13.5 Joy Comes in the Morning
Divine Redemption in the Morning Light: The Symbolism of Morning in the Bible

Read Mark 16:1–8. What happened on the morning referred to here, and why is it very important for us?

Mark 16:1–8 recounts what happened on the morning of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Here are the key events:

1. Early on the first day of the week, after the Sabbath, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus (Mark 16:1).

2. When they arrived at the tomb, they saw that the large stone sealing the entrance had been rolled away (Mark 16:4).

3. Entering the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in white, who announced to them that Jesus had risen. He said to them, “He is not here; see the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you” (Mark 16:6–7).

4. The women left the tomb filled with fear and amazement and told no one, as they were afraid (Mark 16:8).

Why is this very important for us? The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the central event of the Christian faith. It confirms Jesus’ divine nature and His power over death. Through His resurrection, Jesus opened the way for our own redemption and eternal life. The hope of resurrection inherent in this event is crucial for Christians, as it demonstrates that death does not have the final word and that through faith in Jesus Christ, we can have eternal life with God. The encounter of the women at the empty tomb of Jesus reminds us that we should share the message of resurrection and that amidst fear and uncertainty, we can trust in God’s promises.

It’s said that death is engraved into our cells from birth. While that may be true, at least for fallen beings, what has the resurrection of Jesus promised us regarding the temporality of death? Why should we never forget how temporally limited death is for us?

The resurrection of Jesus Christ promises us hope and victory over death. Through His resurrection, Jesus showed that death is not the end but that there is life after death. For Christians, the resurrection means that death no longer has the final say, but that eternal life with God is a reality for believers.

The Bible teaches us that Jesus broke the power of death through His death and resurrection. In 1 Corinthians 15:54-57, it says, “When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!”

Through Jesus Christ, death is temporally limited for believers because they have the hope of resurrection to eternal life with God. Jesus promised that all who believe in Him will have eternal life (John 11:25-26). Therefore, we should never forget how temporally limited death is for us because through Christ, we have the hope of a life that transcends death. This faith gives us comfort and assurance, even when faced with the loss of loved ones or our own mortality.

The connection between the resurrection of Jesus Christ and our everyday life in faith is of paramount importance. Here are some aspects of this connection:

1. Hope and Comfort: The resurrection of Jesus gives us hope and comfort amidst suffering, grief, and the daily struggle against the limitations of our earthly lives. It reminds us that death is not the final word and that through Christ, we have hope for eternal life with God.

2. Certainty of Victory: The resurrection is a sign of victory over sin, death, and all evil. This assurance of victory empowers us to live our faith with confidence and steadfastness, even when faced with difficulties and challenges.

3. Transformation and New Life: The resurrection of Jesus Christ signifies not only the end of death but also the beginning of a new life. It opens up the possibility of spiritual transformation and a life of abundance filled with the presence of God.

4. Sharing the Gospel: Just as the women at the empty tomb of Jesus were instructed to spread the message of the resurrection, we are also called to tell others about the redeeming power of Jesus. Our everyday life in faith should be a testimony to the hope and joy we have received through the resurrection.

5. Expectation of Eternal Life: The resurrection of Jesus reminds us that our life here on earth is temporary, but eternal life with God is promised to us. This expectation of eternal life shapes our perspective and priorities in daily life as we prepare to encounter Christ in His glory.

Overall, the significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ permeates our daily life in faith by giving us hope, certainty of victory, transformation, a mission to share the Gospel, and the expectation of eternal life. It is important to recognize this connection in our everyday lives and strive to reflect it in our relationships, decisions, and actions.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-13-wait-on-the-lord-13-5-joy-comes-in-the-morning/

13.4 Waiting in God’s Sabbath Rest
The Two Sides of the Sabbath: Creation and Dedication

Read Psalm 92. What two aspects of the Sabbath are emphasized in this Sabbath song?

In Psalm 92, two aspects of the Sabbath are emphasized:

1. God’s Creation and Preservation: The psalm praises God for His great deeds, particularly for His creation and preservation of the world. By mentioning God’s victory over His enemies, it is evident that the Sabbath recalls creation, in which God created the world and exercises His sovereign authority over it. Sabbath rest provides believers with the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate God’s work of creation.

2. Deliverance from Evil and Hope for Eternal Peace: In addition to creation, the psalm also highlights deliverance from evil and hope for eternal peace. The Sabbath reminds us that God not only created the world but also actively works to defeat evil and redeem His creation. Sabbath rest allows believers to reflect on God’s redemption work and draw hope for a future of peace and justice.

Overall, Psalm 92 emphasizes the two fundamental aspects of the Sabbath: celebrating God’s creation and preservation and remembering the redemption from evil and hope for eternal peace. The Sabbath serves as a time of worship, gratitude, and anticipation of the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Read Psalm 92 again. What a great hope is offered to us there, and how can we draw comfort from what is written there right now?

Psalm 92 offers a great hope grounded in God’s faithfulness, righteousness, and sovereignty. Here are some key aspects of this comfort and hope that can be drawn from the psalm:

1. Steadfast Joy and Praise: The psalm emphasizes the importance of thanking the Lord and praising His name both in the morning and in the evening. This steadfastness in praise and gratitude indicates that even in the midst of difficulties and trials, joy in the Lord does not diminish.

2. The Greatness of God and His Works: The psalm highlights the greatness and glory of God, especially in His works of creation and judgment over evil. The emphasis on creation and judgment reminds us that God is above all and that His plans are unshakable. In times of uncertainty, we can draw comfort from knowing that God is sovereign over all and His intentions cannot be thwarted.

3. Punishment of the Wicked and Elevation of the Righteous: The psalm proclaims the punishment of the wicked and the elevation of the righteous. This promise of God’s justice gives us comfort when we are confronted with injustice and evil. We can trust that God will ultimately punish evil and elevate the righteous.

4. Fruitfulness of the Righteous and Their Steadfastness: The psalm compares the righteous to palms and cedars, which thrive in their fruitfulness and steadfastness. These images convey the comfort that those who faithfully serve God will bear fruit and experience steadfastness even in difficult times.

Overall, Psalm 92 offers a hope that is grounded in God’s character, His works, and His promises. Even in the midst of challenges and difficulties, we can draw comfort from the fact that God is sovereign, His justice prevails, and He exalts those who serve Him faithfully.

Psalm 92 offers a great hope grounded in God’s faithfulness, righteousness, and sovereignty. Here are some key aspects of this comfort and hope that can be drawn from the psalm:

1. Consistent joy and praise: The psalm emphasizes the importance of thanking the Lord and praising His name, both in the morning and in the evening. This consistency in praise and gratitude indicates that even in the midst of difficulties and trials, joy in the Lord does not fade away.

2. The greatness of God and His works: The psalm highlights the greatness and glory of God, especially in His works of creation and judgment over evil. Emphasizing creation and judgment reminds us that God is above all and that His plans are unshakable. In times of uncertainty, we can find comfort in the fact that God is sovereign over all and His intentions cannot be thwarted.

3. The punishment of the wicked and the exaltation of the righteous: The psalm proclaims the punishment of the wicked and the exaltation of the righteous. This promise of God’s justice gives us comfort when confronted with injustice and evil. We can trust that God will ultimately punish evil and exalt the righteous.

4. The fruitfulness of the righteous and their steadfastness: The psalm compares the righteous to palms and cedars, which thrive in their fruitfulness and steadfastness. These images convey the comfort that those who faithfully serve God will bear fruit and experience steadfastness even in difficult times.

Overall, Psalm 92 offers a hope grounded in God’s character, His works, and His promises. Even in the midst of challenges and difficulties, we can find comfort in the fact that God is sovereign, He administers justice, and He exalts those who serve Him faithfully.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-13-wait-on-the-lord-13-4-waiting-in-gods-sabbath-rest/

13.3 Bringing in the Sheaves
The Power of Remembrance: Hope from Past Deeds of God

Read Psalm 126. What gives strength and hope to God’s people? What is said here, in this context, that we can transfer to our lives today?

Psalm 126 expresses the gratitude and hope of God’s people based on the miraculous deliverance of God in the past. It teaches us the following about our relationship with God and our lives today:

1. Strength and hope: Past experiences of rescue and deliverance give God’s people strength and hope for the present and the future. Even in times of captivity and suffering, we can recall God’s past deeds and draw hope that He will also intervene in our current situation.

2. Gratitude and praise: The psalm teaches us to thank God for His miraculous deeds in the past and to honor Him through praise and worship. By remembering God’s faithfulness and care, we can strengthen our faith and express gratitude, even in difficult times.

3. Patience and trust: The metaphors of streams in the Southland and sowing with tears and reaping with joy remind us to be patient and trust in God’s timing. Even as we go through tears in difficult times, we can trust that God will reward us with joy and blessings in the end.

4. Expectation of restoration: The psalm also points to the hope of the restoration of God’s kingdom, which is associated with the return of Christ. This promise reminds us that our present suffering and toil are not in vain but will ultimately lead to a fulfilled and blessed future.

In our daily lives today, we can apply these teachings by remembering God’s faithfulness and care, honoring Him through praise and gratitude, patiently waiting for His guidance, and living in hope of the restoration of His kingdom. By holding onto God’s word and His promises, we can face life’s challenges with confidence and hope.

People can draw hope from their experiences by applying the principles of faith and spiritual insight.

1. Reflection on past experiences: People can draw hope from past moments when they clearly felt God’s hand in their lives. By remembering these moments and reflecting on how God has acted in the past, they can gain confidence in His care for the future.

2. Trust in God’s promises: Remembering God’s promises in the Bible and personal experiences of His faithfulness can give people hope that He is also with them in difficult times. Trusting that God will fulfill His promises can provide comfort and confidence even when current circumstances are challenging.

3. Community and support: Sharing experiences and testimonies with other believers can bring hope and encouragement. Through fellowship with others who have had similar experiences, people can be strengthened and draw hope that they are not alone and that God is also at work in their lives.

4. Faith in God’s sovereign leadership: The conviction that God reigns sovereign over all circumstances and that He can bring good out of difficult situations can give people hope. By relying on the fact that God works even in the midst of difficulties and that His actions lead to good, they can find peace and hope.

5. Personal prayer and spiritual practice: Personal prayer and spiritual practice allow people to establish a deeper connection with God and find comfort and hope in His presence. By trusting that God hears and answers their prayers, they can draw hope even when they are in difficult times.

Overall, people can draw hope from their experiences of God’s presence in their lives by relying on God’s faithfulness, promises, and sovereign leadership, sharing with other believers, and maintaining a personal relationship with God.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-13-wait-on-the-lord-13-3-bringing-in-the-sheaves/

13.2 Peace of a Weaned Child
Resting in God: The Humility of a Quietened Child

Read Psalm 131. What does this Psalm teach us about our relationship with God?

Psalm 131 teaches us about our relationship with God in various ways:

1. Humility and dependence: The psalmist describes a humble attitude that relies on God rather than human strength or ambition. By comparing oneself to a weaned child who finds rest and security in the embrace of its mother, the psalmist emphasizes our dependence on God and the need to submit to Him.

2. Trust and peace: The metaphor of the weaned child with its mother conveys an image of trust and peace in the presence of God. This childlike devotion requires letting go of pride and self-centered desires. It reminds us that we can find peace and security by relying on God and trusting Him.

3. Recognition of our limitations: The psalmist acknowledges his limitations and inability to understand the deep mysteries of God. By not striving for “great things,” he demonstrates his willingness to submit to God and accept His guidance. This reminds us that we cannot know everything and that it is important to trust God even when we do not always understand His plans.

4. Participation in God’s work: The psalmist shows that those who rely on God and trust Him are able to accomplish God’s work and do His will. This willingness to do God’s will demonstrates a mature faith shaped by life experiences.

Overall, Psalm 131 teaches us about the necessity of humility, trust, and peace in our relationship with God. It encourages us to acknowledge our dependence on Him and to trust Him, even when we do not fully understand the magnitude of His plans.

“I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). What is Jesus saying to us here? What does this idea entail?

In Matthew 18:3, Jesus says to His disciples, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” This statement by Jesus entails several important thoughts:

1. Humility and dependence: Jesus urges His disciples to be humble and dependent like children. Children have a natural inclination to rely on their parents and trust them unconditionally. Similarly, the disciples are to accept God’s care and guidance without reservation.

2. Trust and faith: Children have a simple trust and unwavering faith. They do not doubt their parents’ love and provision. Likewise, the disciples are to have a strong faith that trusts in God, even when circumstances are not fully understood.

3. Innocence and purity: Children are free from prejudice, bitterness, and malice. They are innocent and pure in heart. Jesus encourages His disciples to turn away from the negative influences of the world and instead preserve pure hearts.

4. Openness and willingness to learn: Children are curious and open to new experiences. They are ready to learn and grow. Similarly, the disciples are to be humble and willing to learn from Jesus, allowing themselves to be shaped by Him.

Overall, with this statement, Jesus emphasizes the need for a childlike attitude of trust, humility, and purity in faith to enter the kingdom of heaven. He encourages His disciples to open their hearts and turn to God in a simple and trusting manner.

The connection between our everyday life and faith is highlighted through these teachings:

1. Humility and dependency: In daily life, we often encounter challenges that can lead us to recognize our own limitations. The humility emphasized in Psalm 131 and Jesus’ statement in Matthew 18:3 reminds us that we should rely on God and accept His guidance, both in the small daily matters and in the larger life decisions.

2. Trust and peace: Our daily life may be hectic and stressful, but the teachings from Psalm 131 and Matthew 18:3 encourage us to have trust in God and find peace in His presence. By turning to God like weaned children and trusting Him, we can find inner peace despite life’s challenges.

3. Innocence and purity: In everyday life, we often face temptations and negative influences that can affect our hearts and minds. The need to maintain pure hearts, as emphasized in the teachings of Psalm 131 and Matthew 18:3, reminds us to turn away from the negative influences of the world and instead strive for purity and innocence.

4. Openness and readiness to learn: Every day, we have the opportunity to learn and grow, both in faith and in daily life. The openness and readiness to learn emphasized in the teachings of Jesus and the Psalms encourage us to be humble and willing to learn from God and others as we navigate through the challenges and experiences of life.

Overall, these teachings show us that our faith is not separate from our daily lives but is an integral part of it. By being humble, trusting, pure-hearted, and eager to learn, we can experience a deeper connection to God in our daily lives and recognize His work in our lives.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-13-wait-on-the-lord-13-2-peace-of-a-weaned-child/

Lesson 13: Wait on the Lord
The Power of Patient Waiting: Trusting in God’s Timing and Guidance

In the spiritual journey of a believer, waiting plays a prominent role. The Bible is rich in stories of people who patiently waited on God while facing life’s challenges. In Lesson 13, we will delve deeply into the theme of waiting in the context of faith, specifically focusing on the injunction “Wait for the Lord.”

The call to wait on the Lord is more than just passive inactivity. It is an active posture of trust and hope in God’s intervention in our lives and in the world around us. This lesson will encourage us to reflect more deeply on the significance of waiting and understand how it can strengthen and shape our faith.

By examining biblical examples of faith heroes who waited for God’s intervention, we will learn how waiting can be a transformative force in our lives. We will also contemplate the hope and promises given to us as we patiently wait for God’s action.

Ultimately, this lesson will encourage us to remain steadfast in faith, trusting that God is faithful, and remind us that our waiting on the Lord is not in vain. May this lesson help us to delve deeper into dedication and trust in our Creator as we await the unfolding of His plans.

13.1 The Call of Waiting
Waiting on God: An Invitation to Perseverance and Hope

Read Psalm 27:14; 37:7, 9, 34; 39:8; 40:2; 69:7; Galatians 5:5; and Romans 8:18–25. What do these verses earnestly request of God’s people?

These verses in Psalm 27:14; 37:7, 9, 34; 39:8; 40:2; 69:7; Galatians 5:5; and Romans 8:18–25 fervently ask God’s people for patience, endurance, and hope during waiting. They call for trusting God amidst uncertainty and difficulties, waiting for Him to fulfill His promises. This waiting is not passive but requires perseverance and a deep longing for God, akin to thirst in a dry land.

In Romans 8:18–25, the Apostle Paul describes the waiting of the entire creation for redemption and reunion with God at the end of time. This hope is a source of strength and comfort for believers, even when faced with life’s challenges. Paul reminds us that God is with His people even now, through the Holy Spirit, and that our waiting for the fulfillment of promises is ultimately not in vain.

As Adventist Christians, we are called to bear witness to the hope of the new creation promised in Christ. Our hope in His return is firmly grounded in the certainty of His first coming and the associated resurrection. Therefore, our waiting is not merely passive but an active trust and anticipation of the fulfillment of divine promises.

The connection between our daily lives and our faith, especially regarding waiting on God, is extremely significant. Here are some aspects of this connection:

1. Patience and endurance: In everyday life, we often encounter situations where we need patience and endurance. Whether dealing with interpersonal conflicts, professional challenges, or personal goals, our faith teaches us to have patience and persevere even when solutions are not immediately apparent.

2. Hope and comfort: Waiting on God brings hope and comfort into our daily lives. Amidst difficulties and uncertainty, we can cling to God’s promises and trust that He cares for us and will guide us, even if it requires a time of waiting.

3. Community and support: Our faith community provides us with support and encouragement as we wait for God’s answer. Through prayer, mutual encouragement, and communal worship, we can strengthen each other and be reminded that we are not alone.

4. Self-reflection and spiritual growth: Waiting on God allows us to reflect on ourselves and spiritually grow. We can recognize our dependence on God and learn to trust Him even when we don’t understand why certain things happen or why prayers seemingly go unanswered.

5. Acting in faith: While waiting on God, we are called to act in faith. This means continuing to follow God’s commandments, serve, and advocate for justice and love, even when we do not yet see the complete fulfillment of His promises.

Overall, waiting on God is not just a spiritual exercise but also a practical attitude that permeates our daily lives, helping us to grow and mature in faith.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-13-wait-on-the-lord-13-1-the-call-of-waiting/