Closer To Heaven
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Comments of the Week May 19-25 “Whenever I encounter something that makes God look cruel, I refer back to Jesus who came to show us what God is like.” –Steve Tatum on Editing Out the Bible’s Horror Stories Comments on Why Don’t Liberals Write the Big Checks?, New Rules to Oversee Adventist Governance Meetings: Will […] Source: https://atoday.org/comments-of-the-week-may19-25/
Lesson 9: In the Psalms, Part 2
9.2 Hope Amid Turmoil
The Unmoved Throne over a Storm-Tossed World………………………………………………………………….
IntroductionIn a world dominated by crises, conflicts, and catastrophic headlines, we long for stability and hope. Biblical prophecy reveals that this earth—as we know it—will one day undergo a complete “reset”: the fallen realms of sin and suffering will collapse, and God Himself will create a new heaven and a new earth (Rev 22:1). Until then, we walk through days of upheaval and confusion. But how can we stand firm in faith when everything around us seems to be falling apart?
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Bible StudyJeremiah 4:23–26
“I looked at the land, and there was nothing but chaos; and at the heavens, and their light was gone. I looked at the mountains, and they trembled, and all the hills moved to and fro. I looked, and there was no man, and all the birds of the heavens had fled.”
Jeremiah paints a scene in which even the foundations of creation—sky, earth, and mountains—quiver. This vision points not only to spiritual but also to physical upheavals: the world as we know it will pass away before God’s new work begins.
Daniel 7
In this vision Daniel sees “a stormy sea” (Dan 7:2) from which hordes of nations and kingdoms arise only to fall again. None can solve humanity’s deep-seated problems, yet the chapter announces an eternal kingdom whose throne is “unshakable” (cf. Ezek 1:26).
Psalm 46:7–8
“The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
Here we hear God’s voice like thunder bringing earthly kingdoms to ruin, while at the same time He promises that He Himself is our unshakable refuge.
Matthew 24
Jesus Himself warns that the end times will be marked by growing chaos. But these signs are not random disasters—they are signposts pointing to His return.
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Answers to the Questions
Question 1: Read Jeremiah 4:23–26. What do these verses tell us about the fate of this world—at least until there is “a new heaven and a new earth” (Rev 22:1)?These verses paint a picture of total devastation: no sun, no stars, no people, no birds—creation itself is affected. We learn that God’s judgment touches the material world, not just the spiritual. The old earth must be purified from the stain of sin before it can be transformed into something new. Until then, we live in the prologue to God’s ultimate “reset.”
Question 2: Our world undeniably seems chaotic and out of control. How should Daniel 7’s prophecy help us recognize that, ultimately, all will be well for us if we remain faithful to God?Daniel 7 shows that human empires rise from the turbulent sea of history like wild beasts and then fall again. Yet above them all sits the immutable kingdom of God. If we seek our citizenship not in these fleeting kingdoms (Phil 3:20) but in that eternal realm, we can stand firm even in the storm. God’s throne and sovereignty secure us: despite all political and social upheavals, our destiny is safe in His hands.
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Spiritual PrinciplesGod’s judgment encompasses all creation. The physical world will be remade (Jer 4:23–26).
Imperial kingdoms are transient. Their rise and fall serve God’s grand plan (Dan 7).
God’s throne is unshakeable. He is our stronghold amid chaos (Ps 46; Ezek 1:26).
We are citizens of heaven. Our true home is not this world but God’s eternal kingdom (Phil 3:20).
End-time signs call us to watchfulness. Jesus expects our faithful endurance until He returns (Matt 24).
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Application in Daily LifeBe a peacemaker: Where conflict rages, show love and forgiveness—a foretaste of God’s new Jerusalem.
Cultivate heavenly priorities: Invest your time in prayer, Scripture, and acts of kindness, not in earthly power struggles.
Trust God’s timing: When circumstances tremble, remember His firm promises.
Encourage others: Speak of God’s eternal reign so that hope does not die even in hard times.
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ConclusionBiblical prophecy captivates us not merely with symbols but with the assurance that—no matter how fiercely the world plunges into chaos—God’s plan will inexorably reach its fulfillment. We are invited now to live as citizens of His kingdom, unshaken by the world’s tremors and shining as beacons of hope.
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Thought of the Day“Though nations rage and kingdoms totter, God’s throne remains unshaken.”
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Illustration – “Lighthouse in the Storm: Hope Above the Waves”The city of Metroville quaked under a relentless roar of storm-tossed waves and political tremors. On the coast stood an ancient lighthouse, silent witness to a time when no one yet foresaw how fierce the chaos would become. In the midst of this global tumult lived Anna, a furniture designer and daughter of a fishing family rooted at the harbor for generations. As the first genuine disaster alarms sounded, she sat in her studio, feeling the floorboards tremble: distant conflicts had stalled supply chains, while storm surges battered the beaches.
Frightened, Anna reached for her cherished Luther Bible—its pages worn by countless hands in her living room. She opened Psalm 46 and read, “The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice—the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” A strange relief washed over her. The salt spray on the windows sounded as if the waves themselves were echoing psalm verses.
That evening her brother David returned from the coast guard with tales of colleagues’ boats struggling in the surf. He told her of Daniel’s vision of the stormy sea and the successive kingdoms that rose and fell like wild beasts. Yet above them all sat an unshakeable realm, David insisted. Anna felt her heart lighten: they were not prisoners of a sinking ship but citizens of an imperishable kingdom.
When the hurricane finally struck the town, neighbors and siblings huddled in Anna’s basement. The floodwaters pounded the walls for hours, yet the foundation held firm. Anna whispered psalms as David distributed supplies and calmed those around him. When the wind subsided, the silence was almost deafening. Venturing outside, they found streets turned into broken waterways—but their home stood firm, a miracle amid the ruins.
In the days of rebuilding, young and old gathered in the nearly intact church at the market square. Pastor Jonas led them through Jeremiah 4, where sky, earth, and mountains collapse until only God’s purifying judgment and renewing grace remain. They learned that the old paradise must first be destroyed before God creates the new. They heard of Matthew 24, which warns that end-time signs don’t bewilder us but prepare us for Christ’s return.
Anna changed her design style: instead of luxury furniture, she drafted provisional shelters to ease suffering. David not only patrolled the coast but stood watch over flood-threatened shores. Pastor Jonas organized prayer vigils where people laid out their hopes and fears before God. Day by day, the heavenly principle showed itself true—that forgiveness and compassion are stronger than any natural disaster or human tyranny.
A year later, in the soft light of dawn, Anna, David, and Jonas stood by a new monument at the harbor: a modern lighthouse of glass-reinforced concrete bearing the inscription, “God rules the sea, yet He carries us through the storm.” Anna’s tears were not of fear but of gratitude. She now knew: even if the world continues to rage and kingdoms totter, God’s throne stands firm. His light guides through every darkness. And one day, when the great reset comes, He will transform this earth into the new heaven and new earth for which they all longed. Until then, their shared faith shone brighter than any storm surge, leading them unwaveringly into the morning light.
May 26, 2025
DAILY BIBLE READING
Genesis 40 –Joseph Interprets Dreams in Prison
God’s Guidance Even in Apparent Oblivion══════════════════════════════════════════════
Bible Text – Genesis 40 (KJV)1 And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt.
2 And Pharaoh was wroth against two of his officers, against the chief of the butlers, and against the chief of the bakers.
3 And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound.
4 And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them: and they continued a season in ward.
5 And they dreamed a dream both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream, the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the prison.
6 And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, and looked upon them, and, behold, they were sad.
7 And he asked Pharaoh’s officers that were with him in the ward of his lord’s house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sadly to day?
8 And they said unto him, We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And Joseph said unto them, Do not interpretations belong to God? tell me them, I pray you.
9 And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine was before me;
10 And in the vine were three branches: and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe grapes:
11 And Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand: and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh’s cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand.
12 And Joseph said unto him, This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days:
13 Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine head, and restore thee unto thy place: and thou shalt deliver Pharaoh’s cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his butler.
14 But think on me when it shall be well with thee, and shew kindness, I pray thee, unto me, and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house:
15 For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.
16 When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said unto Joseph, I also was in my dream, and, behold, I had three white baskets on my head:
17 And in the uppermost basket there was of all manner of bakemeats for Pharaoh; and the birds did eat them out of the basket upon my head.
18 And Joseph answered and said, This is the interpretation thereof: The three baskets are three days:
19 Yet within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thy head from off thee, and shall hang thee on a tree; and the birds shall eat thy flesh from off thee.
20 And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast unto all his servants: and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants.
21 And he restored the chief butler unto his butlership again; and he gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand:
22 But he hanged the chief baker: as Joseph had interpreted to them.
23 Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.
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IntroductionIn Genesis 40 we find Joseph again in an Egyptian prison—this time serving as interpreter of dreams for two high-ranking officials. Though unjustly imprisoned, Joseph uses his God-given gift to offer hope and insight. These episodes teach us that God’s talents operate even in our darkest valleys, and human forgetfulness can never derail His sovereign plan.
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CommentaryContrast of Guilt and Grace (vv. 1–4)
The cupbearer and baker fall into sin and are imprisoned.
Joseph, though also confined, is elevated to serve and advise—showing that God’s favor does not depend on human merit.
Divine Revelation through Dreams (vv. 5–8)
Both officials dream on the same night, yet have no one to interpret.
Joseph humbly credits God: “Interpretation belongs to God,” inviting them to share their dreams.
Interpretation of the Vinedresser (vv. 9–14)
Three branches represent three days until the cupbearer’s restoration.
Joseph not only delivers the promise but pleads for advocacy—trusting in God’s justice and mercy.
Interpretation of the Baker’s Basket (vv. 16–19)
Three baskets symbolize three days until the baker’s execution.
The accuracy of Joseph’s word is confirmed by events in vv. 20–22.
Human Forgetting vs. God’s Plan (v. 23)
Despite his deliverance, the cupbearer forgets Joseph.
Yet human neglect cannot thwart God’s timing—Joseph remains under God’s care.
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SummaryJoseph interprets Pharaoh’s cupbearer’s and baker’s dreams: one is restored, the other executed after three days. Though the cupbearer forgets Joseph, the narrative highlights that God’s revelations are true and His grace endures, even when people overlook us.
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Message for TodayGod Works in Hard Places: Even in adversity, God equips us to serve others.
Humble Trust in God’s Wisdom: Seek and honor God’s guidance, acknowledging it comes from Him alone.
Patience with God’s Timing: Human forgetfulness should not discourage us—God’s plan is sure.
Intercede for One Another: Like Joseph’s plea, we too can advocate for each other, trusting God to act.
May we remember that in every situation, God is at work, using our gifts to bring hope and light—regardless of whether the world notices.
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May 25 – 31, 2025 WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 7 The Flood Read online here
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IntroductionIn a world once of paradisiacal beauty, deep corruption reigned: idolatry, violence, and moral decay had driven out trust in the Creator. When God saw that “every intent of the thoughts of [people’s] hearts was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5), He announced a worldwide judgment by water—and at the same time provided a means of rescue: Noah’s Ark.
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Commentary1.The Earth’s Fatal Condition
Corrupted by idolatry and self-deification
Adultery, violence, and licentiousness: violations of God’s order for life
2.Noah’s Commission and Preparation
120 years of Ark-building as a living warning
Preaching repentance and extending an invitation to salvation
3.God’s Deliverance for Noah and His Family
The Ark as a sign of divine grace and obedience
The closing of the door: the end of all opportunity for repentance
4.The Day of Judgment in the Flood
The bursting of the subterranean springs and the opening of the heavens
Destruction of the unrepentant; preservation of the righteous
5.A Type of the Final Judgment
Parallels between Noah’s day and the last days (Matt. 24:38–39; 2 Pet. 3)
God’s warning and invitation remain in effect until Christ’s return
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SummaryThe pre-Flood generation abused God’s gifts and life itself, denied Him, and forged their own destruction in sin. God revealed His judgment to Noah, yet at the same time offered rescue to him and his family through the Ark. Those who heeded God’s call were saved; those who persisted in rebellion were swept away in judgment. The Flood displays both God’s holy justice and His merciful deliverance for all who believe and obey.
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Message for Us TodayWatchfulness and Repentance: As in Noah’s day, our hearts can easily be seized by selfishness and excess. God’s warning calls us to turn from sin and live holy lives.
Obedience as Deliverance: Those who heed God’s voice and walk in His ways find rescue—not by their own merit, but by His grace.
Eschatological Parallel: The Flood is a sobering picture of Christ’s coming judgment. Let us prepare by living in faith, shunning sin, and sharing the saving message with others.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/26-05-2025-genesis-chapter-40-believe-his-prophets/
To learn of the “Allusions, Images and Symbols” in Bible Prophecy we are really in great need of saying to God
Give Me The Bible – Hymn 272 so we are able to learn with His abundant help. This will be our theme for this, the second quarter of Bible Study, 2025.
Our Memory Text encourages us to “praise you, Our God”. We are able to do this in 
Hymn 30 – O Praise Ye The Lord,
Hymn 25 – Praise The Lord, His Glories Show, Alleluia,
Hymn 26 – Praise The Lord, You Heavens Adore Him,
Hymn 29 – Sing Praise To God Who Reigns Above and
Hymn 30 – Holy God, We Praise Your Name, just name a few from our SDA Hymnal.
God is “A Very Present Help in the Time of Trouble” says Sunday’s study time. We are encouraged in Psalm 46:10 “be still….” as does
Hymn 461 – Be Still, My Soul with us knowing that we have
A Mighty Fortress – Hymn 506 in our wonderful God. The study continues and shows us that
Jesus Is Coming Again – Hymn 213.
With all the turmoil in the world, Monday climaxes in showing us that we can
Hold Fast Til I Come – Hymn 600.
It is with gratefulness we can see that
God Is My Strong Salvation – Hymn 339 (Friday), knowing that “Christ makes it possible for God’s face to shine on us”:
Hymn 345 – Christ Is The World’s True Light because “God intends that we reflect His Light to the rest of the world”:
Hymn 580 – This Little Light Of Mine I’m going to let it shine. We are able to do this splendidly when asking
Jesus, Guide Our Way – Hymn 553 as it says on Friday – “Christ: He guides and empowers us”.
Please continue to search the scriptures this week to be blessed, and to bless others.
To learn unknown hymns, you will find the accompaniment music for each one at: https://sdahymnals.com/Hymnal/
Another great resource is for when there is a hymn you wish to sing but can’t find it in your hymnal. Go to https://www.sdahymnal.org/Search and in the search bar type a special word in that is in the hymn. I am sure you will be amazed at the help you will be given.
2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
(1)Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/9-in-the-psalms-part-2-singing-with-inspiration/
Key Thought: These Psalms present God as our Refuge, our King, our Judge, and our Priest. He comforts, protects, delivers,and is our justice.
May 31, 2025
(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared. ”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).
(0)Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/9-in-the-psalms-part-2-teaching-plan/
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