Daily Lesson for Sunday 29th of June 2025

The book of Exodus is called in Hebrew shemot, literally “names” in English, according to the opening words of that ancient document. “And these are the names” is how it begins. The names of the patriarch Jacob’s family are enumerated right at the start.

Image © Review and Herald Publishing Assn. Goodsalt.com

The book of Exodus begins with a reminder of God’s blessing. When the patriarch Jacob and his family settled in Egypt, they were only 70 people (Genesis 46:27, Exodus 1:5); but the Israelites “were fruitful and increased abundantly, multiplied and grew exceedingly mighty; and the land was filled with them” (Exodus 1:7, NKJV). By the time of the Exodus, however, they counted “about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides children” (Exodus 12:37, NKJV).

The biblical text paints the story of the children of Israel in Egypt in dark colors. The book of Exodus begins with their enslavement by Egyptian taskmasters and the oppressive labor that they imposed upon the Hebrews. The book of Exodus ends, however, with God’s peaceful and comforting presence in the tabernacle, at the center of the Israelite camp (see Exodus 40:1-38). In between these two opposite poles, God’s triumph is described. By the Lord’s liberating His people from slavery, by His opening the Red Sea, and by His defeating the strongest army of that time, God’s spectacular victory over the forces of evil is revealed.

The story paradoxically stresses that the more the oppressors “afflicted them [the Israelites], the more they multiplied and grew” (Exodus 1:12, NKJV). That is, no matter the human machinations, God is still sovereign and will save His people, even if circumstances appear hopeless, at least from a human perspective.

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/25c-01-gods-people-in-egypt/

Daily Lesson for Sabbath 28th of June 2025

Image © Pacific Press

Read for This Week’s Study

Exodus 1:1-22; Genesis 37:26-28; Genesis 39:2,21; Acts 7:6; Galatians 3:16-17; Exodus 2:1-25.

Memory Text:

“The children of Israel groaned because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry came up to God because of the bondage. So God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God acknowledged them” (Exodus 2:23-25, NKJV).

The book of Exodus resonates with accounts of the oppressed, the marginalized, the persecuted, the exploited, and the degraded. Thus, people today who feel abandoned, forgotten, and enslaved can find hope, because the same God who saved the Hebrews can save them as well.

The book of Exodus speaks to the existential battles of life and to the injustices and trials that are part of this life. Everyone can be encouraged by the stories of God’s interventions in favor of His suffering people. God hears the cry of the oppressed, sees their struggles, notes their tears, and, in their agony, comes to help.

God takes the initiative to deliver those who trust in Him. We need simply to accept, by faith, what He offers us. This is why the book of Exodus should be studied, for it points to what Jesus has done for us all. It is a book about redemption, deliverance, and final salvation—all of which are ours, by faith, in Christ Jesus and what He has secured for us.

In the midst of the turmoil and darkness, if our eyes are fixed on God, we can recognize His presence, care, and help as He guides us to the eternal Promised Land.

*Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, July 5.

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/25c-01-oppression-the-background-and-the-birth-of-moses/

The God revealed in the book of Exodus is the loving Lord who at the appointed time—and with His mighty actions—brought salvation and deliverance to His people (Gen. 15:12–16). The Exodus from Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea were pivotal and unique events—God’s spectacular and marvelous acts.

Image © Pacific Press

No greater or more glorious event ever happened in the history of ancient Israel before the Cross. It is the gospel, but according to Moses.

God miraculously and repeatedly arose to demonstrate His care and protection for the Hebrews, despite their constant backslidings. His mercy surpassed all their understandings and feelings. With His outstretched arm, the Lord led His people to freedom. It was an unprecedented act. This unexpected series of divine interventions was the beginning of their renewed journey with God, a journey from Egypt to (eventually) Canaan.

Though Moses plays an important role in Exodus, this book is not about Moses but about God—the God of love, truth, justice, freedom, and forgiveness, the God who ultimately went to the cross for us. By studying Exodus, we get a unique look at what our God is really like.

And what is He really like? He is a God who was faithful to His people despite their unfaithfulness. He was constantly for them, even when they were against Him. Again and again, He showed them His mercy, bringing encouragement, correction, and divine instruction. Leading them in the best possible way, He wanted them voluntarily, out of love for Him and His character, to worship and obey, all for their own good.

The God of Moses is the God of relationships. The most important objective of God was not to accomplish something or to fulfill an agenda; instead, His prime objective was to create a meaningful relationship with His chosen people, Israel. He led them to Sinai in order to establish this deep fellowship.

The apostle Paul teaches that what happened to God’s people in the past is an object lesson for us so that we could learn from their mistakes and faithfully follow the Lord today: “Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come” (1 Cor. 10:11, ESV). These past events should be a warning and a source of unforgettable instruction for us now. We should read them, study them, and learn from them, because no matter how different the circumstances, the spiritual principles behind them remain the same.

Our plan for studying the book of Exodus during these 13 weeks is transparent. The book is divided into weekly chapter readings of various lengths (divided thematically for convenience): (1) Slavery in Egypt, the birth of Moses, and his first 40 years (Exodus 1–2). (2) Commission of Moses (Exodus 3–4). (3) Complications: when life becomes worse (Exodus 5–6). (4) The first nine plagues (Exodus 7–10). (5) The tenth plague and the celebration of the Passover (Exodus 11–12). (6) The liberation from Egypt, and the Red Sea experience (Exodus 13–15). (7) The journey to Mount Sinai (Exodus 16–18). (8) The gift of God’s Covenant and the Decalogue (Exodus 19–20). (9) God’s law applied (Exodus 21–23). (10) The Covenant confirmed and the blueprint of the tabernacle (Exodus 24–31). (11) The golden calf apostasy and Moses’ intercession (Exodus 32). (12) God’s self-revelation and the radiant face of Moses (Exodus 33–34). (13) The tabernacle built and dedicated (Exodus 35–40). Each week we focus on key passages and events from indicated chapters.

May our gracious Lord bless us as we study this pivotal book that reminds us of how God wants to lead His people from slavery to freedom, from death to life, and from the wilderness to the New Jerusalem (Heb. 12:22).

Jiří Moskala is professor of Old Testament exegesis and theology, and dean of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University.

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/introduction-exodus-journey-to-the-promised-land/

Our Sabbath School program has always been linked to the support of the Seventh-day Adventist Mission program. This video provides a little insight into this important work.

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/mission-spotlight-for-june-28/

Inside Story for Friday 27th of June 2025

By Laurie Denski-Snyman

Maria was happy when a homeowner invited her in to look at the books that she was selling in a non-Christian country in Southeast Asia. Maria pulled several health books from her bag, but the man stopped her.

“I see what you’re doing,” he said. “You’re bringing out the lighter, more neutral books first, and after I drop my guard, you’re going to bring out the Christian books that you really want me to see. I know your intentions, so share the Christian books first.”

Maria sent up a silent prayer. “Lord, please help me,” she said. “I don’t know what to say.” Out loud, she said, “I have several books on health and religion. I want to share whatever people want to see. If they have an interest in health, I share those books. If they have an interest in religion, I’m happy to share those books, too.”

The man rubbed his chin. “Let’s make a deal,” he said. “If I can ask questions about your religion and you can answer them, I’ll buy all of your books.”

Maria felt anxious. She took a deep breath and said, “I’m not wise enough to answer anything that you ask. I need help. May I pray first?”

The man agreed. Maria prayed out loud. She asked for wisdom and knowledge, and she ended the prayer in the name of Jesus.

Immediately, the man asked, “We say Jesus was a prophet, but you say He is a God. Why do you say that? How can a mere man become God?”

Without pausing, Maria said, “Many people think that Jesus only started to live when He was on earth as a baby, but He was around years before that. Jesus was part of the Godhead, and God sent Him to this earth in the form of a baby as a regular human being. Then Jesus was called to be a prophet, then He was called to be a sacrifice, and then He was called to be a high priest. So right now, He is interceding for our sins. Jesus is not just a prophet. He was called to be more than a prophet. He is a high priest—not just for me but for all who accept Him.”

The man put his head in his hands. “That is about the nicest thing I’ve ever heard,” he said.

That was his first and only question. With tears in his eyes, he bought every book that Maria had. As they bid each other goodbye, he said, “You really explained to me what I wanted to know. Now I look forward to reading all your books.”

Pray for Maria and other missionaries seeking to reach unreached people groups in the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, where this story took place. Maria is a pseudonym. Thank you for your Thirteenth Sabbath Offering this Sabbath that will help spread the gospel in the Southern Asia-Pacific Division.

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Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/25b-13-inside-story-lets-make-a-deal/