Lesson 5: T he Nations, Part 2

5.4 Between Land and Sea
Land of Hope, Sea of Turmoil

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Introduction

In the grand drama of salvation history, God uses powerful symbols to convey deep spiritual truths. Land and sea—two contrasting images—represent two worlds in prophecy: the calm, ordered realm under God’s rule, and the raging, chaotic sea of godless nations. In an age when the earth again swings between these forces, God invites us to see where we truly stand—and to whom our loyalty belongs.

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Bible Study

Question: Read Revelation 12:15–16 and 13:1, 11. Notice the contrast between water and earth. How are these terms used, and what do they teach us about how to interpret prophecy?

In Revelation 12, the dragon (Satan) spews water like a flood to drown the woman (the church). The water symbolizes the chaotic, godless powers of the world used to persecute God’s people. Then in Revelation 13, a beast rises out of the sea—an empire born of the nations’ turmoil, marked by pride, violence, and deception. Later another beast arises from the earth—quieter, more orderly. Traditionally seen as a reference to the United States, this land-beast initially appears lamb-like but later speaks like a dragon.

These symbols show us that prophecy isn’t merely political forecasting but a revelation of spiritual realities: pride, rebellion, religious deception, and the need to remain faithful to God even when seemingly “peaceful” systems turn against Him.

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Spiritual Principles

• God calls us to spiritual vigilance: not every “peaceful land” remains truly peaceful.

• Trusting human systems—even well-intentioned ones—can lead to spiritual danger.

• True freedom comes only from loyalty to God’s principles, not from political promises.

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Practical Application

• Live today in a way that makes your loyalty clear: trust God’s Word, not national or cultural securities.

• Stay spiritually alert: recognize early when systems or ideologies stray from God’s ways.

• Pray for wisdom to discern between what looks like a lamb and what ultimately speaks like a dragon.

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Conclusion

Whether on stormy seas or solid ground, the only true anchor in this shifting world is Christ. The symbols of land and sea remind us that even apparent refuges can change. Our hope must rest not in nations, constitutions, or governments, but in God’s eternal kingdom—which will come and will never pass away.

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Thought of the Day

“Trust not the peace made by men, but the rest that comes only from faithfulness to God.”

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Illustration – A 21st-Century Story

It was a golden autumn morning in Vermont, USA. Hannah, a young teacher, stood at her classroom window watching colorful leaves swirl in the breeze.

Her school had just introduced a daily “Pledge of Allegiance”—not to God, but to “universal human values,” as they called it. At first it sounded harmless: peace, equality, community—all good things. But the more Hannah thought about it, the more uneasy she felt.

One evening she sat by the fireplace with her grandmother. The old woman, who as a girl had heard escape stories from war-torn Europe, took her hand. “Hannah,” she whispered, “sometimes the land seems peaceful and secure. But remember: any earth can become a sea again if God is forgotten.”

Those words haunted Hannah. Weeks later, when asked to sign a statement that contradicted biblical truth, she stood up courageously and said, “My allegiance belongs not to any earthly system, but to the kingdom of God.”

She lost her job, but felt a deep peace no government or society could give her. And as the autumn storm swept the leaves away, Hannah knew: she was standing on solid ground—God’s ground.

April 30, 2025

DAILY BIBLE READING

Genesis 14 – Abram the Rescuer and Blessed One

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Bible Text – Genesis 14 (KJV)

1 And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations;
2 That these made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, which is Zoar.
3 All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim, which is the salt sea.
4 Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled.
5 And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings that were with him, and smote the Rephaims in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzims in Ham, and the Emins in Shaveh Kiriathaim,
6 And the Horites in their mount Seir, unto Elparan, which is by the wilderness.
7 And they returned, and came to Enmishpat, which is Kadesh, and smote all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in Hazezontamar.
8 And there went out the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (the same is Zoar;) and they joined battle with them in the vale of Siddim;
9 With Chedorlaomer the king of Elam, and with Tidal king of nations, and Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar; four kings with five.
10 And the vale of Siddim was full of slimepits; and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and fell there; and they that remained fled to the mountain.
11 And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their victuals, and went their way.
12 And they took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son, who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.
13 And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.
14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.
15 And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
16 And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people.
17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king’s dale.
18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:
20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
21 And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.
22 And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the Lord, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,
23 That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:
24 Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.

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Introduction

In this chapter a coalition of four powerful eastern kings overthrows five local rulers near the Dead Sea, takes captive Abram’s nephew Lot, and plunders Sodom and Gomorrah. An escaped survivor alerts Abram, who mobilizes 318 of his trained servants, pursues the enemy by night, and rescues Lot along with all the spoils. Upon his return Abram meets both the king of Sodom and Melchizedek, priest-king of Salem, who blesses him. Abram’s refusal of any reward from the king of Sodom underscores his devotion to God alone.

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Commentary

1. The Kings’ War and Lot’s Captivity (vv. 1–12)

• Four monarchs (led by Chedorlaomer) conquer rebellious cities and march against Sodom’s allies.

• Lot is carried off along with others, demonstrating the collateral harm of warfare.

2. Abram’s Daring Rescue (vv. 13–16)

• An informant reaches Abram in Mamre; he swiftly arms 318 home-born servants.

• By a surprise night attack Abram routs the coalition, recovers all captives, goods, and Lot.

3. Meeting Melchizedek (vv. 17–20)

• Melchizedek, “priest of the Most High God,” brings bread and wine and pronounces God’s blessing on Abram.

• Abram returns a tithe, acknowledging divine sovereignty and provision.

4. Abram’s Integrity Toward Worldly Gain (vv. 21–24)

• The king of Sodom offers Abram the spoils; Abram refuses to keep any worldly reward.

• He insists the victory’s credit belongs entirely to God, not to his own wealth.

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Summary

Genesis 14 showcases Abram’s courage, loyalty to his kinsman, and unwavering faithfulness to God. He risks all to rescue Lot, honors God’s priest through tithing, and rejects human rewards so that no one might claim Abram’s wealth as their doing. Melchizedek’s blessing foreshadows Christ, our eternal Priest-King (cf. Hebrews 7).

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Message for Today

• Faith in Action: True belief compels us to help others, even at personal cost.

• Divine Blessing vs. Worldly Gain: God’s favor comes through obedience and sacrifice, not human schemes or riches.

• God’s Honor Above All: Like Abram, we must refuse anything that would shift glory from God to ourselves.

“Blessed be Abram of the Most High God, Possessor of heaven and earth.”
(Genesis 14:19)

May we likewise stand for God’s honor, trusting Him as our ultimate source and shield.

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April 27 – May 3, 2025

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING

Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 2

The Creation

Read online here

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Introduction

Chapter 2 unfolds the wonder of Creation in all its beauty:
The earth was formed in perfect harmony, and humanity is God’s crowning work—created in the image of the Creator.
This chapter not only describes the origin of the earth and of Adam and Eve, but also emphasizes the special blessing of the Sabbath and God’s institution of marriage.

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Commentary

1. The Beauty of the Created World

• The earth came from God’s hand without swamps, deserts, or jagged mountains.

• Every plant, animal, and landscape reflected God’s love and wisdom in harmonious unity.

2. Humanity as the Crown of Creation

• Adam and Eve were made in God’s image, endowed with high intelligence, free will, and noble character.

• There was no process of evolution—humanity sprang directly from God’s creative act.

• Humans were appointed stewards of creation, embodying God’s glory in both form and function.

3. The Institution of Marriage

• Eve was given to Adam as an equal helper—not subordinate, but a partner of equal worth.

• Marriage was instituted by God Himself as a sacred, lifelong union.

4. The Garden of Eden

• Eden was a specially prepared dwelling place—a glorious natural sanctuary.

• At its center stood the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

5. The Institution of the Sabbath

• After six days of creation, God rested on the seventh day, blessing and sanctifying it.

• The Sabbath was given to humanity as an eternal memorial of Creation.

• This day of rest was meant for reflecting on God’s work and renewing our relationship with Him.

6. Humanity as a Moral Being

• God tested Adam and Eve’s loyalty with the command regarding the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

• Obedience was to be voluntary and motivated by love, not compulsion.

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Summary

Chapter 2 reveals how perfect and beautiful God’s original creation was:
Adam and Eve lived in a world without death, pain, or suffering, surrounded by divine abundance.
The Sabbath and marriage were instituted as special gifts for humanity.
God sought a voluntary, loving relationship with His creatures, founded on trust, obedience, and shared delight in His work.

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Application for Today

What can we learn from Chapter 2 for our lives?

• Stewardship of Creation: The world around us testifies to God’s love—we are called to preserve it.

• Our Identity in God: We are not accidents; we are intentionally created and deeply loved by our Maker.

• Value of Work and Community: Labor, marriage, and Sabbath rest are divine gifts intended for our well-being.

• Freedom through Obedience: True life and joy are found in willingly following God’s good commands.

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8)

Today God invites us to marvel at His works, honor His wisdom, and find true fulfillment in communion with Him.

Lesson 5: The Nations, Part 2

5.3 Daniel 7
Tumultuous Seas and the Unshakable Kingdom of God

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Introduction

In a small teahouse on the outskirts of Shanghai, under the pale glow of countless neon signs, Liang sat alone. It was late; the streets lay empty, and a fine mist hung like a veil over the glistening pavement. Before him lay his well-worn Bible. Tonight he had been studying Daniel 7—the vision of surging waters and wild beasts, of restless nations and a coming King who would one day end all chaos.

As the low hum of the city sounded like distant thunder, Liang felt those ancient words of Daniel strike deep in his own heart.

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Bible Study

Question 1: Read Daniel 7:1–3. What lessons emerge from the image of the raging sea?
In Daniel 7, the four beasts rise out of a turbulent sea—symbolic of nations in turmoil. Violence and power-lust characterize human kingdoms. True order and lasting peace can never come from such realms; they must come from God Himself. Chaos is the inevitable result when humanity governs itself.

Question 2: How does Romans 3:10–19 help us understand this world?
Romans lays bare humanity’s fallen nature: “There is none righteous… no one seeks God.” Men may create new political, economic, or philosophical systems—but sin remains in their hearts. Hence every human order will ultimately fail.

Question 3: Why, then, do we urgently need the gospel, as verse 19 indicates?
Because no one can stand before God on their own merit. The law reveals our guilt—but the gospel reveals our salvation. Without Christ, we would be lost in these turbulent waters.

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Spiritual Principles

• God’s kingdom transcends earthly nations: it stands apart from the chaos to bring it to an end.

• We live between two realms: our hearts must be anchored in Christ’s coming kingdom, not in the shifting powers of this world.

• The gospel is our deliverance: only Christ’s truth offers peace amid history’s storms.

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Daily Application

In a world ever more like a stormy sea—wars in Asia, political unrest, economic crises—we must not fix our gaze on the roiling waves. Instead, we lift our eyes to the coming King and live each day in the hope of His reign:

• Trust instead of fear.

• Faithfulness instead of despair.

• Be light where darkness rages.

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Conclusion

God’s kingdom will come—not by human effort, but by divine intervention. Daniel 7 is not a hopeless vision of violence, but a brilliant assurance: the chaos will end. An unshakeable kingdom awaits the faithful.

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Thought of the Day

“Anchored in Christ, we do not falter—even when the seas of this world roar.”

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Touching Illustration – “The Lantern in the Mist”

The mist had grown thicker.
Liang left the teahouse and wandered the narrow, damp alleys of Shanghai. Pale red and gold lanterns glowed everywhere, reflecting on the wet cobblestones.

He heard voices—heated arguments through open windows, street vendors calling out, radios crackling with political debate. The world around him was one vast roar—just like the turbulent sea Daniel had described.

By a small bridge, Liang paused. In the middle of the slowly flowing river, a single, lonely lantern drifted. Someone had set it afloat for a festival.

Despite the current, the lantern floated calmly, its light firm—a tiny star in the mist.

A gentle warmth filled Liang’s heart.
“That is me,” he thought. “Or at least what I should be.”

Not part of the raging waters, but a light moving steadily through the darkness.
Not trapped by the storms of this world, but guided by another King—the King who is coming.

Softly he prayed, the mist wrapping around him:
“Lord, make me a lantern in this misty world.”

Then he walked on—neither faster nor more fearful, but step by step—toward an unshakeable kingdom.

April 29, 2025

DAILY BIBLE READING

Genesis 13 – Abram and Lot Part Ways

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Bible Text – Genesis 13 (KJV)

1 And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south.
2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
3 And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai;
4 Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the Lord.
5 And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents.
6 And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.
7 And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdmen of Lot’s cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.
8 And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.
9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
10 And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere, before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.
11 Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.
12 Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.
13 But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly.
14 And the Lord said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:
15 For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.
16 And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.
17 Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.
18 Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the Lord.

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Introduction

Abram and his nephew Lot had returned from Egypt together, increased their wealth, and proclaimed God’s promises. But their growing prosperity led to conflict among their herdsmen. In a gesture of peace, Abram offered to separate, allowing Lot to choose first. After Lot departed, God reaffirmed His land promise to Abram. This episode shows how divine guidance and human choices work together in God’s plan.

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Commentary

1. Tension Amidst Blessing (vv. 1–7)

• Shared Return: Abram and Lot come up from Egypt into the Negev (vv. 1–2).

• Growing Wealth: Their great increase in livestock, silver, and gold is both blessing and challenge (v. 2).

• Conflict Arises: The land cannot support both; strife breaks out between their herdsmen (vv. 6–7).

2. Abram’s Peacemaking Offer (vv. 8–12)

• Brotherly Reconciliation: Abram urges Lot to avoid quarreling and offers to divide the land (vv. 8–9).

• Lot’s Choice: Lot eyes the fertile Jordan plain but chooses poorly, settling near wicked Sodom (vv. 10–13).

• Paths Diverge: Abram stays in Canaan; Lot pitches his tent toward Sodom, setting each on different trajectories.

3. God’s Renewed Promise (vv. 14–18)

• Look Up: God tells Abram to lift his eyes in all directions (v. 14).

• Unbounded Inheritance: God promises every land Abram can see, and innumerable descendants (vv. 15–16).

• Move Out: Abram is encouraged to explore the land and then settles at Hebron, building an altar (vv. 17–18).

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Summary

This chapter teaches that blessing often brings conflict. Abram’s selfless choice to give Lot first pick showed humility and peace-making. In response, God reaffirmed His promise, extending Abram’s inheritance. We see how divine covenant unfolds amid human decisions.

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Application for Today

• Selfless Peacemaking: Yielding your rights honors God’s character and opens the way for blessing.

• Trust Amid Uncertainty: God’s promises stand regardless of circumstances—step out in faith to claim your inheritance.

• Divine Guidance in Conflict: Trusting God enables wise decisions and keeps you aligned with His purposes.

“Lift up your eyes … for all the land which you see, to you will I give it …”
(Genesis 13:14–15)

May our eyes remain fixed upward—on God’s faithfulness and the responsibilities He entrusts to us.

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April 27 – May 3, 2025

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING

Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 2

The Creation

Read online here

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Introduction

Chapter 2 unfolds the wonder of Creation in all its beauty:
The earth was formed in perfect harmony, and humanity is God’s crowning work—created in the image of the Creator.
This chapter not only describes the origin of the earth and of Adam and Eve, but also emphasizes the special blessing of the Sabbath and God’s institution of marriage.

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Commentary

1. The Beauty of the Created World

• The earth came from God’s hand without swamps, deserts, or jagged mountains.

• Every plant, animal, and landscape reflected God’s love and wisdom in harmonious unity.

2. Humanity as the Crown of Creation

• Adam and Eve were made in God’s image, endowed with high intelligence, free will, and noble character.

• There was no process of evolution—humanity sprang directly from God’s creative act.

• Humans were appointed stewards of creation, embodying God’s glory in both form and function.

3. The Institution of Marriage

• Eve was given to Adam as an equal helper—not subordinate, but a partner of equal worth.

• Marriage was instituted by God Himself as a sacred, lifelong union.

4. The Garden of Eden

• Eden was a specially prepared dwelling place—a glorious natural sanctuary.

• At its center stood the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

5. The Institution of the Sabbath

• After six days of creation, God rested on the seventh day, blessing and sanctifying it.

• The Sabbath was given to humanity as an eternal memorial of Creation.

• This day of rest was meant for reflecting on God’s work and renewing our relationship with Him.

6. Humanity as a Moral Being

• God tested Adam and Eve’s loyalty with the command regarding the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.

• Obedience was to be voluntary and motivated by love, not compulsion.

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Summary

Chapter 2 reveals how perfect and beautiful God’s original creation was:
Adam and Eve lived in a world without death, pain, or suffering, surrounded by divine abundance.
The Sabbath and marriage were instituted as special gifts for humanity.
God sought a voluntary, loving relationship with His creatures, founded on trust, obedience, and shared delight in His work.

══════════════════════════════════════════════

Application for Today

What can we learn from Chapter 2 for our lives?

• Stewardship of Creation: The world around us testifies to God’s love—we are called to preserve it.

• Our Identity in God: We are not accidents; we are intentionally created and deeply loved by our Maker.

• Value of Work and Community: Labor, marriage, and Sabbath rest are divine gifts intended for our well-being.

• Freedom through Obedience: True life and joy are found in willingly following God’s good commands.

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8)

Today God invites us to marvel at His works, honor His wisdom, and find true fulfillment in communion with Him.