone says, “I’m not convinced that God loves me or wants
me. If you knew what I’ve done, you would understand why.”
What response would you give? How do the stories of Ruth and
Esther inform your approach?
EGW Notes — FRIDAY ↓
Friday, June 13
For Further Reading
“In the Days of Queen Esther,” in Prophets and Kings, pp. 598–605;
“Christ’s Followers the Light of the World,” in Gospel Workers, pp. 433–437.
INSIDE STORY
Part 7: “We Need One of Those!”
By Diana Fish
Diana and Loren Fish had their dream jobs. She was working in development
at the Seventh-day Adventist hospital in Orlando, Florida, and he had
a successful counseling practice. But something was missing. They prayed.
On a whim, Diana attended a North American Division Women’s Ministries
conference. In the exhibition hall, she stopped at the Holbrook Seventh-day
Adventist Indian School booth to admire student-made pottery. When a
woman at the booth learned that Diana worked in development, she excitedly
said that the school was looking for a development director. Diana dismissed
the idea that God might be calling her to work at the school in Arizona.
Six months later, Loren decided at the last minute to attend the 2015
General Conference Session in San Antonio, Texas. In the exhibition hall, he
found himself at the Holbrook booth. When a woman at the booth learned
he was a licensed clinical social worker, she excitedly said, “We need one of
those!” She asked about his wife’s job, and he responded that she worked in
development. “We need one of those, too!” the woman said, waving at her
husband, who happened to be Holbrook’s principal.
Weeks later, the couple visited Holbrook after a vacation to see family in
Colorado. They spent nine hours talking with staff about the school’s mission
to provide a safe place for American Indian children to learn and grow.
They learned that the staff dreamed of having Christian counseling available
around the clock for students dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and
other mental health issues. Diana tossed and turned that night in the school
guestroom. In the morning, she noticed two identical books on a bookshelf.
They looked familiar. Reaching into her backpack, she pulled out the same
book, which Loren had gotten at the General Conference Session. It was titled,
Follow: Anytime, Anywhere, at Any Cost, by Don MacLafferty. Immediately,
Diana knew God was calling them to Holbrook. She prayed, “You’ll have to
put the same impression on Loren’s heart.”
Several days later, back in Florida, Loren told Diana that he had been praying
and sensed God calling them to Holbrook. That evening, they submitted
their résumés and began packing. Two weeks later, they were offered the positions.
They have worked at the school for the past 10 years. “God is so amazing,”
Diana said. “He has shown me every step of the way that He is working
in my life. Before I knew Him, He knew me and had a plan.”
This mission story shows how God miraculously worked in the life of Diana Fish, development
director of the US-based Holbrook Seventh-day Adventist Indian School, which received the
Thirteenth Sabbath Offering in 2021. Thank you for supporting the spread of the gospel with
this quarter’s Thirteenth Sabbath Offering on June 28. Read more about the school next week.
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.
