1. The Shepherd's Crucible - June 25-July 1

Sabbath afternoon

Prayer Thought

And "it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land." Zech. 13:2. That is, at the time that this gospel-proclaiming kingdom is set up, it will be a church without guile -- free from all idolaters and false teachers. And it shall be fed by "one shepherd...even My servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. And I the Lord will be their God, and My servant David a prince among them." Ezek. 34:23, 24. {TN8: 18.4}

When the Lord thus takes "the reigns in His own hands" (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 300), and again rules the church as a theocratic government (in the last days), "it shall come to pass," as says Isaiah, "...that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And He shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." Isa. 2:2-4. {TN8: 19.1}

Memory Text

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Psalms 23:3

This week's SS Lesson will examine what lessons can we learn from this common passage that everybody knew Psalms 23. How can we relate to the principles set forth for our guidance and provisions in times when we are discouraged and feel that we're in the valley of insecurity, inadequacy, and inferiority. It includes God's promises of hope and eternal destiny of those faithful servants of God who are doing their prophetic mandates.

Outline of the Study

Sunday: A Guide for the Journey The Shepherd Leads Me

Ps. 23:1-6; Heb. 13:8; James 1:17; Isa. 40:11; Jer. 23:3, 4; Ezek. 34:12; John 10:14-16; 1Pet. 2:25

Monday: Location on the Journey In the Paths of Righteousness

Ps. 23:3

Tuesday: Unexpected Detour 1: Valley Fearless in the Valley

Ps. 23:4

Wednesday: Unexpected Detour 2: The Surrounded Table Safe from My Enemies

Ps. 23:5; Mat. 5:44; Rom. 12:18-21; Eph. 6:12

Thursday: A Certain Promise for the Journey Towards a Glorious Destination

Ps. 23:6; Eph. 1:4; 2pet 1:10; Heb. 11:13-15; Gen. 14:14; Jos. 10:19; 1Sam 25:29

Friday: The Further Study and Meditation

Sunday: A Guide for the Journey The Shepherd Leads Me

Ps. 23:1-6; Heb. 13:8; James 1:17; Isa. 40:11; Jer. 23:3, 4; Ezek. 34:12; John 10:14-16; 1Pet. 2:25

“The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. ” (Psalm 23:1-2)

What is the Lord's counsel concerning the Voice we need to hear?

The answer comes through Micah the prophet:

"The Lord's voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name: hear ye the Rod, and Who hath appointed it." Mic. 6:9.

Here is a Rod which speaks; and its voice, the scripture points out, is the voice of God to His people.

Who is the Shepherd?

Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd giveth His Life for the sheep." John 10:11

But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.

The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

I am the good shepherd, and know my [sheep], and am known of mine. John 10:12-14

The Voice that Crieth in the City - the SDA Church

The Lord declares that His voice is crying to the city (to the church), and that the men of wisdom shall see the name, and shall hear the Rod and Him Who hath appointed It. Micah 6:9 {1TG27: 7.2}

Manifestly, this rod is capable of speaking and of being heard, thus the command "Hear ye the Rod." So far as we know, the only rod that has ever spoken is "THE SHEPHERD'S ROD." Moreover, it was not the results of any studious searching of the Bible that the book was so named, the author was not familiar with this scripture, nor did he have any understanding of the book of Micah at the time the title "Shepherd's Rod" was given to the book. {1TG27: 7.3}

The Lord Leads Ancient Israel Out of Egypt with the Power of God through the ROD

And since "The Shepherd's Rod," the publications which contain the message of "the great and dreadful day of the Lord," is the only Rod that has ever spoken, then it is the "Rod" publications which the Lord demands all to hear. Some may call the publications "offshoot," others may call them "rubbish" ("Counsels on Sabbath School Work," p. 29), but the Lord titles them the "Rod," and His counsel is that we hear Its voice. In truth, since the Rod is a symbol of authority, correction, and deliverance, then what other title could more fittingly signify that It is to deliver the penitent and do away with the impenitent? It was the Shepherd's Rod that freed ancient Israel, and the Lord has chosen "The Shepherd's Rod" to deliver modern Israel. It was a Rod that led the first Exodus, and it is now seen that a Rod is making ready to lead the second Exodus (Isa. 11:11; Mic. 7:14, 15; Ezek. 20:36, 37). {GCS: 35.5}

Journey to the Promised Land

It should be remembered that we are not the first and the only people who have had to change our way of thinking; we are not the first and only people to discover that God's plans are the opposite of our plans. Moses, too, found that his plan for delivering the children of Israel from their Egyptian bondage was not God's plan. Likewise God's plan for the route they were to take in their journey to the promised land was not their plan. The apostles positively believed that Christ was to set up His kingdom at His first advent, but they, too, had to change their belief. Moreover, since the Hebrews, whom out of slaves God had made kings, had been promised that their kingdom was to stand forever, they were indeed astounded when it went down. And there have been other surprises all along from the dawn of history. {1TG13: 6.3}

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Consider the Following

It’s clear who the Shepherd is in the Bible: Jesus (John 10:14; Hebrews. 13:20).

What does the Shepherd do for us?

Isaiah 40:11. He protects us and tenderly takes care of us when we’re weak

Ezekiel 34:12. He knows us, and He rescues us on dark days

Ezekiel 37:24. He gives us directions to live correctly

John 10:11. He gives His life for us

John 10:16. He brings us together

Monday: Location on the Journey In the Paths of Righteousness

“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake..” (Psalm 23:3)

Kingdom of His Righteousness the Path to Go

"John did not fully understand the nature of the Messiah's kingdom. He looked for Israel to be delivered from her national foes; but the coming of the King in righteousness, and the establishment of Israel as a holy nation, was the great object of his hope." -- "The Desire of Ages," p. 103.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." (Matt. 6:31-34.)

The Glorious Kingdom for the World to See

Moreover, after the message is carried to the church and the 144,000, who are to be the servants of God in the time of the Loud Cry, and who shall be endowed with the Holy Spirit, as were the Apostles on the day of Pentecost ("Early Writings," pp. 297, 278), are sealed, at which time our righteousness shall start forth as brightness, and our salvation as a lamp that burneth, and the Gentiles shall see our righteousness and all kings our glory (Isa. 62:1,2), then will begin the real mission work which was shown to Isaiah the prophet, and described in the following words: "Thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought. For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted." (Isa. 60:11,12.) Let us, therefore, happily respond to the following urgent exhortation: {2SC9: 7.2.3}

"Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the Lord. And many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and shall be My people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto thee." (Zech. 2:10,11.) {2SC9: 7.2.4}

Consider the Following

The flock is in their way. The Shepherd leads us in “the paths of righteousness,” in the good way. Which is the good way?

Kingdom of Righteousness

He whose heart is fixed to serve God will find opportunity to witness for Him. Difficulties will be powerless to hinder him who is determined to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. In the strength gained by prayer and a study of the word, he will seek virtue and forsake vice. Looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of the faith, who endured the contradiction of sinners against Himself, the believer will willingly brave contempt and derision. And help and grace sufficient for every circumstance are promised by Him whose word is truth. His everlasting arms encircle the soul that turns to Him for aid. In His care we may rest safely, saying, "What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee." Psalm 56:3. To all who put their trust in Him, God will fulfill His promise. {AA 467.1}

The one that leads to the right destination: Shepherd’s home, Jerusalem - the Promise land.

The one that leads us to live according to Shepherd’s desires on that transforms us in righteous people.

We can be sure that God will lead us to our glorious destination, no matter how easy or hard the way is.

It is not safe for any one of us to build our hopes in this life. We want first to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness. . . . {CTr 80.2}

Tuesday: Unexpected Detour 1: Valley Fearless in the Valley

Ps. 23:4

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

Acknowledgment of God's Goodness

The clouded hope of the Christian is brightened. Faith returns. The word is heard, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me." "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." "He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength." Psalm 23:4; Luke 1:46, 47; Isaiah 40:29. The acknowledgment of God's goodness in providing these blessings invigorates the mind. God is very near and is pleased to see His gifts appreciated. {CH 167.3}

Angels' Ministration in Our Lives

Every redeemed one will understand the ministry of angels in his own life. The angel who was his guardian from his earliest moment; the angel who watched his steps, and covered his head in the day of peril; the angel who was with him in the valley of the shadow of death, who marked his resting place, who was the first to greet him in the resurrection morning--what will it be to hold converse with him, and to learn the history of divine interposition in the individual life, of heavenly co-operation in every work for humanity! {Ed 305.2}

Consider the Following

How hard it is to trust God when we don’t see His hand! We may think God has abandoned us when we are surrounded darkness, pain, suffering, and fear.

God constantly repeated “Do not be afraid” in His Word. He promised He will always be with us, even if we cannot see Him.

We can find comfort and guidance in His “rod” and “staff” (which might represent the Bible and the Law).

God gives light to those who love light. He imparts truth to those who search for truth as for something of most precious value in order that they may impart light to those who are in the valley and the shadow of death. {TMK 217.5}

Wednesday: Unexpected Detour 2: The Surrounded Table Safe from My Enemies

Ps. 23:5; Mat. 5:44; Rom. 12:18-21; Eph. 6:12

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. (Psalm 23:5)

God's Protection from the Enemies

"I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence." Isa. 62:6. (These are the watchmen under the new name.) Isa. 62:8 and 9, reveal God's care and protection over His church. In the 10th verse is God's command to His people: "Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people." In the 11th verse God says He has proclaimed to the people who shall live at the end of the world: "Behold, the Lord hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him." {SR1: 155.2}

Troublous Time Comes: Those who Find Life in Favor of Men shall Lose It

All who endeavor to excuse or conceal their sins, and permit them to remain upon the books of heaven unconfessed and unforgiven, will be overcome by Satan." -- "Patriarchs and Prophets," p. 202. "Those who are without God's protection will find no safety in any place or position." -- "Testimonies for the Church," Vol. 8, p. 50. Of that troublous time said Christ: "He that findeth his life" to gain the favor of men "shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." (Matt. 10:39.) That time shall reveal him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not. Then, shall the world be divided into two great classes -- "The sheep on the right and the goats on the left." (Matt. 25:33.) Apparently it will seem that God's people must either perish or yield to the demands of the wicked, but mighty angels who excel in strength will reverse the current of destruction. {SR2: 159.2}

Consider the Following

Do believers have enemies? Sure, both visible and invisible ones, both known and unknown (Philippians 3:18; Ephesians 6:12).

However, if we focus on what God’s is doing for us (preparing the table, anointing us with oil, making our cup run over…), the presence of our enemies will be overshadowed.

No enemy—either visible or invisible—can take away what the Shepherd has given us, as long as we’re with Him.

Thursday: A Certain Promise for the Journey Towards a Glorious Destination

Ps. 23:6; Eph. 1:4; 2Pet 1:10; Heb. 11:13-15; Gen. 14:14; Jos. 10:19; 1Sam 25:29

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Psalm 23:6)

Christ Our Restorer: Putting Trust in Constant Practice

Satan is our destroyer, but Christ is our restorer. We must put faith into constant exercise, and trust in God, whatever our feelings may be. Isaiah says: "Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God." You can say with the psalmist, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." "Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever. And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord sent ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten." "Unto you therefore which believe He is precious." Consider the fact that the Lord has given His only begotten Son, "that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (Review and Herald, May 19, 1896). {LHU 332.3}

Entering into the Gates of the City of God

"Behold, I come quickly," Christ says, "and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." This is the destination of commandment keepers. Should we not all wish to be among that number who have right to the tree of life, and who enter through the gates into the city? {TM 133.2}

The Lord Graciously Revealed Himself in Times Needed

But the enemy of all souls had not taken into account the long-suffering of Him who "will by no means clear the guilty," yet whose glory it is to be "merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin." Exodus 34:6, 7. Despite the efforts of Satan to thwart God's purpose for his chosen people, yet even in some of the darkest hours of Israel's history, when it seemed as if the forces of evil were about to gain the victory, the Lord graciously revealed himself. He spread before Israel the things that were for their welfare as a nation. "I have written to him the great things of my law," he declared, of Israel through Hosea, "but they were counted as a strange thing." Hosea 8:12. "I taught Ephraim also to go," he declared "taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them." Hosea 11:3. Tenderly the Lord dealt with them, instructing them by his prophets, line upon line, and precept upon precept. {RH, February 19, 1914 par. 10}

Practice Talking of God's Goodness, Mercy, and Love

Cultivate a prayerful frame of mind and educate the tongue to speak right words, that will bless in the place of discouraging. . . . Talk of the goodness, the mercy, and the love of God. Put away all unbelieving words and all that is cheap and common. Let the words be sound words, that cannot be condemned, and the peace of God will surely come to the soul. {HP 175.5}

Consider the Following

David was sure of two things:

Good and mercy would always follow—or “chase”—him. No matter how deep the valley or how persistent the enemies, the certainty of God’s goodness and unfailing love and the certainty of His guidance to the very end of our journey is unquestionable.

We have an everlasting home where we will dwell in the presence of God Himself (Revelation 22:3-4).

Friday: The Further Study and Meditation

"Christ has given us no assurance that to attain to perfection of character is an easy matter. It is a conflict, a battle and a march, day by day. It is through much tribulation that we enter the kingdom of heaven. In order to share with Christ in His glory we must share in His suffering. . . . He has overcome for us. Shall we, then, be timid and cowardly because of the trials that we meet as we advance? . . . {SD 198.2}

"When we have a deeper appreciation of the mercy and loving-kindness of God, we shall praise Him, instead of complaining. We shall talk of the loving watch-care of the Lord, of the tender compassion of the Good Shepherd. The language of the heart will not be selfish murmuring and repining. Praise, like a clear, flowing stream, will come from God's truly believing ones. They will say, "Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord foreverr." . . . {SD 198.3}

Questions to Ponder

Are tragic events in our lives instruments to the perfection of our character? What kind of voice are we hearing after experiencing Micah 6::8? (See: Micah 6:9) Please review Sunday's Lesson!
What's the role of the Pastors, Bible Workers, and teachers when in fact we already have a good Shepherd? How could they be instrumental in fulfilling God's purposes and promises of care and protection?
How far has our journey been with Christ as our Shepherd? Have we dwelled in righteousness while facing challenges in life?
Are our priorities in life in harmony with Christ's? How can we change our lives in order to reflect His righteous character?
While looking at others, do we experience being led into the valley of darkness? What resolution could we do to divert it into the right path?
Do we acknowledge God's provisions in spite of our circumstances or valleys in life?
Based on the statement above ({SD 198.2, 3}, what lessons can we learn to enter into His Kingdom? Is it an easy road? Can we still talk more of the positive things about why God allows sufferings, accusations, persecutions, rejections, discouragements, and frustrations along our Christian journey?

From the Pen of Inspiration

“As an earthly shepherd knows his sheep, so does the divine Shepherd know His flock that are scattered throughout the world […]

Jesus knows us individually, and is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. He knows us all by name. He knows the very house in which we live, the name of each occupant […]

Every soul is as fully known to Jesus as if he were the only one for whom the Saviour died […] He cares for each one as if there were not another on the face of the earth.” E. G. W. (The Desire of Ages, cp. 52, pg. 479)

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