Join the panel for the fastest hour of the week as they discuss Lesson 6 – I will arise.

(0)

The post I Will Arise – Hit the Mark Sabbath School appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/i-will-arise-hit-the-mark-sabbath-school/

Daily Lesson for Thursday 8th of February 2024

The Lord’s judgment is closely related to the sanctuary. The sanctuary was the environment where the psalmist’s understanding of the problem of evil was transformed (Psalms 73:17-20).

Image © Phil McKay from GoodSalt.com

The sanctuary was designated as the place of divine judgment as indicated by the judgment of Urim (Numbers 27:21) and by the breastplate of judgment of the high priest (Exodus 28:15,28-30). Accordingly, many psalms depict God on His throne in the sanctuary ready to judge the world for its sin and evil.

At the sanctuary, the plan of salvation was revealed. In paganism, sin was understood primarily as a physical stain to be eliminated by magic rites. In contrast, the Bible presents sin as a violation of God’s moral law. God’s holiness means that He loves justice and righteousness. Likewise, God’s people should pursue justice and righteousness and should worship God in His holiness. To do that, they must keep God’s law, which is an expression of His holiness.

Thus, the sanctuary is the place of forgiveness of sin and restoration of righteousness as indicated by the mercy seat of God’s throne and the “sacrifices of righteousness” (Deuteronomy 33:19, Psalms 4:5).

Yet, the “God-Who-Forgives” takes vengeance upon the wicked deeds of unrepentant people (Psalms 99:8, NKJV). The practical implications of the sanctuary being the place of divine judgment are seen in the constant awareness of God’s holiness and demands for righteous living according to God’s covenantal requirements.

The Lord’s judgment from Zion results in the well-being of the righteous and the defeat of the wicked (Psalms 132:13-18). The sanctuary fostered the jubilant expectations of the Lord’s coming as the Judge, especially during the Day of Atonement. Likewise, the Psalms strengthen the certainty of the impending arrival of the divine Judge (Psalms 96:13, Psalms 98:9), namely, Jesus Christ in the heavenly sanctuary (Revelation 11:15-19).

(1)

The post Thursday: The Lord’s Judgment and the Sanctuary appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/24a-06-the-lords-judgment-and-the-sanctuary/

Daily Lesson for Wednesday 7th of February 2024

Some psalms beseech God to take vengeance on individuals and nations who intend to harm, or who have already harmed, the psalmists or their people. These psalms can sound perplexing because of their harsh language and apparent discord with the biblical principle of love for enemies (Matthew 5:44).

Image © Phil McKay Goodsalt.com

Yet, the psalmist’s indignation in the face of oppression is a good one. It means that the psalmists took right and wrong more seriously than did many people. He cares, even greatly, about the evil that is done in the world, not just to himself but to others, as well.

However, nowhere does the psalmist suggest himself to be the agent of vengeance. Instead, he leaves retribution solely in God’s hands. The Psalms evoke the divine covenant curses (Deuteronomy 27:9-16) and implore God to act as He has promised.

The Psalms are prophetic proclamations about God’s impending judgment; they are not solely the psalmist’s prayers. Psalms 137:1-9 reflects the announcements of divine judgment on Babylon, as seen in the prophets. The devastation that the Babylonians brought to other nations would turn back on them. The Psalms convey divine warnings that evil will not go unpunished forever.

God’s retribution is measured with justice and grace. God’s children are called to pray for those who mistreat them and even to hope for their conversion (Psalms 83:18, Jeremiah 29:7).

However, while seeking to fit these psalms with the biblical norms of love for enemies, we must be careful not to minimize the agonizing experience expressed in them. God acknowledges the suffering of His children and reassures them that “precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” (Psalms 116:15, NKJV). Divine judgment obliges God’s people to raise their voices against all evil and seek the coming of God’s kingdom in its fullness. The Psalms also give voice to those who suffer, letting them know that God is aware of their suffering and that one day justice will come.

(0)

The post Wednesday: Pour Out Your Indignation appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/24a-06-pour-out-your-indignation/

Join It Is Written Sabbath School host Eric Flickinger and this quarter’s author, Dragoslava Santrac, as they provide additional insights into this week’s Sabbath School lesson, “The Lord Reigns.”

(0)

The post 6: I Will Arise – It is Written – Discussions with the Author appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/6-i-will-arise-it-is-written-discussions-with-the-author/

View an in-depth discussion of I Will Arise in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris.  
Click on the image below to view the video:

With thanks to Hope Channel – Television that will change your life.

(0)

The post 6: I will Arise – HopeSS Video Discussion appeared first on Sabbath School Net.

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/6-i-will-arise-hopess-video-discussion/