Lesson Nine: IN THE PSALMS: Part 2
Introduction: Prophecy and the Psalms deal with issues associated with sin and suffering, judgment, the battle between good and evil, the nature of justice and injustice, persecution, and more. This week we see people wrestling with the question of why God doesn’t address evil more directly and immediately, and we are directed to the sanctuary for answers.
Memory Text: Psalms 67:3-4(NKJV)
[3]”Let the peoples praise You, O God; Let all the peoples praise You.”
[4]”Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy! For You shall judge the people righteously, And govern the nations on earth. Selah”
SABBATH; Besides the interpretation of the beasts used in Biblical prophecy, prophecy also addresses the cosmic conflict between good and evil and it also helps us to arrive at answers to some questions such as why there is presence of evil in this world. Furthermore, the book of Psalms helps us to have a deeper understanding of God’s character and understanding His position as Our Creator and the Ultimate ruler of the universe.
(READ Revelation 1:3)
SUNDAY; Sin has brought forth a lot of suffering in this world. However, God’s love still prevails and the embodiment of this love is Jesus Christ who is the ultimate sacrifice, through whom our eternal lives are secured. The moving of the mountains as expressed in Psalm 46 tells us of the destruction of this world at the end of the age when Jesus Christ returns, however, even when trials are rampant at the moment, as we look forward to the second coming of Jesus, we are called to hold fast our faith in God who is our strength and our refuge.
(READ Psalm 46; Revelation 6:14; 2 Peter 3:12)
MONDAY; The nations shown in the vision of Daniel 7 are human governments with rulership aimed at selfishness, as seen in the world today as well. This worsens the human problems faced. However, Jesus Christ warns us that the world is bound to get more disorganised as the end approaches, therefore, we should remember that our citizenship is in heaven. Furthermore, in as much as situations at present may dictate another ruler of the world other than God, we are assured of the fact that God remains in control and He will ultimately fulfil His promises to humanity.
(READ Jeremiah 4:23-26; Revelation 21:1; Philippians 3:20; Ezekiel 1:26; Matthew 24; Psalm 46:6&7)
TUESDAY; Placing foot on the ground declares ownership, according to Bible prophecy. Satan assumed ownership as we see in Job’s case. However, Jesus’ feet upon the Mount of Olives during the 1000 years that will start upon His second coming, declares His ultimate rulership over the entire universe, which will be made new after that time when His people will behold the Holy City, New Jerusalem.
(READ Psalm 47:1-4; Job 1:7; Genesis 13:17; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; Zechariah 14:4)
WEDNESDAY; Psalm 75 highlights three symbols of God as Our Judge, being God restoring the pillars of the shaking of the earth, the cup full of very strong wine poured upon the wicked and the horns that signify power and dignity. God will restore the order that was misused and overturned by the powers of evil. The same message is re-echoed in Revelation 14 which declares how the wicked face God’s wrath while the obedient, those who worship the true God, keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, will rest from their labors.
(READ Psalm 75; Matthew 26:26-29; Revelation 14:9-12; 2 Chronicles 32; 2 Kings 19)
THURSDAY; Because of sin, we are separated from God. However, God offered a plan of salvation and we are redeemed back to Him through Jesus Christ who makes it possible for God’s face to shine upon us. However, God intends that the light we receive is shared with others. This is why He urges you and I to preach His word to all people and to have His way known all over the earth and that they may be saved from eternal death. This is our due role as the remnant church of God, as we look forward to being with Christ on God’s Holy Mountain.
(READ Psalm 67; Revelation 14:6-12; Isaiah 56:7)
FRIDAY; The disciples of Jesus Christ were instructed to bear witness to Him up to the end of the earth. This is a work that would hasten His return. You and I are to continue what they started. This is heaven’s work and Jesus Christ did not leave us to figure out how to do it on our own. It is never upon us to use and invent our own methods of fulfilling this noble work. Our work is wrapped in Christ, He guides and empowers us. All He asks us to do, is to follow His lead.
(READ Psalm 133; Acts 1:4-9; Revelation 5:4-7; Acts of the Apostles p.37 by Ellen G White)
CAPTIONS:
SUNDAY; A very present help in the time of trouble
MONDAY; Hope amid turmoil
TUESDAY; Under His feet
WEDNESDAY; Wine and blood
THURSDAY; That Your salvation may be known
FRIDAY; Further thought
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS;
- There are lots of unreached people, even though the three angels’ messages have gone all over the world. In class, discuss how we as a church can better fulfil the task that Christ is using us to fulfil. How can we learn not to despair when it remains true that still so many people have not heard of these truths for the last days?
- What are the present events we see in the world that could easily lead to what we know is coming in Revelation 13 and 14? What obstacles remain?
- However bad things are in this world (and we know they are going to get worse), what hope should you draw from your knowledge of the goodness, power and character of God(think about the Cross)?
