5.2 At Death’s Door

Read Psalm 41:2–5; 88:4–13; and 102:3–5, 11, 23–24. What experiences do these verses describe, and to what extent can you relate to what is being said?

The cited verses from Psalm 41:2–5, 88:4–13, and 102:3–5, 11, 23–24 provide insight into the profound experiences of suffering, illness, and the potential nearness of death faced by the psalmists. Here are key experiences described in these verses and ways in which they can be relatable:

Psalm 41:2–5:

• The psalmist describes his physical weakness and illness.

• He feels abandoned by friends and suffers from betrayal.

Psalm 88:4–13:

• The psalmist is at the threshold of death.

• He feels forsaken by God, expresses his suffering, and acknowledges being in deep darkness.

• Nevertheless, the lament itself is an act of faith, and the psalmist clings to God, recalling God’s wonders, goodness, and faithfulness.

Psalm 102:3–5, 11, 23–24:

• The psalmist describes his physical weakness and misery.

• He feels like a bird in the desert and an owl in the ruins.

• The days of suffering bring him to the threshold of death.

• Yet, he remembers God’s sovereignty and seeks grace and mercy.

Relatability:

• Every person can identify with the described experiences in various ways, whether through personal illness, suffering, betrayal, or the feeling of abandonment.

• The psalms emphasize that believers are not exempt from life’s challenges but can turn to God in their distress.

Theological Aspect:

• Some psalms suggest that illness and suffering can be consequences of sin, while others, like Psalm 88, emphasize innocent suffering.

• The certainty of God’s sovereignty provides hope even when understanding the why of suffering is limited.

Connection to Christ:

• Reflecting on Psalm 88 in light of Christ’s suffering emphasizes God’s deep love, leading Jesus to cross the threshold of death to redeem humanity.

In summary, these psalms illustrate that dealing with suffering and illness is a profound spiritual journey where believers can recognize both their weaknesses and unwavering hope in God’s sovereignty. It underscores the importance of the act of faith, holding onto God even in the darkest times, and remembering His goodness and faithfulness.

Now, ponder Jesus on the cross and what He suffered because of sin. How should this fact, that God in Christ suffered even more than any of us, help us hold onto our faith in times of suffering and testing?

Reflecting on Jesus on the cross and His suffering due to sin provides a profound perspective that can assist us in holding onto our faith during times of suffering and testing. Here are some considerations:

1. Compassion and Identification:

   • Jesus didn’t merely observe our suffering; He experienced it firsthand. His suffering was more intense and profound than anything we could ever experience.

   • In our suffering, we can trust that Jesus understands our compassion and can identify with our weaknesses.

2. Love and Sacrifice:

   • Jesus’s suffering was an act of unconditional love and voluntary sacrifice for the redemption of humanity.

   • This love and sacrifice should encourage us to radiate love during times of suffering and be willing to advocate for the well-being of others.

3. Hope and Redemption:

   • Through His suffering, Jesus opened the door to hope and redemption. His sacrifice allows us to experience forgiveness and eternal life.

   • Amid our suffering, we can look to the hope of redemption through Christ, knowing that our present sufferings do not have the final word.

4. God’s Sovereignty and Purpose:

   • Jesus’s suffering was part of the divine plan for humanity’s redemption. It was not meaningless but had a deep, divine purpose.

   • In our suffering, we can trust that God has sovereignty over all things and can bring a higher purpose even from the most challenging circumstances.

5. Trust in God’s Love:

   • Jesus on the cross is the ultimate sign of God’s love for us. Even in the greatest suffering, God did not abandon us.

   • In our sufferings, we can trust in the unchanging love of God and rely on the assurance that He is with us, even when it’s not always evident.

6. Coping with Suffering:

   • Jesus demonstrated that suffering is not the end. His death was followed by resurrection, symbolizing victory over death and suffering.

   • In our own sufferings, we can look to the hope of resurrection and trust that God’s power is effective in our weakness.

In conclusion, contemplating Jesus on the cross assures us that even in the deepest depths of suffering and testing, God is with us. It encourages us not to give up our faith but to trust that God’s love, hope, and redemption are superior in every situation.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-5-singing-the-lords-song-in-a-strange-land-5-2-at-deaths-door/

Lesson 5. Singing the Lord’s Song in a Strange Land

Lesson 5 takes us into the deep emotions of the Psalms, sung by the children of God in the midst of suffering, injustice, and doubt. In this lesson, we explore how the psalmists coped with their crises, found comfort through a change in perspective in the sanctuary, and hoped in God’s justice. These Psalms not only provide insight into the human experience but also demonstrate how faith in God’s character and the promises of God’s judgment bring comfort and hope to believers in the midst of difficulties. Let’s dive into the profound words of these Psalms and be inspired by their wisdom for our own faith journey.

5.1 The Days of Evil

Read Psalm 74:18–22 and 79:5–13. What is at stake here?

The two passages from Psalms, Psalm 74:18–22 and Psalm 79:5–13, address the sufferings of the people of Israel in the face of destruction and threat. The psalmist laments the calamity that has befallen Jerusalem and the temple, seeking understanding for the suffering of his people. Here are some key points at stake:

1. God’s Honor and Power: The destruction of Jerusalem and the temple is seen as an attack on God’s honor. If the enemies go unpunished, it could create the impression that God is powerless or not fulfilling His commitments. The defense of God’s character in the world is at stake.

2. Covenant Faithfulness: The psalmist acknowledges that the sins of the people have damaged the covenant relationship with God. The future and survival of the people depend on God’s merciful intervention and the restoration of the covenant. God’s faithfulness to His promises is in focus.

3. Testimony for God: The actions of the people have repercussions on God’s testimony and reputation in the world. Wrong behavior by believers can lead others to turn away from faith. Testifying for God is crucial, and wrongful actions can have spiritual consequences.

4. God’s Heritage and the End-Time Dimension: The people of Israel are considered God’s heritage, and there is an end-time dimension regarding the nations that will ultimately serve God. The threat against the people of Israel jeopardizes these divine promises and has far-reaching implications for God’s plan for the future.

5. Turning Away from God through Believers’ Behavior: The psalmist reflects on how the actions of people professing the name of God can cause others to turn away from faith. Wrong actions can affect spiritual testimony and the missionary mission.

The Psalms emphasize the close connection between the actions of the people, the covenant relationship with God, God’s character and honor, and testimony for God in the world. They remind us that the consequences of actions not only affect individual destiny but also influence the people’s relationship with God and the testimony of God’s power and faithfulness.

“The honor of the Father and the honor of Christ are involved in the perfection of His people’s character” (SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 655). How do you understand this important truth, and what should it mean in your life as a Christian?

The quoted statement, “The honor of the Father and the honor of Christ are involved in the perfection of His people’s character” (SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 655), expresses a profound theological truth. Here are some aspects of understanding this statement and what it could mean for a Christian’s life:

1. Honor of the Father and Christ: The “honor of the Father” refers to the honor of God as the Father, and the “honor of Christ” refers to the honor due to Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Both honors are closely connected and depend on the perfection of the character of God’s people.

2. Perfection of Character: The perfection of character refers to the process of sanctification and spiritual maturity, where Christians increasingly conform to the image of Christ. This involves growing in holiness, love, righteousness, and faithfulness in the lives of believers.

3. Communion with God: The honor of God and Christ is revealed not only through ritual acts or external forms of piety but primarily through the inner transformation of character. The perfection of character reflects a deeper communion with God.

4. Testimony to God’s Work: As the character of believers becomes perfected, it becomes an effective testimony to God’s transformative power. Others can see the changes in the lives of believers and recognize the reality of their relationship with God.

5. Responsibility for God’s Honor: As Christians, we bear responsibility for the honor of God and Christ in the world. Our actions and character should reflect God’s honor and draw people to Christ.

For the life of a Christian, this truth means that the pursuit of spiritual maturity and the development of a Christ-like character are not only personal goals but also directly impact the honor of God and Christ. Every step toward the perfection of character is simultaneously a step toward honoring God and Christ in the world. It underscores the close connection between individual spiritual growth and the greater divine reality. Therefore, a Christian should strive to promote the honor of God and Christ through personal sanctification and the pursuit of a Christ-like character.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-5-singing-the-lords-song-in-a-strange-land-5-1-the-days-of-evil/

Everyone enjoys receiving gifts. Whether it be for a birthday, holiday celebration, or as an unexpected act of appreciation, gifts demonstrate that the giver cares for the one they are giving the gift to. Throughout the course of history, the greatest gift-giver of all is God.

In this video, Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, explores Gifts of the Spirit found in 1 Corinthians 12 and takes a deeper look at one gift in particular–the gift of prophecy.

He also answers questions like: What is prophecy? How does it benefit the Church? How can I tell if someone is a true prophet? Is the gift of prophecy relevant today?

Want to know more?

For a detailed look at what the Seventh-day Adventist Church believes about the Gift of Prophecy, visit https://www.adventist.org/gift-of-prophecy/ 

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/spirit-of-prophecy-pastor-ted-wilson/