Introduction

The Bible is far more than a collection of ancient stories—it is a living testimony of divine guidance throughout the centuries. Lesson 13 invites us to look beyond the historical accounts and discover their deeper, prophetic significance. Whether it’s Jonah in the belly of the fish, Belshazzar’s fateful night, or the drying up of the Euphrates—each of these events contains clues about major happenings still ahead of us in the end times. These images serve as signposts on the spiritual map of the last days: they reveal God’s seriousness in judgment, but also His patience, grace, and faithfulness in salvation. Those who watch with an alert heart will see that God still speaks today through what happened yesterday. And He calls us to recognize the signs of the times and make a clear decision for Him—while grace still calls.

Lesson 13: IMAGES OF THE END

13.1 The Reluctant Prophet
Jonah – A Reflection of God’s End-Time Messengers

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Introduction

There are stories in the Bible so human, so profound, and at the same time so prophetic that they endure through generations. The story of Jonah is one of them. A man of God who flees from his calling. A prophet who knows the voice of God—yet runs in the opposite direction. How is that possible? And how often do we see ourselves in that mirror?

Jonah is not just an Old Testament prophet. His story is a parable of our calling, our struggles—and God’s immense patience. In this lesson, we not only dive into the Old Testament account, but we examine it through the lens of the New Testament and end-time prophecy. What does Jesus say about Jonah? And what does it mean for us today—in the 21st century, in the midst of spiritual Babylon?

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Bible Study

Matthew 12:38–42 – Jonah as a Sign

“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” (Matt. 12:40)

Answer:
Jesus deliberately refers to Jonah—not because of his flight, but because of his time inside the fish. The fish becomes a symbol of the grave. Jonah seemingly returns from death to preach God’s word. Jesus, however, truly dies and conquers death forever. Just as Jonah preached repentance to the Assyrians, so Jesus proclaims the gospel to the world through His resurrection. Yet Jesus is “greater than Jonah”—He is the perfect sign of grace and judgment.

Jesus also reveals something about judgment: the people of Nineveh will testify against this generation because they repented. A serious warning: those who know the light and still do not turn back will be held accountable.

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Answers to the Questions

Question 1: Read Matthew 12:38–42. Which parts of Jonah’s story does Jesus refer to when speaking to the scribes and Pharisees? What lessons about judgment can be found in His statement?

In Matthew 12:38–42, Jesus directly references the sign of the prophet Jonah to reveal a deeper spiritual truth. When the Pharisees demand a sign to prove His divine authority, Jesus does not perform another miracle. Instead, He points forward to what is yet to come—His crucifixion, death, and resurrection. These three days “in the heart of the earth” correspond to Jonah’s experience in the belly of the fish (cf. Jonah 1:17). This is not a superficial comparison: Jonah was seemingly dead and miraculously returned to deliver God’s message. Jesus truly died, conquered death, and brought eternal hope.

Jesus also addresses judgment: the people of Nineveh repented at Jonah’s preaching—with no signs or wonders, just God’s word. Now, someone greater than Jonah stands before Israel’s religious leaders—yet they remain unmoved. The judgment, therefore, will be even stricter for those who received greater light but chose to reject it.

This statement is both a solemn warning and an appeal: God gives signs, but the greatest sign is Jesus’ resurrection. Whoever recognizes this sign will understand that judgment is real—but so is salvation. Jesus’ words are prophetic, just, and full of grace.

Question 2: How much of Jonah do you see in yourself? How can you overcome this wrong attitude?

Many Christians see themselves in Jonah—especially when they honestly examine their inner responses to God’s call. Jonah was not a skeptic—he was a prophet. He knew God’s voice, His holiness, and His grace. And that was the issue: Jonah knew that God forgives when people repent (cf. Jonah 4:2). But his national loyalty, fears, and perhaps pride got in the way. He didn’t want to be the vessel of grace to Nineveh—he believed they didn’t deserve it. That attitude is uncomfortably human.

We often face assignments that challenge us: loving a difficult person, standing for Jesus in a hostile environment, witnessing to an unconverted family. And sometimes we react like Jonah: fleeing, delaying, making excuses. But God’s patience doesn’t end with our resistance. He continues to call—and often uses the storms in our lives to bring us back on track.

Overcoming this attitude starts with humility. When I realize I am saved by grace alone, I will wish that same grace for others. Then I stop trying to control the outcome and focus on obedience. It’s God’s job to change hearts—not mine. My job is to go, preach, and love—even when it’s difficult.

Regular prayer, recognizing my own need, and trusting God’s strength help me say, like Jonah ultimately did, “Here I am, send me”—even when my heart still hesitates.

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Spiritual Principles

• God doesn’t just call—He pursues.

• The mission is more important than our comfort.

• The message may be unpopular—but it is necessary.

• God uses our weakness to show His strength.

• Worship is inseparable from obedience.

Like Jonah, we are sent into a world that has forgotten God. The end-time message is not just an invitation to religion—it is a call to repentance. Revelation 14:7 calls us to worship the Creator—which is exactly what Jonah affirms before the sailors (Jonah 1:9).

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Application for Daily Life

Jonah lived in a real world of political tensions, fear, and personal pride—just like we do today. Our “Nineveh” may look different—it might be a conversation with a neighbor, an invitation to a coworker, a testimony to strangers. But the calling remains. So does the fear. What’s different? We already have the sign: Jesus lives. The tomb is empty. What’s still holding us back?

Imagine if every believer lived today as though the salvation of hundreds depended on their faithfulness. Would that change your willingness?

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Conclusion

The story of Jonah is not a children’s tale. It’s an end-time story. A story of flight and return, judgment and grace. It’s a mirror for all who claim to be God’s people—especially in a time when Babylon is erecting its final walls. But God doesn’t call perfect people. He calls the willing. And He walks with them through the storm—until they reach the place He wants them to be: as messengers of His love, even in the capital of darkness.

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Thought of the Day

“God’s call may take you out of your comfort zone—but He will never leave you without His presence.”

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Illustration – “Called but Fleeing”

David Krüger was 35, a theologian, influencer, and a man of principle. People loved his clear sermons, his calm voice, and his well-structured podcasts about the Bible and society. On social media, he was known as “the understanding reformer.” But few knew how often David wrestled with God in private.

One morning—just an ordinary Thursday—David sat with his coffee in his home office in Leipzig when he sensed a clear prompting in prayer: “Go to Riyadh. Proclaim My message.”

He froze. Riyadh? Saudi Arabia? A place where Christians are persecuted, where one can be imprisoned for speaking publicly about Christ?

David laughed nervously. Surely not from God. Maybe it was just the strong coffee.

But the message wouldn’t leave him. In the following days, he spoke with God—or rather, he argued. “Lord, You know what happens there. I’m not a missionary. I’m a theologian, a writer, a father! I can’t just go to Riyadh and tell them to repent!”

Instead of booking a ticket, David fled—not literally, but digitally. He declined a Middle East mission invitation and volunteered for a humanitarian project in Stockholm. It sounded like ministry. It felt “Christian.” But deep down, he knew: I’m going to Tarshish.

While he sat in air-conditioned rooms in Stockholm discussing peace, justice, and religious tolerance, a storm raged in his soul. At night, he couldn’t sleep. Over and over, he dreamed of a sun-drenched city, of people praying—earnestly, sincerely—and of a voice crying: “Yet forty days…”

One night he fell weeping from his bed. In that moment, he realized: I’m running. Not from a place. From God.

David returned home. Three weeks later, he was on a flight to Amman, Jordan. From there, he continued with a Christian aid organization to Riyadh. But instead of preaching in large gatherings, he spoke with people in cafés, discussed with liberal students in back rooms, answered questions about hope, forgiveness, eternity.

He didn’t speak loudly. But his words carried weight.

One evening, after a discussion group, a young man asked him,
“Why are you risking this, Mr. Krüger?”
David answered softly:
“Because God doesn’t want you to die—but to live.”

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-13-images-of-the-end-13-1-the-reluctant-prophet-allusions-images-symbols-living-faith/

June 22, 2025

DAILY BIBLE READING

Exodus 17 – Water from the Rock – Victory on the Mountain

How God provides in times of drought and grants victory in battles

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Bible Text – Exodus 17 (KJV)

1 And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandment of the Lord, and pitched in Rephidim: and there was no water for the people to drink.

2 Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the Lord?

3 And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst?

4 And Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.

5 And the Lord said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go.

6 Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.

7 And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the Lord, saying, Is the Lord among us, or not?

8 Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.

9 And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.

10 So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.

11 And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.

12 But Moses hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.

13 And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

14 And the Lord said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.

15 And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi:

16 For he said, Because the Lord hath sworn that the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.

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Introduction

In Exodus 17, we encounter one of Israel’s most well-known crises in the wilderness: thirst. A desperate situation is followed by a supernatural miracle – water from the rock. But the story continues: a physical need is followed by a hostile attack. Amalek strikes, and Israel must fight.

This chapter combines two key experiences on the journey with God: provision in times of need and help in battle. It shows how God gives not only grace but also victory – when we trust Him and act together.

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Commentary

1. Crisis in the wilderness (Verses 1–7)

• The people are exhausted, thirsty, at their limit.
• Instead of trust: quarrel, accusations, despair.
• Moses becomes the target – nearly stoned.
• God’s instruction: The rock is struck, water flows.
• The place is named: Massah (testing) and Meribah (quarreling).

Spiritual lesson:

• God provides – even in moments of mistrust.
• The rock is a picture of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 10:4).
• Trust is tested in times of need.

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2. Battle against Amalek (Verses 8–13)

• A new enemy: Amalek attacks Israel – unexpectedly.
• Strategy: Joshua fights in the valley, Moses prays on the hill.
• Victory depends on Moses’ raised hands.
• Teamwork: Aaron and Hur support Moses.
• Victory comes through community, prayer, and trust.

Spiritual lesson:

• Battles are decided spiritually – not just physically.
• Prayer is a source of strength; visible success often comes from unseen intercession.
• Community is essential – no one fights alone.

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3. Remembrance and promise (Verses 14–16)

• God tells Moses to record everything.
• Future perspective: The enemy will be destroyed.
• An altar is built: “The Lord is my Banner” – a sign of victory.

Spiritual lesson:

• Remembering helps us believe.
• God’s guidance is not just for the moment but has eternal consequences.
• The Lord fights for His people – from generation to generation.

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Summary

In Exodus 17 we see two key themes of our faith:

Provision – God brings water from the rock where, humanly speaking, nothing is possible.
Battle – Victory over Amalek happens not just through strength but through faith, prayer, and cooperation.

God is not only our provider but also our banner in battle. He calls us to be faithful in need and to trust in conflict.

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Message for Us Today

God sees your wilderness – your thirst, your fear, your doubts.

Jesus is the struck rock, from which living water flows – for your heart, your daily life, your future.

In your battles, you are not alone. Your “Amaleks” – fears, doubts, conflicts – can be defeated through prayer and spiritual community.

Believe together, carry together, win together. That is heaven’s principle.

And in the end, this remains true: The Lord is your banner. You don’t fight alone – He fights for you.

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Reflection Questions

Who holds up your arms when you can’t go on?

What do you rely on in the wilderness – accusation or trust?

Where can you be an Aaron or a Hur for someone today?

God is writing history – and you are part of it, if you walk with Him, trust Him, pray, and stay faithful.

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June 22 – 28, 2025

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING

Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 13

The Test of Faith

Read online here

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Introduction

Abraham – the father of faith. And yet, his faith wasn’t a static possession, but a journey shaped by challenges, doubts, and divine tests. In Chapter 13 of Patriarchs and Prophets, it becomes clear: true faith proves itself not in the easy times, but in the difficult ones.

God tested Abraham with a command that is almost impossible to comprehend: “Sacrifice your son, your only son, whom you love.” This story is not just an ancient tale about a man long ago – it is a mirror reflecting our own journey of faith.

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Commentary

1. The Beginning of Doubt (Hagar and Ishmael)

• Abraham accepts God’s promise – but does not wait patiently.
• Sarah’s suggestion to take Hagar as a wife is a human solution to a divine promise.
• Consequences: unrest, jealousy, brokenness in the family, mockery, and rejection.

Lesson: When we replace God’s timing with our own methods, we create conflict, not solutions.

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2. God’s Promise Stands (Isaac is born)

• Despite human mistakes, God renews His promise.
• Isaac – the child of the miracle – becomes the center of the covenant.
• Ishmael and Hagar are sent away – with divine comfort, but not without pain.

Lesson: God’s plans prevail, even when we take detours. His faithfulness remains constant.

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3. The Great Test – The Sacrifice of Isaac

• Abraham receives the hardest command: Sacrifice your son.
• Inner struggle, silence, prayer – no excuses, only obedience.
• Isaac shows willing obedience – he is not forced, but trusts.
• At the last moment, God intervenes: a ram is sacrificed in Isaac’s place.

Lesson:

• Faith without works is dead (James 2:17).
• God tests to strengthen – not to destroy.
• Obedience is rewarded – even when we don’t understand everything.

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4. God’s Covenant and Prophetic Meaning

• God confirms His covenant with Abraham through an oath.
• The ram as a substitute offering prophetically points to Christ.
• Even angels gain deeper understanding of the plan of redemption through this scene (see 1 Peter 1:10–12).

Lesson: This story is a prophetic shadow of Golgotha.

God gave what Abraham did not have to give – His only Son.

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Summary

Chapter 13 shows: Faith doesn’t mean never doubting – it means trusting despite the doubts.
Abraham’s life is a journey from impatience to surrender, from human solutions to divine obedience.

The greatest evidence of his faith was not words, but action. And in that obedience, God’s grace is revealed: He saves – through a sacrifice He Himself provides.

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Message for Us Today

God doesn’t test to destroy, but to strengthen.

True faith is shown in action, not in talk.

Obedience to God may cost sacrifice – but it is never in vain.

God’s timing is better than our own impatience.

Our trust in God often becomes most visible when we understand the least.

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Reflection Question

What would you do if God asked something “incomprehensible” of you?

Are there “Ishmaels” in your life – human solutions trying to replace God’s promises?

How is your obedience shown today – even when no one sees it?

Do you know the God who provides “a ram” for you – the solution, when you are ready to trust?

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/22-06-2025-exodus-chapter-17-believe-his-prophets/

22.06.2025 | When Obedience Takes Courage | HEART ANCHOR
How genuine faith gives us the courage to swim against the current
Acts 5:29

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Bible Text

“We must obey God rather than men.”
Acts 5:29

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Introduction

What do you do when everyone is against you? When you know what is right, but the majority sees it differently? When your friends, teachers, even your family ask something of you that doesn’t align with your faith?
In Acts 5:29, we find a sentence that sounds simple—but changes everything:

“We must obey God rather than men.”

Peter and the other apostles said this when they were thrown into prison for their faith. They were interrogated, intimidated, and warned to stop speaking about Jesus. But they remained firm. Why?

Let’s dive deeper.

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Devotional 

The apostles had just experienced an incredible time: healings, conversions, miracles.
But then came opposition—religious leaders felt threatened. The apostles were arrested, thrown into prison, and strictly warned not to preach in the name of Jesus again.

But instead of being afraid, they replied with these bold words:

“We must obey God rather than men.”

This wasn’t arrogant rebellion. It was deep obedience. A faith willing to accept the consequences.

Today, the pressure looks different:

You’re not imprisoned for being a Christian.
But you might be mocked for skipping sports practice on Sabbath.
Or lose friends when you stand by your values.
Maybe you’re excluded because you refuse to lie or gossip.

And then the question comes:
Who do I want to please—people or God?

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Story – “Sina’s Decision”

Sina was 17 and in the middle of her apprenticeship. Her workplace was large, modern—and highly performance-oriented. Everything revolved around success, speed, career. Sina was ambitious, kind—and a believer.

One day, her supervisor announced a “special project”: a weekend of workshops and team-building. Mandatory. The catch? It began Friday evening and ran through Sunday.
Sina knew: The Sabbath is God’s day. Rest. Worship. Time with Him. No mandatory programs.

She politely explained she couldn’t participate after Friday evening because of her faith.

The reaction? First confusion. Then pressure.
“This is the real world, Sina. You can’t expect everything to revolve around your beliefs. If you refuse, you can forget about a permanent position.”

She went home. Cried. Struggled. Prayed. And decided:

“I will obey God rather than people.”

On Monday, she informed her boss she would keep the Sabbath. Someone else took over the project. And yes—she wasn’t offered a job.

But three months later, she got a call. Another company had heard about her decision.
“We’re looking for people with backbone,” the woman on the phone said. “Not just skills—but values. Would you like to join us?”

Sina said yes. Her decision wasn’t easy.
But it was right.

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Thoughts

Courage doesn’t mean having no fear—but doing what’s right despite fear.
Obeying God isn’t always comfortable—but it’s always worth it.
Choosing God may close doors—but often opens better ones.
What would you do when your faith becomes inconvenient?

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What Does Acts 5:29 Mean to You?

It’s an invitation to clarity: Who truly has my loyalty?
It’s a call to courage: Put God first—not out of defiance, but out of love.
It’s a reminder: God stands with you when you stand with Him.

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Practical Steps for Today

Reflect: Are there situations where you’d rather please people than God?
Write down areas where you want to live your faith more clearly—even if it takes courage.
Talk to God about your fears. Ask Him for strength to walk the right path.
Find someone you trust—and share your decision with them.

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Prayer

Dear Father in heaven,
You know my heart. You know how often I feel uncertain when others pressure me.
Help me to clearly see Your will—and give me the courage to obey You, even when it’s hard.
Give me the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.
I don’t want to conform—I want to be faithful.
Thank You for walking with me—every day.
Amen.

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Thought to Take With You

Whoever learns to obey God in the small things today will stand strong in the big trials tomorrow.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/22-06-25-when-obedience-takes-courage-heart-anchor-youth-devotional/