Sabbath Afternoon - December 16, 2023

Scripture Reading for the Week:
Daniel 1:1-12; Daniel 6:1-9; Esther 2:1-10,20; Esther 3:1-15; Esther 4:1-14; Esther 9:1-12. 

Meditation Thought:
This glorious Light of the world was to bring salvation to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. Of the work before Him, the prophet heard the eternal Father declare: "It is a light thing that Thou shouldest be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give Thee for a light to the Gentiles, that Thou mayest be My salvation unto the end of the earth." "In an acceptable time have I heard Thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped Thee: and I will preserve Thee, and give Thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; that Thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Show yourselves." "Behold, these shall come from far: and, lo, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim." Isaiah 49:6, 8, 9, 12.  {PK 373.2} 


Memory Text:

And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.  {Isaiah 49:6}


This week's SSLesson will divulge into the life and testimonies of those who had been placed in a foreign land where they stand out as victors against the wiles of the enemy. This will include the present reality where history will be repeated to the modern Israel in the world today.


Study Outline:

Witnesses in a Strange Land

Sunday - December 17, 2023

Daniel and His Friends - Captive in a Foreign Culture

Isaiah 29:13;   Daniel 1:1-12; Daniel 3:1-12; Daniel 6:1-9.  


Monday - December 18, 2023

Esther and Mordecai - In a Foreign Court

Esther 2:1-9, 10,20.  


The Human Part

Tuesday - December 19, 2023

Mordecai's Faithful Witness - The Testimony of Mordecai

Esther 3:1-15; Deuteronomy 25:19. 


Wednesday - December 20, 2023

For Such a Time as This - 

Esther 4:1-14;  Esther 5:1-2.  


The Divine Part

Thursday - December 21, 2023

The Miracle of Purim 

Esther 9:1-12;  8:17 


Friday - December 22, 2023

Insights and Further Study

From the Pen of Inspiration


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Witnesses in a Strange Land

Sunday - December 17, 2023

Daniel and His Friends - Captive in a Foreign Culture

Isaiah 29:13;   Daniel 1:1-12; Daniel 3:1-12; Daniel 6:1-9.  

“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank” (Daniel 1:8a)


Personal Purpose in the Heart not to be Defiled

Should he disregard the commandment of the Lord he would retain the favor of the king and secure for himself intellectual advantages and flattering worldly prospects. {CSA 54.3} 

But Daniel did not hesitate. The approval of God was dearer to him than the favor of the most powerful earthly potentate—dearer than life itself. He determined to stand firm in his integrity, let the result be what it might. He “purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank.” And in this resolve he was supported by his three companions. {CSA 54.4} 


The Right Relation to God and to Outward Circumstances and Opportunities

Daniel placed himself in right relation to God and to his outward circumstances and opportunities. He was taken as a captive to Babylon, and with others was placed under training, to be prepared for a place in the king’s court. His food and drink were appointed him, but we read that he determined that he would not defile himself with the king’s meat nor with the wine which he drank. {CTr 174.2} 

In taking this step, Daniel did not act rashly. . . . Daniel said to Melzar, who had been given charge of him and his companions, “Prove thy servants. . . . And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat of the portion of the king’s meat.” . . . {CTr 174.3} 

Having done this, Daniel and his companions did still more. They did not choose as friends those who were agents of the prince of darkness. They did not go with a multitude to do evil. They secured Melzar as their friend, and there was no friction between him and them. They went to him for advice, and at the same time educated him by the wisdom of their deportment. {CTr 174.4} 


A Test on Meat Eating for SDAs as Daniel was in His Time Tested 

We are living in an age of gluttony, and the habits to which the young are educated, even by many Seventh-day Adventists, are in direct opposition to the laws of nature. {CE 163.3}  

The liability to take disease is increased tenfold by meat eating. {CCh 229.3} 

The animals are diseased, and by partaking of their flesh, we plant the seeds of disease in our own tissue and blood. Then when exposed to the changes in a malarious atmosphere, these are more sensibly felt; also when we are exposed to prevailing epidemics and contagious diseases, the system is not in a condition to resist the disease. {CCh 229.4} 

For more studies on health, please visit this site: Advent Health Message - 1. Heal Thy Diet (google.com) 


Consider the Following

For Daniel and his friends everything changed in the year 605 BC. These young men of the Jewish royal lineage were taken to Babylon to be converted into loyal subjects of the Empire (Dan. 1:1-7).

It was easy to serve God in a place where everyone worshiped correctly and obeyed His Law. In Babylon, however, they could be forced to transgress God's Law (Dan. 1:8; 3:4-6).

Curiously, those who remained in Jerusalem were unfaithful (Ez. 8:10-16), while Daniel and his friends remained faithful (Dan. 3:16-18). What was the reason for this difference?

For those who are determined to be faithful, not even the most unfavorable environment can deter them from obedience.


Monday - December 18, 2023

Esther and Mordecai - In a Foreign Court

Esther 2:1-9, 10,20.  

“Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it” (Esther 2:10)


The same masterful spirit that plotted against the faithful in ages past is still seeking to rid the earth of those who fear God and obey his law.   {RH, January 23, 1908 par. 22}  

Satan's Indignation against the Minority

Satan will arouse indignation against the minority who refuse to accept popular customs and traditions. Men of position and reputation will join with the lawless and the vile to take counsel against the people of God. Wealth, genius, education, will combine to cover them with contempt. Persecuting rulers, ministers, and church members will conspire against them. With voice and pen, by boasts, threats, and ridicule, they will seek to overthrow their faith. By false representations and angry appeals, men will stir up the passions of the people. Not having a "Thus saith the Scriptures" to bring against the advocates of the Bible Sabbath, they will resort to oppressive enactments to supply the lack. To secure popularity and patronage, legislators will yield to the demand for Sunday laws. But those who fear God, cannot accept an institution that violates a precept of the Decalogue. On this battlefield will be fought the last great conflict in the controversy between truth and error. And we are not left in doubt as to the issue. Today, as in the days of Esther and Mordecai, the Lord will vindicate His truth and His people.  {PK 605.3} 


Providence of God Through Esther and Mordecai

But the plots of the enemy were defeated by a Power that reigns among the children of men. In the providence of God, Esther, a Jewess who feared the Most High, had been made queen of the Medo-Persian kingdom. Mordecai was a near relative of hers. In their extremity they decided to appeal to Xerxes in behalf of their people. Esther was to venture into his presence as an intercessor. "Who knoweth," said Mordecai, "whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"  {ML 64.3}  


Consider the Following

In 479 BC, Esther became the wife of Xerxes I [Hebrew, Ahasuerus] and thus queen of the Persian Empire. Why did she hide her Jewish origin (Est. 2:10, 20)?

After the defeat of Salamis by the Greeks (480 BC) the political environment in Persia was unstable. As we can see from the story of Haman, any person or group of people could be accused of sedition and sentenced to destruction (even without any proof).

It was time to be prudent (Eccl. 3:1, 7; Amos 5:13). However, when the situation called for a clear testimony, Esther and Mordecai boldly testified to their faith.


The Human Part

Tuesday - December 19, 2023

Mordecai's Faithful Witness - The Testimony of Mordecai

Esther 3:1-15; Deuteronomy 25:19. 

“Then the king's servants, which were in the king's gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king's commandment?” (Esther 3:3)


The Unity of the State and the Church Similar to the Time of Esther

Satan will excite the indignation of apostate Christendom against the humble remnant who conscientiously refuse to accept false customs and traditions. . . . The church and the world will unite, and the world will lend to the church power to crush out the right of the people to worship according to His Word. {CTr 366.2} 

The decree that is to go forth against the people of God in the near future is in some respects similar to that issued by Ahasuerus against the Jews in the time of Esther. The Persian edict sprang from the malice of Haman toward Mordecai. . . . The king’s decision against the Jews was secured under false pretenses, through a misrepresentation of that peculiar people. Satan instigated this scheme in order to rid the earth of those who preserved the knowledge of the true God. . . . {CTr 366.3}  


The Youth of Today, as Esther in the Past

There is earnest work to be done in this age, and parents should educate their children to share in it. The words of Mordecai to Esther apply to the youth of today: “Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” The youth should be gaining solidity of character, that they may be fitted for usefulness.  {HS 285.3} 

Every youth should be impressed with the fact that he is not his own; that his strength, his time, his talents, belong to God. It should be his chief purpose in life to glorify God and to do good to his fellow-men. The Bible teaches him that he is a tree, on which fruit must be found; a steward, whose capital will increase as it is wisely improved; a light, whose bright beams are to illuminate the moral darkness that enshrouds the earth. Every youth, every child, has a work to do for God's glory and for the salvation of souls that are ready to perish.  {HS 285.4} 


Consider the Following

The king had ordered everyone to honor Haman (Est. 3:1-2). What reasons did Mordecai have for disobeying?

(1) He didn't kneel. Because doing so was an act of worship, and only God should be worshiped.

(2) He did not humiliate himself. Because the Amalekites had been cursed by God (Ex. 17:14, 16), and honoring the Amalekite Haman meant dishonoring God.

It was not the time to remain silent. In the face of conflict, he explained that God's Law prevented him from honoring men the way Haman wanted to be honored.

Racial hatred and his own pride led Haman to seek not only the death of Mordecai, but that of the entire Jewish people (Est. 3:8). This will also happen in the time of the end.


Wednesday - December 20, 2023

For Such a Time as This - The Testimony of Esther

Esther 4:1-14;  Esther 5:1-2.  

“Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish” (Esther 4:16)


At It Was in the Day of Esther, so It will Be

The trying experiences that came to God's people in the days of Esther were not peculiar to that age alone. The revelator, looking down the ages to the close of time, has declared, "The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Revelation 12:17. Some who today are living on the earth will see these words fulfilled.  {FLB 289.3}  

The wrath of Satan increases as his time grows short, and his work of deceit and destruction will reach its culmination in the time of trouble.  {FLB 289.4}  


God's Scepter of His Grace - the Touch that Insured Pardon and Peace

I was much encouraged while listening to a discourse from the words, "So will I go in unto the king, . . . and if I perish, I perish." Esther 4:16. In his remarks the speaker referred to those who were wavering between hope and fear, longing to be saved from their sins and receive the pardoning love of Christ, yet held in doubt and bondage by timidity and fear of failure. He counseled such ones to surrender themselves to God, and venture upon His mercy without delay. They would find a gracious Saviour ready to present to them the scepter of mercy, even as Ahasuerus offered to Esther the signal of his favor. All that was required of the sinner, trembling in the presence of his Lord, was to put forth the hand of faith and touch the scepter of His grace. That touch insured pardon and peace. {CET 17.3}   


Quick, and Earnest Action - God's Work Mightily

The crisis that Esther faced demanded quick, earnest action; but both she and Mordecai realized that unless God should work mightily in their behalf, their own efforts would be unavailing. So Esther took time for communion with God, the source of her strength. "Go," she directed Mordecai, "gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me . . . : I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish."  {CC 244.4}  


Let Self Be Broken in Pieces - Surrender to God

But I have to venture something, of course I do. I have to venture and venture by faith upon the loving promises of God, and believe that they will be verified to me. Christ ventured a great deal when He came here to stand upon the battlefield, when He came here clothed with humanity, standing as our surety, as our substitute, that He would overcome in our behalf, that we might be overcomers in His strength and by His merits. Well, now it seems such a venture that He made for us. And cannot we venture something for Him? Cannot we say, "I will go unto my Saviour, and if I perish, I perish. I will perish at His feet? Then let us make a venture. Make a surrender to God. Let self be broken all to pieces.  {9MR 52.1}  


Consider the Following

When she learned of the royal decree, Esther's faith wavered. Why risk her life by going before the king if no one knew she was Jewish (Esther 4:11)?

Mordecai made him see clearly the seriousness of the events (Esther 4:13-14).

Now she knew why she had been chosen queen. She also knew what she should do: prayer and fasting. Only God could do what neither she nor anyone else could do. She left her life in the hands of God. Now was the time to bear witness to her faith. “And if I perish, let me perish” (Esther 4:16).


The Divine Part

Thursday - December 21, 2023

The Miracle of Purim 

Esther 9:1-12;  8:17 

“Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter of Purim” (Esther 9:29)


The Future Decree will soon be Implemented as Plotted Against the Faithful

The decree that is to go forth against the people of God in the near future is in some respects similar to that issued by Ahasuerus against the Jews in the time of Esther. The Persian edict sprang from the malice of Haman toward Mordecai. . . . The king’s decision against the Jews was secured under false pretenses, through a misrepresentation of that peculiar people. Satan instigated this scheme in order to rid the earth of those who preserved the knowledge of the true God. . . . {CTr 366.3} 

History repeats itself. The same masterful mind that plotted against the faithful in ages past is now at work to gain control of the fallen churches, that through them he may condemn and put to death all who will not worship the idol sabbath. We have not to battle with mortals, as it may appear. We war not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against wicked spirits in high places. But if the people of God will put their trust in Him and by faith rely upon His power, the devices of Satan will be defeated in our time as signally as in the days of Mordecai. {CTr 366.4} 

The decree is to go forth that all who will not receive the mark of the beast shall neither buy nor sell and, finally, that they shall be put to death. But the saints of God do not receive this mark. The prophet of Patmos beheld those who had gotten the victory over the beast and over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having the harps of God and singing the song of Moses and the Lamb. . . . {CTr 366.5} 


God will Deliver His People

Then the end will come. God will vindicate His law and deliver His people. Satan and all who have joined him in rebellion will be cut off. Sin and sinners will perish, root and branch, (Malachi 4:1),--Satan the root, and his followers the branches. The word will be fulfilled to the prince of evil, "Because thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God; . . . I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. . . . Thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more." Then "the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be;" "they shall be as though they had not been." Ezekiel 28:6-19; Psalm 37:10; Obadiah 16.  {DA 763.4} 

God gives them existence for a time that they may develop their character and reveal their principles. This accomplished, they receive the results of their own choice. By a life of rebellion, Satan and all who unite with him place themselves so out of harmony with God that His very presence is to them a consuming fire. The glory of Him who is love will destroy them.  {DA 764.1} 

Present Truth Lessons 2020 - Lesson 12: How to Obtain the Seal (google.com) 

Consider the Following

Haman cast lots [Pur] to determine when to wipe out the Jews (Est. 9:24-26). How did God turn this Pur into the festival of Purim?

(1) He gave courage to Esther (Esther 4:16)

(2) It moved the heart of Ahasuerus (Est. 5:2)

(3) He inspired Esther with a plan (Esther 5:4, 8)

(4) He made Ahasuerus honor Mordecai (Est. 6:1-3, 11)

(5) He put the precise words in Esther's mouth (Esther 7:3-6)

(6) He allowed Haman to show all his perfidy (Est. 7:7-8)

(7) Ahasuerus's attitude towards the Jews changed (Est. 8:7-8)

Although God's name does not appear in the book of Esther, his presence and activity is evident.

Many were converted (Est. 8:17). God worked and continues to work to bring lost souls to the knowledge of Him.


Friday - December 22, 2023

Insights and Further Study

God was the strength of Judah in this crisis, and He is the strength of His people today. We are not to trust in princes, or to set men in the place of God. We are to remember that human beings are fallible and erring, and that He who has all power is our strong tower of defense. In every emergency we are to feel that the battle is His. His resources are limitless, and apparent impossibilities will make the victory all the greater. 

"Save us, O God of our salvation, And gather us together, And deliver us from the heathen, That we may give thanks to Thy holy name, And glory in Thy praise." 1 Chronicles 16:35. {PK 202.4} 


Questions to Ponder


From the Pen of Inspiration

“The crisis that Esther faced demanded quick, earnest action; but both she and Mordecai realized that unless God should work mightily in their behalf, their own efforts would be unavailing. So Esther took time for communion with God, the source of her strength. […] “God wrought in behalf of His penitent people” EGW (Daughters of God, pg. 46.5 and 47.1)