Sabbath Afternoon - February 3, 2024

Scripture Reading for the Week:
Psalms 18:3-18; 41:1-3; 82:1-8; 96:6-10; 99:1-4; Deuteronomy 15:7-11; Romans 8:34. 


Thought for Meditation:
 Let the church arise and shine. Let every family practice self-denial, doing all they can to improve their own condition. Those who are truly on the Lord's side will be self-denying and self-sacrificing. They will eat and drink to the glory of God, refusing to corrupt soul and body by intemperance. Then the condition of the church will testify that her light has not been removed. But if church members do not act the part God has assigned them, the movement of health reform will go on without them, and it will be seen that God has removed their candlestick out of its place. Those who refuse to receive and practice the light will be left in the background.--Manuscript 78, 1900.  {CME 45.5} 


Memory Text:

“ ‘For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now I will arise,’ says the Lord; ‘I will set him in the safety for which he yearns’ ” (Psalms 12:5). 


This week's SSLesson will disclose the reasons why God will rise against evil when His wrath will be poured out in the inhabitants of the earth. This includes how His angelic host rendering protection and guidance to His humble servants who do His will.


Study Outline:

Sunday - February 4, 2024

The Majestic Warrior

Psalms 18:3-18; 76:3-9; 76:12; 144:5-7; Psalms 18:34; 47-48; 144:10-15.  


Monday - February 5, 2024

Justice for the Oppressed 

Psalms 9:18; 12:5; 40:17; 113:7; 146:6-10; Psalms 41:1-3; Exodus 22:21-27; Isaiah 3:13-15; Deuteronomy 15:7-11; 2 Corinthians 8:9;  Matthew 25:31-46.   


Tuesday - February 6, 2024

How Long Will You Judge Unjustly?

Psalms 72:1, 12-14;   82:1-8; 119:105; Deuteronomy 1:16-18; Deuteronomy 16:18-20; John 10:33-35. 


Wednesday - February 7, 2024

Pour Out Your Indignation

Psalms 58:6-8; 69:22-28; 83:9-17, 18;   94:1-2; 137:7-9; 116:15; Jeremiah 29:7;  Deuteronomy 27:9-16;   Matthew 5:44. 


Thursday - February 8, 2024

The Lord's Judgment and the Sanctuary

Psalms 73:17-20;  96:6-10, 13; Psalms 98:9; 99:1-4; 132:7-9; 132:13-18; Numbers 27:21;  Exodus 28:15; Exodus 28:28-30;   Deuteronomy 33:19; Psalms 4:5;   Romans 8:34.

Friday - February 9, 2024

Insights and Further Study

From the Pen of Inspiration


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Sunday - February 4, 2024

The Majestic Warrior

Psalms 18:3-18; 76:3-9; 76:12; 144:5-7; Psalms 18:34; 47-48; 144:10-15.  

“He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: For they were too strong for me” (Psalm 18:17)


Our Eyes Fixed Upon the Mark of the Prize

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14.

Throughout life we will have our conflicts with the powers of darkness and will be obtaining precious victories. Our eyes must be kept fixed upon the mark of the prize. When Joshua went up from the Jordan to take Jericho, he met a majestic Being, and at once challenged Him: “Art thou for us, or for our adversaries?” The answer was “As captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. . . . Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy.” Not Joshua, the leader of Israel, but Christ Himself, accomplished the work of taking Jericho. {CTr 135.2} 

These were the lessons continually given the children of Israel. By directing their attention to the God of heaven, Christ taught them not to take the glory to themselves. Let us not cherish self-exaltation. When we begin to think we are something, let us remember that we have nothing different from or better than other mortals, except what God has given us. {CTr 135.3} 


A Need of More Thorough Training 

Many who know the truth, still do not understand it in such a way that they could hold their own in its presentation. They are not prepared to present it in such a way that its sacred, majestic character will be clear to the people. Instead of less discipline, they need more thorough training. It is impossible for any one to foresee to what he may be called. He may be placed in situations where he will need quick discernment and well-balanced arguments, and therefore it is for the honor of Christ that well-educated workers should be multiplied among us; they will be better able to communicate the truth in a clear, intelligent way, and the truth should be presented in a way that will be as free as possible from defects.--FE 256, 257.  {CSW 156.1}


Consider the Following

Does God have the power to defend us? Of course (Ps. 18:2).

We can see God manifesting himself as a warrior riding a horse; causing the earth to tremble and raising smoke and fire in its wake; paralyzing the enemy with his powerful voice; using the forces of nature as his arrows; and thus delivering those who cry to Him (Ps. 18:7-18).

Although he was a warrior accustomed to battle, David never trusted his own strength, his intelligence, or his skill in handling weapons. He owed all his victories to God, who always fought for him (Ps. 18:47-48)


Monday - February 5, 2024

Justice for the Oppressed - Divine Justice

Psalms 9:18; 12:5; 40:17; 113:7; 146:6-10; Psalms 41:1-3; Exodus 22:21-27; Isaiah 3:13-15; Deuteronomy 15:7-11; 2 Corinthians 8:9;  Matthew 25:31-46.   

“For the oppression of the poor, For the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him” (Psalm 12:5)


Love and Justice of God Combined

The truth as it is in Jesus will teach most important lessons. It will show that the love of God is broad and deep; that it is infinite; and that in awarding the penalty to the disobedient, those who have made void God's law, it will be uncompromising. This is the love and the justice of God combined. It reaches to the very depth of human woe and degradation, to lift up the fallen and oppressed who lay hold of the truth by repentance and faith in Jesus. And God works for the good of the universe, for the good of the rebellious sinner, by causing the sinner to suffer the penalty of his sin.  {RH, February 8, 1898 par. 9} 


A Moment of Respite

Ye that love the Lord, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked. Psalm 97:10.  

The Lord is soon to come. Wickedness and rebellion, violence and crime, are filling the world. The cries of the suffering and the oppressed rise to Him for justice. In the place of being softened by the patience and forbearance of God, the wicked are growing stronger in stubborn rebellion. The time in which we live is one of marked  depravity. Religious restraint is thrown off, and men reject the law of God. . . . A more than common contempt is placed upon this holy law.  {HP 351.2}  


Consider the Following

Divine justice (Psalm 41).

The Bible makes it very clear that God does not tolerate injustice. If the needy or the oppressed cry out to God, He rises up to give them justice (Ps. 12:5).

When he felt vulnerable and sick, and his own friends secretly wished for his death, David cried out to God (Ps. 41:7-9). Confessing his own unworthiness, he left his case in the merciful hands of God, confident that He would hear him (Ps. 41:4, 11-13).

God's attitude toward those in need calls us to feel the same way, that is, we should care for them. The Lord rewards those who have this attitude (Ps. 41:1-3)


Tuesday - February 6, 2024

How Long Will You Judge Unjustly? Human Justice

Psalms 72:1, 12-14;   82:1-8; 119:105; Deuteronomy 1:16-18; Deuteronomy 16:18-20; John 10:33-35. 

“Defend the poor and fatherless: Do justice to the afflicted and needy" (Psalm 82:3)


Integrity and Sympathy Open the Way to Future Prosperity and Honor

Joseph's real character shines out, even in the darkness of the dungeon. He held fast his faith and patience; his years of faithful service had been most cruelly repaid, yet this did not render him morose or distrustful. He had the peace that comes from conscious innocence, and he trusted his case with God. . . . He found a work to do, even in the prison. God was preparing him in the school of affliction for greater usefulness, and he did not refuse the needful discipline. In the prison, witnessing the results of oppression and tyranny and the effects of crime, he learned lessons of justice, sympathy, and mercy, that prepared him to exercise power with wisdom and compassion. . . . It was the part he acted in the prison--the integrity of his daily life and his sympathy for those who were in trouble and distress--that opened the way for his future prosperity and honor. Every ray of light that we shed upon others is reflected upon ourselves. Every kind and sympathizing word spoken to the sorrowful, every act to relieve the oppressed, and every gift to the needy, if prompted by a right motive, will result in blessings to the giver.  {CC 76.3}  


Every Act of Justice, Mercy, and Benevolence Makes Melody in Heaven

Pure religion and undefiled before the Father is this: “To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” Good deeds are the fruit that Christ requires us to bear: kind words, deeds of benevolence, of tender regard for the poor, the needy, the afflicted. When hearts sympathize with hearts burdened with discouragement and grief, when the hand dispenses to the needy, when the naked are clothed, the stranger made welcome to a seat in your parlor and a place in your heart, angels are coming very near, and an answering strain is responded to in heaven. Every act of justice, mercy, and benevolence makes melody in heaven. The Father from His throne beholds those who do these acts of mercy, and numbers them with His most precious treasures. “And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels.” Every merciful act to the needy, the suffering, is regarded as though done to Jesus. When you succor the poor, sympathize with the afflicted and oppressed, and befriend the orphan, you bring yourselves into a closer relationship to Jesus. {CSA 60.1} 


Consider the Following

Human justice (Psalm 82).

God delegated the ability to judge to the leaders of the people, with the king being the main judge of Israel (Ps. 72:1-2). Those who judge by divine delegation are called “gods” (Ps. 82:1).

This delegation goes beyond the people of God. Everyone who has the ability to judge, does soby divine authority, even if they do not recognize it ( Jn . 19:10-11; Rom. 13:1).

The authority they receive makes them accountable to God for the way they administer justice (Ps. 82:2).

God indicates the way in which a human judge should judge (Ps. 82:3-4). If they do it correctly, they are considered “sons of the Almighty” (Ps. 82:6). Otherwise, they themselves will fall under divine judgment (Ps. 82:7-8).


Wednesday - February 7, 2024

Pour Out Your Indignation - Divine Wrath

Psalms 58:6-8; 69:22-28; 83:9-17, 18;   94:1-2; 137:7-9; 116:15; Jeremiah 29:7;  Deuteronomy 27:9-16;   Matthew 5:44. 

“Pour out thine indignation upon them, and let thy wrathful anger take hold of them” (Psalm 69:24)


The Wrath of God Given to those who Continue in Resistance, and Repeating Sins

The wrath of God is not declared against unrepentant sinners merely because of the sins they have committed, but because, when called to repent, they choose to continue in resistance, repeating the sins of the past in defiance of the light given them. If the Jewish leaders had submitted to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, they would have been pardoned; but they were determined not to yield. In the same way, the sinner, by continued resistance, places himself where the Holy Spirit cannot influence him.  {AA 62.1}  


Warning against Pretense, Hypocrisy, and to Beware of Robbing God

Infinite Wisdom saw that this signal manifestation of the wrath of God was necessary to guard the young church from becoming demoralized. Their numbers were rapidly increasing. The church would have been endangered if, in the rapid increase of converts, men and women had been added who, while professing to serve God, were worshiping mammon. This judgment testified that men cannot deceive God, that He detects the hidden sin of the heart, and that He will not be mocked. It was designed as a warning to the church, to lead them to avoid pretense and hypocrisy, and to beware of robbing God.  {AA 73.4}  


The Sense of God's Wrath Against Sin

The sins of men weighed heavily upon Christ, and the sense of God’s wrath against sin was crushing out His life. . . . In His agony He clings to the cold ground, as if to prevent Himself from being drawn farther from God. . . . From His pale lips comes the bitter cry, “O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me.” Yet even now He adds, “Nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.”{CSA 32.7} 


Human Agent Merging Character Under One of Two Heads

Every human agent is merging his or her character under one of two heads—the Prince of Life or the prince of darkness. . . .If we serve sin we shall meet the reward of the transgressor of the law of Jehovah before the judgment seat of Christ. . . . All the invitations given by a gracious God—given, but slighted and refused and rejected—will be presented to every individual, and the sentence that will fix the destiny of the soul in eternal bliss or to be punished with the fiery element of the wrath of God, will close the history of the wicked forever. {CTr 102.2} 


Consider the Following

Divine wrath.

How can we harmonize the words of Psalm 137:9 – “Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones Against the stones” – with Jesus' request to love even our enemies?

The psalms that plead for God to take revenge and pour out his wrath on men are harsh and disconcerting. Especially when we have in mind our own anger and our own way of getting revenge.

However, the psalmist never intends to take revenge on himself. Only God can do true justice, and give people their deserved payment for their actions.

Good and evil cannot be taken lightly. Evil has its consequences, and the wrath of God is

manifested as the only means for its eradication.


Thursday - February 8, 2024

The Lord's Judgment and the Sanctuary

Psalms 73:17-20;  96:6-10, 13; Psalms 98:9; 99:1-4; 132:7-9; 132:13-18; Numbers 27:21;  Exodus 28:15; Exodus 28:28-30;   Deuteronomy 33:19; Psalms 4:5;   Romans 8:34.

“Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then understood I their end” (Psalm 73:17)


Keep the Subject of the Sanctuary in Mind

We all need to keep the subject of the sanctuary in mind. God forbid that the clatter of words coming from human lips should lessen the belief of our people in the truth that there is a sanctuary in heaven, and that a pattern of this sanctuary was once built on this earth. God desires His people to become familiar with this pattern, keeping ever before their minds the heavenly sanctuary, where God is all and in all. We must keep our minds braced by prayer and a study of God's Word, that we may grasp these truths.--Letter 233, 1904, pp. 3, 4. (To E. R. Palmer, July 8, 1904.)  {2MR 186.3}  


The Counterpart of the Earthly Sanctuary - The Heavenly

The sanctuary in heaven, in which Jesus ministers in our behalf, is the great original, of which the sanctuary built by Moses was a copy. As the sanctuary on earth had two apartments, the holy and the most holy, so there are two holy places in the sanctuary in heaven. And the ark containing the law of God, the altar of incense, and other instruments of service found in the sanctuary below, have also their counterpart in the sanctuary above. In holy vision the apostle John was permitted to enter heaven, and he there beheld the candlestick and the altar of incense, and as "the temple of God was opened," he beheld also "the ark of His testament." Revelation 4:5; 8:3; Revelation 11:19. {SR 377.1}  


Friday - February 9, 2024

Insights and Further Study

Eyes Fixed on Sanctuary.--As a people, we should be earnest students of prophecy; we should not rest until we become intelligent in regard to the subject of the sanctuary, which is brought out in the visions of Daniel and John. This subject sheds great light on our present position and work, and gives us unmistakable proof that God has led us in our past experience. It explains our disappointment in 1844, showing us that the sanctuary to be cleansed was not the earth, as we had supposed, but that Christ then entered into the most holy apartment of the heavenly sanctuary, and is there performing the closing work of His priestly office, in fulfillment of the words of the angel to the prophet Daniel, "Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed."  {Ev 222.3}  


Questions to Ponder


From the Pen of Inspiration

“As the bow in the cloud is formed by the union of the sunlight and the shower, so the rainbow encircling the throne represents the combined power of mercy and justice. It is not justice alone that is to be maintained; for this would eclipse the glory of the rainbow of promise above the throne; men could see only the penalty of the law. Were there no justice, no penalty, there would be no stability to the government of God. It is the mingling of judgment and mercy that makes salvation complete.” EGW (Maranatha: The Lord is coming, November 14)