Sabbath Afternoon - December 9, 2023

Scripture Reading for the Week:
1 Kings 11:1-6; Matthew 4:23-25; Matthew 15:22-28; Mark 7:24-30; Acts 10:34-35; Matthew 8:10,13. 


Thought for Meditation
   If it stirs up the enmity of the human heart when the Lord, the great Jehovah, is mentioned, you may know the person has no connection with God. People may claim that they have great faith in Jesus and that there is nothing you can do but that Christ will do for you. Now, when Christ shall call forth the dead, it depends wholly upon your course of action whether you have a resurrection to life eternal or a resurrection to damnation. Thus they get these truths all mixed with error, and they cannot tell what is truth; and if asked to sit down and search the Scriptures with you to see what saith the Lord, I never knew a case but the answer was that they had no need to search the Scriptures, for the Lord told them what to do.  {FW 55.2}  


Memory Text

“Then Jesus answered and said to her, ‘O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.’ And her daughter was healed from that very hour” (Matthew 15:28). 


This week's SSLesson will sink into the clear revelation of the Word of God which guides the church into the illumination of what will be in the future, in reaching out to the Great Multitude in this present world. This includes the prophecies that may not be familiar with most of the SDAs but were revealed to us in the present term as we hear the voice crieth in the city (Micah 6:9) - the Meat in Due Season (Mat. 24:45).


Study Outline:

Sunday - December 10, 2023

Mission to Regions Beyond (Face Challenges)  Matthew 14:34;  Matthew 15:21;  Judges 3:1-6; 1 Kings 5:1-12; 1 Kings 11:1-6;  


Monday - December 11, 2023

Seeking the Multitudes (Search her the Lost)  Matthew 9:35-38;  Luke 19:41;  Matthew 9:38; Matthew 4:23-25;     


Tuesday - December 12, 2023

In Tyre and Sidon (An Inclusive Work) Matthew 15:1-39; Mark 7:1-37; 1 John 2:2 


Wednesday - December 13, 2023

Send Her Away (Save the Lost) Titus 2:13; Acts 10:9-16,28,34-35;  Galatians 2:11-13.  


Thursday - December 14, 2023

Faith on Earth (Be a Light Among the People) Luke 18:8; Matthew 8:10,13; Matthew 9:2; Matthew 20:29-34; Mark 2:5; Mark 10:1-52; Luke 18:35-43; Matthew 6:30; Matthew 8:26; Matthew 14:31; Matthew 16:8; Matthew 17:17. 


Friday - December 15, 2023

Insights and Further Study

From the Pen of Inspiration


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Sunday - December 10, 2023

Mission to Regions Beyond (Face Challenges)  Matthew 14:34;  Matthew 15:21;  Judges 3:1-6; 1 Kings 5:1-12; 1 Kings 11:1-6;  

“Now these are the nations which the Lord left, to prove Israel by them, even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan” (Judges 3:1)


God’s People Press Forward Regardless of Doubt and Fear

The Lord is now dealing with His people who believe present truth. He designs to bring about momentous results, and while in His providence He is working toward this end, He says to His people: "Go forward." True, the path is not yet opened; but when they move on in the strength of faith and courage, God will make the way plain before their eyes. There are ever those who will complain, as did ancient Israel, and charge the difficulties of their position upon those whom God has raised up for the special purpose of advancing His cause. They fail to see that God is testing them by bringing them into strait places, from which there is no deliverance except by His hand. {CCh 346.1} 


Far-Reaching Influence to Saved in God's Appointed Way

The Bible unfolds truth with a simplicity and a perfect adaptation to the needs and longings of the human heart, that has astonished and charmed the most highly cultivated minds, while it enables the humblest and uncultured to discern the way of salvation. And yet these simply stated truths lay hold upon subjects so elevated, so far-reaching, so infinitely beyond the power of human comprehension, that we can accept them only because God has declared them. Thus the plan of redemption is laid open to us, so that every soul may see the steps he is to take in repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, in order to be saved in God’s appointed way; yet beneath these truths, so easily understood, lie mysteries that are the hiding of His glory—mysteries that overpower the mind in its research, yet inspire the sincere seeker for truth with reverence and faith. The more he searches the Bible, the deeper is his conviction that it is the Word of the living God, and human reason bows before the majesty of divine revelation. {CSA 46.5} 


Inward Reservoir of Truth, then Reaching Beyond the Vastness of the Infinite

Those who empty their hearts of vanity and rubbish, through the grace of God may purify the mind and make it a storehouse of knowledge, purity, and truth. And it will be continually reaching beyond the narrow boundaries of worldly thought, into the vastness of the infinite.  {CT 513.4}  

Those who will empty their hearts of vanity and rubbish, through the grace of God may purify the chambers of the mind, and make it a storehouse of knowledge, purity, and truth. And it will be continually reaching beyond the narrow boundaries of worldly thought, into the vastness of the Infinite. The justice and mercy of God will be unfolded to the moral perceptions. The grievous character of sin, with its results, will be discerned. The character of God, His love manifested in giving His Son to die for the world, and the beauty of holiness, are exalted themes for contemplation. These will strengthen the intellect, and bring man into close communion with the Infinite One. --Review and Herald, June 21, 1877.  {FE 49.2}  


Consider the Following

Just as he did with ancient Israel, God has made us dwell among our “enemies” (Judges 3:1). Unlike that time, our war is not physical, but spiritual. Our enemies are not people to destroy, but people to save and win for Christ.

The war is especially intense in cities, where we face a multitude of challenges: a deteriorated environment; health problems; high or excessively low standard of living; racism; intolerance; nationalism; restrictions on freedom of religion and expression; etc

Inevitably, we must unite with those we want to win to Christ, as Solomon did (1Ki. 5:1-11). However, we must avoid being carried away by them, as he was (1 Kings 11:1, 4)


Through His Church today His Purpose will be Accomplished

The purpose which God seeks to accomplish through His people today is the same that He desired to accomplish through Israel when He brought them forth out of Egypt. By beholding the goodness, the mercy, the justice, and the love of God revealed in the church, the world is to have a representation of His character. And when the law of God is thus exemplified in the life, even the world will recognize the superiority of those who love and fear and serve God above every other people on the earth. {CCh 78.3} 


See and study: Present Truth Lessons 2020 - Lesson 5 Last Workers in the Vineyard (google.com) - a study that introduces the 11th hour servants of God whom the commission was given to gather the Great Multitude from all nations.


Monday - December 11, 2023

Seeking the Multitudes (Search her the Lost)  Matthew 9:35-38;  Luke 19:41;  Matthew 9:38; Matthew 4:23-25;     

“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36)


Multitudes are Perishing, There's a need for True Revival and Reformation

Men are in peril. Multitudes are perishing. But how few of the professed followers of Christ are burdened for these souls. The destiny of a world hangs in the balance; but this hardly moves even those who claim to believe the most far-reaching truth ever given to mortals. There is a lack of that love which led Christ to leave His heavenly home and take man's nature that humanity might touch humanity and draw humanity to divinity. There is a stupor, a paralysis, upon the people of God, which prevents them from understanding the duty of the hour.  {COL 303.1}  

Everyone needs now to seek the Lord. God's people will not endure the test unless there is a revival and a reformation. The Lord will not admit into the mansions He is preparing for the righteous, one soul who is self-sufficient. {7T 284.4}  


A Reformation Called For - to Shine God's Glory through His Spirit with Power

God calls for a thorough purification of households and institutions. There is need, not merely of a revival, but of a reformation. Every church needs to be stirred as never before. When the great light that God has given shines forth through human agencies, a great work will be done. In demonstration of the Spirit, and with power, the truth will be revealed in clear, distinct lines. But this work must begin in the home.  {RH, July 15, 1902 par. 10}  


For more deeper studies on reaching the Great Multitude. Please visit these sites.


Consider the Following

Undoubtedly, Jesus cares about each person individually. However, He also cares about “the multitudes.”


Part of the mission, then, is to reach the multitudes.

And where are the crowds? In the cities. In urban centers that are sometimes occupied by millions of people, “faceless masses”, to whom we must present the shepherd of the sheep.

Jesus decided to go to the region of Tire and Sidon (Phoenicia), whose culture was totally different. Due to its location next to the Mediterranean Sea, its main means of living was maritime trade. On the other hand, their cities were full of pagan temples.


Tuesday - December 12, 2023

In Tyre and Sidon (An Inclusive Work) Matthew 15:1-39; Mark 7:1-37; 1 John 2:2 

“And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil”       (Matthew 15:22)

“The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter”    (Mark 7:26)


The Son of David has the Power of Healing

The shout echoes from the mountain and valley, “Hosanna to the son of David: . . . Hosanna in the highest.”“Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.”. . . Those who have once been blind . . . are the first to lead the way in that wonderful procession. . . One whom He has raised from the dead leads the animal on which He is seated. The once deaf and dumb, with ears opened and tongues unloosed, help swell the glad hosannas. Cripples, with buoyant steps and grateful hearts, are now most active in breaking down the palm branches and strewing them in His path as their tribute of homage to the mighty Healer. The leper, who has listened to the dread words of the priest, “Unclean,” . . . is there. The widow and the orphan are there to tell of His wonderful works. The restored dead are there. Their tongues, once palsied by the power of Satan, take up the song of rejoicing. . . . The demoniac is there, not now to have the words wrenched from his lips by Satan’s power. . . . On the crest of Olivet the procession pauses.—Manuscript 128, 1899. {CTr 253.5} 


Proclamation of the Son of David as King and Healer

A chorus of voices answered, "The Son of David." This was the title which prophecy had given to the Messiah. When Jesus revealed His divinity by His mighty miracles, when He healed the sick and raised the dead, the people had inquired among themselves, "Is not this the Son of David?" The Syrophoenician woman, blind Bartimaeus, and many others had cried to Him for help, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Thou Son of David." Matthew 15:22. While riding into Jerusalem He had been hailed with the joyful shout, "Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord." Matthew 21:9. And the little children in the temple had that day echoed the glad ascription. But many who called Jesus the Son of David did not recognize His divinity. They did not understand that the Son of David was also the Son of God.  {DA 608.3}  


For additional Prophetic Insights. Please visit this site: Meat In Due Season - 22. The Cleansing Fountain and the Mighty River (google.com) - a study that shows the fulfillment of the prophecy with regards to God's people representing the HOUSE OF DAVID in Zechariah 13:1.


Consider the Following

Matthew 15:22 and Mark 7:26 tell us about a woman who was… Canaanite, Greek or Syrophoenician?

In reality, it was all of that. Matthew wrote his gospel with a Jewish audience in mind. For the Jews, this woman was a Canaanite. That is, it belonged to the idolatrous peoples who were to be expelled from the Promised Land. Unworthy, as they thought, of salvation. Mark wrote his gospel with a Roman audience in mind. They used the term “Greek” to describe it, because it was not Roman (“Gentile” for the Jews, “barbarian” for the Greeks). For this reason, Mark specifies his nationality.

Both evangelists wanted to emphasize that the woman was foreign to the people of Israel, so that they would understand why Jesus treated this woman that way before granting her request. Everyone needed to understand that the gospel is not just for a specific group, but is inclusive, encompassing all people in all nations and ethnic groups.


Wednesday - December 13, 2023

Send Her Away (Save the Lost) Titus 2:13; Acts 10:9-16,28,34-35;  Galatians 2:11-13.  

“But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us” (Matthew 15:23)


The Final Hours of Probation - the Good News to be Proclaimed.

In these final hours of probation for the sons of men, when the fate of every soul is so soon to be decided forever, the Lord of heaven and earth expects His church to arouse to action as never before. Those who have been made free in Christ through a knowledge of precious truth, are regarded by the Lord Jesus as His chosen ones, favored above all other people on the face of the earth; and He is counting on them to show forth the praises of Him who hath called them out of darkness into marvelous light. The blessings which are so liberally bestowed, are to be communicated to others. The good news of salvation is to go to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.--Prophets and Kings, pp. 716, 717.  {ChS 81.4}  


Infinite Redemption Price for a Lost World

Christ came to bring salvation within the reach of all. Upon the cross of Calvary He paid the infinite redemption price for a lost world. . . . His mission was to sinners, sinners of every grade, of every tongue and nation. . . . The most erring, the most sinful, were not passed by; His labors were especially for those who most needed the salvation He came to bring. The greater their need of reform, the deeper was His interest, the greater His sympathy, and the more earnest His labors. His great heart of love was stirred to its depths for the ones whose condition was most hopeless and who most needed His transforming grace. . . .  {AG 234.2}  


Ye are the light of the world. Matthew 5:14.

"Ye are the light of the world." The Jews thought to confine the benefits of salvation to their own nation; but Christ showed them that salvation is like the sunshine. It belongs to the whole world. The religion of the Bible is not to be confined between the covers of a book, nor within the walls of a church. It is not to be brought out occasionally for our own benefit, and then to be carefully laid aside again. It is to sanctify the daily life, to manifest itself in every business transaction and in all our social relations.  {RC 288.2}  


Consider the Following

In every urban center there are groups of people with whom we do not feel inclined to deal. Maybe it's because of their religion, their ethnic origin, their customs. Maybe it's because of their propensity for violence, or because of their extreme poverty.

We do not know many things about the woman who presented herself to Jesus, but she was among the group of “untreatable” people. To the astonishment of his disciples, Jesus recognized her faith and healed her daughter (Mt. 15:28).

Jesus' message is clear: save the lost no matter who he or she is or what we think of him or her. It took time for the apostles to accept this. The Holy Spirit had to impress Peter through a vision to make him accept that he had to bring the message of salvation to the Gentiles ( Acts 10:9-28).


Thursday - December 14, 2023

Faith on Earth (Be a Light Among the People) Luke 18:8; Matthew 8:10,13; Matthew 9:2; Matthew 20:29-34; Mark 2:5; Mark 10:1-52; Luke 18:35-43; Matthew 6:30; Matthew 8:26; Matthew 14:31; Matthew 16:8; Matthew 17:17. 

“I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8)


Humble Hearts Follow the Light as It Shines 

Our Saviour asks the question, "When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8), implying that true faith would be almost extinct. It is too true that the spirit of doubt, criticism, and faultfinding is destroying confidence in God's Word and in His work. It is impossible for the carnal mind to understand or appreciate the work of God. All who desire to doubt or cavil will find occasion. . . . Those who in humility of heart follow the light as it shines upon them will receive clearer light, while those who refuse to obey till they can see all occasion for doubt removed, will be left in darkness.  {HP 105.2}  


Oh, what amazing privileges are proffered us! 

Will we put forth most earnest efforts to form this alliance with Christ, through which alone these blessings are attained? Will we break off our sins by righteousness and our iniquities by turning unto the Lord? Skepticism and infidelity are widespread. Christ asked the question: "When the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?" We must cherish a living, active faith. The permanence of our faith is the condition of our union. {NL 45.4}   

A union with Christ by living faith is enduring; every other union must perish. Christ first chose us, paying an infinite price for our redemption; and the true believer chooses Christ as first and last and best in everything. But this union costs us something. It is a union of utter dependence, to be entered into by a proud being. All who form this union must feel their need of the atoning blood of Christ. They must have a change of heart. They must submit their own will to the will of God. There will be a struggle with outward and internal obstacles. There must be a painful work of detachment as well as a work of attachment. Pride, selfishness, vanity, worldliness--sin in all its forms--must be overcome if we would enter into a union with Christ. The reason why many find the Christian life so deplorably hard, why they are so fickle, so variable, is that they try to attach themselves to Christ without first detaching themselves from these cherished idols. {NL 46.1}   


Consider the Following

During his ministry, Jesus encountered unbelief in the people. However, he also found faith in the most unexpected people.

LACK OF FAITH: His hometown (Mark 6:1, 5-6); cities where he preached (Mt. 11:21-23); his listeners (Mt. 6:30); his apostles (Mt. 8:26).

WITH GREAT FAITH: A blind beggar (Mark 10:46, 52); a leper (Mt. 8:2-3); a pagan soldier (Mt. 8:5, 13); a foreigner (Mt. 15:22, 28).

A lesson we can apply today is that faith is found in unexpected places: in cities; among foreigners; between pagans and between people with different religions. In humility, we must go to the cities as Jesus did, seeking those who, when presented with the truth, will respond with saving faith in Jesus. And by the way, they are out there.


Friday - December 15, 2023

Insights and Further Study

The broken ranks will be filled up by those represented by Christ as coming in at the eleventh hour. There are many with whom the Spirit of God is striving. The time of God's destructive judgments is the time of mercy for those who [now] have no opportunity to learn what is truth. Tenderly will the Lord look upon them. His heart of mercy is touched, His hand is still stretched out to save, while the door is closed to those who would not enter. Large numbers will be admitted who in these last days hear the truth for the first time.--Letter 103, 1903.  {LDE 182.2}  

Standard after standard was left to trail in the dust as company after company from the Lord's army joined the foe and tribe after tribe from the ranks of the enemy united with the commandment-keeping people of God. --8T 41 (1904).  {LDE 182.3}  


Questions to Ponder

Please review this: Sabbath School - Meat In Due Season Advanced Commentary - 2023 Q2-L3 - The Everlasting Gospel (April 8-14) (google.com) 

that says, Watchmen on the walls of Zion are to be vigilant, and sleep not day or night. But if they have not received the message from the lips of Christ, their trumpets will give an uncertain sound. Brethren and sisters, God calls upon you, both ministers and laypersons, listen to His voice, as speaking to you through His Word. Let His truth be received into your heart, that you may be spiritualized by His living, sanctifying power. Then let the distinct message for this time be sent from watchman to watchman on the walls of Zion.


From the Pen of Inspiration

“The terrible disasters that are befalling great cities ought to arouse us to intense activity in giving the warning message to the people in these congested centers of population while we still have an opportunity. The most favorable time for the presentation of our message in the cities has passed by. 

Sin and wickedness are rapidly increasing; and now we shall have to redeem the time by laboring all the more earnestly” E. G. W. (The Call of the Cities, pg. 21)

“The duty of God's servants at this time is to preach the Word in the cities. Christ came from the heavenly courts to this earth in order to save souls and we, as almoners of His grace, need to impart to the inhabitants of the great cities a knowledge of His saving truth” E. G. W. (Selected Messages, Draw in Even Cords, Letter 62.-1910)


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