10. Meekness in the Crucible - August 27-September 2

Sabbath afternoon

Prayer Thought

The work that the Saviour was to do on the earth had been fully outlined: "The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; and shall make Him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord." The One thus anointed was "to preach good tidings unto the meek; . . . to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified." Isaiah 11:2, 3; 61:1-3. {AA 224.1}

Memory Text

Blessed [are] the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. {Matthew 5:5}

Please visit this link for the Memory Verses Songs {click or copy-paste to your browser} https://youtu.be/c9YD3fpZhNY

This week's SS Lesson will discuss the platform of truth that characterizes the reflection of Christ’s image. The connection between suffering and meekness will be considered which affects an inward struggle for resiliency. It also includes the origin of meekness and suffering as it evolves in the human family, and how is it related to our Christian growth.

Outline of the Study

Sunday: Broken Bread and Poured-out Wine (Meekness in the Suffering) Ezek. 24:15-27

Monday: Interceding for Grace (Intercessory Meekness) Exo. 32:1-14; Num. 12

Tuesday: Loving Those Who Hurt Us (Meekness before our enemies) Mat. 5:43-48

Wednesday: A Closed Mouth (Meekness before Injustice) 1Pet. 2:16-25

Thursday: Our Rock and Refuge (The Source of Meekness) Ps. 62:1-8

Friday: The Further Study and Meditation

Divine Example contrasted Satan's agents

God's grace will be dispensed to His servants to meet the emergency. "It shall be given you," says Jesus, "in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." As the Spirit of God illuminates the minds of His servants, the truth will be presented in its divine power and preciousness. Those who reject the truth will stand to accuse and oppress the disciples. But under loss and suffering, even unto death, the Lord's children are to reveal the meekness of their divine Example. Thus will be seen the contrast between Satan's agents and the representatives of Christ. The Saviour will be lifted up before the rulers and the people. {DA 354.2}

Sunday: Broken Bread and Poured-out Wine (Meekness in the Suffering) Ezek. 24:15-27

“Thus Ezekiel is a sign to you; according to all that he has done you shall do; and when this comes, you shall know that I am the Lord God.” (Ezekiel 24:24)

Be Peaceful, Make no Disturbance of Any Kind

Ezek:24:27 - "They shall know that I am the Lord".

Therefore, we advise all our people to be peaceful, make no disturbance of any kind, and stay in the denominational churches for we have helped build them. They took our tithes and offerings for the support of the ministry, etc., and as long as we are true S.D.A.'s by keeping the truth they have no legal right from the King of heaven nor from the governments on earth to cast us out. If they attempt to carry you out, do not resist them. If they set a watch at the doors and bar you out, do not attempt to force yourselves in. If they beat you do not fight back, but by all means try to get in and if you cannot, stay on the outside and witness for present truth until the services are over except when physically unable to do so. {1SC14: 8.4}

Holy Mountain - God's Dwelling Place

"So shall ye know that I am the Lord your God dwelling in Zion, My holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her anymore." (Joel 3:17.) "Hear the word of the Lord, ye that tremble at His word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for My name's sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified: but He shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed." (Isa. 66:5.) {1SC14: 8.3} The test is coming and regardless of temptations we must not fail to demonstrate what we believe and show them that we keep the truth, love the brethren, and are willing to die for them if it would awaken them and be saved, for we were no better than they when the truth found us. {1SC14: 8.5}

Christ's Kingdom is promised to be established, where God dwells amidst them. Please visit this sites:
1. Meat In Due Season - 5. Mighty Stone and the Great Image of Daniel 2 (google.com)

2. Meat In Due Season - 6. The Establishment of the Kingdom of Glory (google.com)

Redemption without Money

"Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean. Shake thyself from the dust arise, and sit down [on thy throne], O Jerusalem: loose thyself from the [man-wrought] bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion. For thus saith the Lord, Ye have sold yourselves for nought; and ye shall be redeemed without money. For thus saith the Lord God My people went down aforetime into Egypt to sojourn there; and the Assyrian oppressed them without cause. Now therefore, what have I here, saith the Lord, that My people is taken away for nought? they that rule over them make them to howl, saith the Lord; and My name continually every day is blasphemed. Therefore My people shall know My name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am He that doth speak: behold, it is I. {TN8: 75.1}

God's Judgement for His Own People

Thus shall Mine anger be accomplished, and I will cause My fury to rest upon them, and I will be comforted: and they shall know that I the Lord have spoken it in My zeal, when I have accomplished My fury in them. Moreover I will make thee waste, and a reproach among the nations that are round about thee, in the sight of all that pass by.... "Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, am against thee, and will execute judgments in the midst of thee in the sight of the nations. And I will do in thee that which I have not done, and whereunto I will not do any more the like, because of all thine abominations...." "I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until He come Whose right it is; and I will give it Him." Ezek. 5:12-14, 8, 9; 21:27. {TN10: 43.4}

Consider the Following

Joseph was the favorite son of his father. However, his life was suddenly turned upside down (Genesis 37:28). Joseph clung go God in the harsh trials. He humbly worked for his master and meekly endured the false accusation. Eventually, Joseph’s broken pieces became the salvation of Israel (Genesis 50:20-21).

Ezekiel’s heart was also in pieces after his wife passed away. God asked him to do something unusual in those circumstances: Do not cry (Ezekiel 24:16-18). Ezekiel’s broken pieces became an announcement and an example for the people of Israel (Ezekiel 24:21-24).

God can use our broken pieces to help other people if we meekly accept our sufferings.

The Final Cleansing in Zion - the Church

Joel 3:17-21 -- "So shall ye know that I am the Lord your God dwelling in Zion, My holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the Lord, and shall water the valley of Shittim. Egypt shall be a desolation, and Edom shall be a desolate wilderness, for the violence against the children of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land. But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation. For I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed: for the Lord dwelleth in Zion."

Our final cleansing is to be in our own land. The Scriptures, you see, are correlated; one truth explains another. Verses and chapters, therefore, cannot be isolated from their context if they are to be rightly understood. A correct idea cannot be built upon any one verse when isolated from its continuity. And only when we take God at His word can we in truth study the Scriptures. Then we need but the key word to unlock the mysteries of God. And here we have it. {2TG8: 27.1}

Monday: Interceding for Grace (Intercessory Meekness) Exo. 32:1-14; Num. 12

“Then Moses pleaded with the Lord his God, and said: ‘Lord, why does Your wrath burn hot against Your people whom You have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand?’” (Exodus 32:11)

Moses Was An Example Of Genuine Humility

If thou wilt forgive their sin—and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. Exodus 32:32. {CTr 116.1}

After the children of Israel had listened at Sinai to the giving of the Ten Commandments, they fell into idolatry, and the Lord was angry with them. He said to Moses, “Let me alone . . . that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.” But no; the man who had learned to seek after the lost sheep in the wilderness, who had endured cold and storm rather than leave one sheep to perish, could not give up the people placed in his care. He pleaded with God not to give them up, but to forgive their transgression. . . . {CTr 116.2}

Moses declared, “If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.” He no longer had any confidence in himself. His watchword was The God of Israel is my Strength and my Leader. He received no adoration as did the kings of other nations. Repeatedly he told the children of Israel that he was only what the God of Israel had made him. In all the battles in which they obtained the victory, he told them that they were not to claim the honor, for it was the God of Israel who gained the victory in their behalf. {CTr 116.3}

Pleaded for His People - Israelites

Moses now arose and entered the tabernacle. The Lord declared to him, "I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation." But again Moses pleaded for his people. He could not consent to have them destroyed, and he himself made a mightier nation. Appealing to the mercy of God, he said: "I beseech Thee, let the power of my Lord be great according as Thou hast spoken, saying, The Lord is long-suffering, and of great mercy. . . . Pardon, I beseech Thee, the iniquity of this people according to the greatness of Thy mercy, and as Thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now." {PP 390.3}

The Lord promised to spare Israel from immediate destruction; but because of their unbelief and cowardice He could not manifest His power to subdue their enemies. Therefore in His mercy He bade them, as the only safe course, to turn back toward the Red Sea. {PP 391.1}

The Greatness of the Lord had been Revealed

The Lord announced to Moses that the appointed time for the possession of Canaan was at hand; and as the aged prophet stood upon the heights overlooking the river Jordan and the Promised Land, he gazed with deep interest upon the inheritance of his people. Would it be possible that the sentence pronounced against him for his sin at Kadesh might be revoked? With deep earnestness he pleaded, "O Lord God, Thou hast begun to show Thy servant Thy greatness, and Thy mighty hand; for what god is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to Thy works, and according to Thy might? I pray Thee, let me go over, and see the good land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon." Deuteronomy 3:24-27. {PP 462.1}

Consider the Following

God offered Moses to destroy the people of Israel and to begin a new nation with him. However, Moses interceded on behalf of the whiny people (Exodus 32:11).

He also interceded on behalf of his own sister after being betrayed by her (Numbers 12:13); he also interceded when his relatives tried to usurp the priesthood (Numbers 16:20-22).

Meekness involves offering grace to those who don’t deserve it.

Tuesday: Loving Those Who Hurt Us (Meekness before our enemies) Mat. 5:43-48

“love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,” (Matthew 5:44)

Forgive Others as we're Forgiven Must be Learned and Incorporated in our Lives

Those who are unfeeling and hard-hearted do greater harm to themselves than they do to others, for they deceive themselves by their own spirit and course. Selfishness leads the one who exaggerates every little offense, and attaches great importance to that which is said of himself, which leads him to attribute guilt to one who is ignorant of having done wrong. Selfishness works in the unsanctified heart, and leads men to depreciate those who do not highly esteem them and show them the honor which they think is their due. The lessons which Christ has given us are to be studied and incorporated into our religious life every day. He says: "If ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." "When ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any." "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." {RH, May 14, 1895 par. 8}

Through the acceptance of hearsay evidence the enemy obtains great advantage in council and committee meetings. Those who would stand for the right if they knew what it was, are led astray by the evil surmisings of others in whom they have confidence. Their prayers are thus hindered, their faith is paralyzed and unkind thoughts, unholy suspicions, alienate them from their brethren. Thus God is dishonored, and souls are imperiled. {RH, May 14, 1895 par. 9}

Questions to Consider

How many have, in the past year, cherished heart-burnings and bitterness toward their brethren and sisters in the church?

How many have thought and spoken unkindly of those who, like themselves, profess to be followers of Jesus?

We may think we had an excuse for this; but is there any provocation of sufficient weight to excuse us in harboring unkindness and malice in our hearts?

Said Jesus, "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you." If we do not in our daily life exemplify these principles, we cannot be accepted before God. We must earnestly seek his grace to kill every fiber of the root of bitterness, and must let the love of Jesus take possession of our souls and reveal itself in our words and works, or we are not of Christ but of the wicked one. {ST, January 4, 1883 par. 3}

Consider the Following

Why should we love those who have hurt us? Jesus shared one basic reason: so that we imitate our Father. God is good with His enemies (Matthew 5:45). He loves them because He sees them as candidates for the Kingdom of Heaven, precious pearls of His treasure.

When we see our enemies like this, everything changes. We see them as future brothers and sisters whom we can share eternal life with. This way we’ll always seek their good.

We’re being perfected as the love of God grows in our hearts (Matthew 5:48). This “perfection” is shown by loving others and treating them meekly.

Wednesday: A Closed Mouth (Meekness before Injustice) 1Pet. 2:16-25

“who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;” (1 Peter 2:23)

Suffer for It and Take It Patiently

Those who were servants were advised to remain subject to their masters "with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy," the apostle explained, "if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth: who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously: who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." {AA 522.3}

Forbearance on the Cross of Calvary to Gain Victory

All heaven is watching the controversy. . . . Here upon the earth Satan stirs up the enmity that is in the human mind to resist the salvation that has been brought to them at such an infinite cost. He [Christ] was the light of the world, and yet the world knew Him not. He created the world, and yet the world would not acknowledge Him. But when His life was sought for, the Majesty of heaven had to go from place to place; heaven marked this. And He was despised and rejected; He was mocked at, reviled; but when He was reviled, He reviled not again. But Satan did not stop his persecutions until Christ hung upon the cross of Calvary. All heaven, and all the worlds God had created, were watching the controversy; would Christ carry out the plan He had undertaken to lift lost souls from the pit of sin? . . . {CTr 288.2}

Consider the Following

Undoubtedly, Jesus is the greatest example of meekness (Matthew 11:29). Peter explained how He behave so we can learn from His example (1 Peter 2:23).

Jesus remained silent before the offenses. He didn’t rebel against attacks or suffering but gave Himself to God. He knew God is always in control. God will do justice at the right time.

Remember Paul’s advice in Romans 12:17-21. Do not seek revenge, for vengeance is God’s. On the contrary, do good to those who do evil.

Thursday: Our Rock and Refuge (The Source of Meekness) Ps. 62:1-8

In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.” (Psalm 62:7)

Prophecies Already Made Plain

The Lord wants all to understand His providential dealings now, just now, in the time in which we live. There must be no long discussions, presenting new theories in regard to the prophecies which God has already made plain. Now the great work from which the mind should not be diverted is the consideration of our personal safety in the sight of God.

1. Are our feet on the rock of ages?

2. Are we hiding ourselves in our only refuge? The storm is coming, relentless in its fury.

3. Are we prepared to meet it?

4. Are we one with Christ as He is one with the Father?

5. Are we heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ?

6. Are we working in co-partnership with Christ?--Manuscript 32a, 1896. {Ev 199.1}

The Sacrifice had been Made, Our Rock and Refuge Established

Christ should never be out of the mind. The angels said concerning Him, "Thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins." Jesus, precious Saviour! Assurance, helpfulness, security, and peace are all in Him. He is the dispeller of all our doubts, the earnest of all our hopes. How precious is the thought that we may indeed become partakers of the divine nature, whereby we may overcome as Christ overcame! Jesus is the fullness of our expectation. He is the melody of our songs, the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. He is living water to the thirsty soul. He is our refuge in the storm. He is our righteousness, our sanctification, our redemption. When Christ is our personal Saviour, we shall show forth the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. . . . {RC 21.5}

Christ died because the law was transgressed, that guilty man might be saved from the penalty of his enormous guilt. But history has proved that it is easier to destroy the world than to reform it; for men crucified the Lord of Glory, who came to unite earth with heaven, and man with God.--Review and Herald, Aug. 26, 1890. {RC 21.6}

Consider the Following

Meekness is usually seen as a weakness. Meek people are thought to be shy, defenseless, coward. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The meekness of Christians is based on the Rock. They stay firm in the storms of this life. They don’t wish harm on their enemies but intercede in their behalf.

They love their families and friends even if they betray them or hurt them. They put the bad circumstances on God’s hands.

They know that God is always in control. He’s conducting His work for the glory of His name.

Friday: The Further Study and Meditation

The Church militant is not the church triumphant, and earth is not Heaven. The church is composed of erring, imperfect men and women, who are but learners in the school of Christ, to be trained, disciplined, educated for this life, and for the future, immortal life. No one of us can in our own strength represent the character of Christ; but if Jesus lives in the heart, the spirit dwelling in him will be revealed in us; all our lack will be supplied. Who will seek at the beginning of this new year to obtain a new and genuine experience in the things of God? Make your wrongs right as far as possible. Confess your errors and sins one to another. Let all bitterness and wrath and malice be put away; let patience, long-suffering, kindness, and love become a part of your very being; then whatsoever things are pure and lovely and of good report will mature in your experience. Another year with its spotless record is before us; what shall that record be? {ST, January 4, 1883 par. 4}

Questions to Ponder

1. How can we bear suffering with meekness? How is it related to our brokenness?

2. In what way does meekness can form endurance in facing trials and persecutions?

3. What spiritual lesson can we glean from Ezekiel as directed by the Lord of Mercy? Have you experienced as though no tears, no words, and no action can be done because of your brokenness, nothingness, and unworthiness?

4. What do you think Moses' purpose in asking the Lord to spare Israel from destruction? What would you feel when you know someone whom you hated, cursed and criticized is earnestly praying for your salvation?

5. When your heart is injured/broken by others through criticism, accusation, and rejection, what will you do and how could you overcome your innate nature to hate?

6. How can you describe your feeling when you face unfair treatment from your fellow believers?

7. In the above statement, {ST, January 4, 1883 par. 4}, Why is it important to know about Christ, our righteousness? Can we attain perfection amidst our trials and sufferings, if yes, how? if not, why?

From the Pen of Inspiration

“If we possess the humility of our Master, we shall rise above the slights, the rebuffs, the annoyances, to which we are daily exposed, and they will cease to cast a gloom over the spirit. The highest evidence of nobility in a Christian is self-control. He who under abuse or cruelty fails to maintain a calm and trustful spirit robs God of His right to reveal in him His own perfection of character. Lowliness of heart is the strength that gives victory to the followers of Christ.” E. G. W. (The Desire of Ages, cp. 31, p. 301)

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