Lesson Twelve: PRECURSORS
Introduction: This week we look at the accounts of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, as well as the early Christians, to help us understand what to expect between now and the return of Christ. Last day events will be difficult and trying for those who seek to stay faithful to God, but—ultimately—we should view these events with hope, not fear.
Memory Text: 2 Timothy 1:7(NKJV)
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
SABBATH; The story of the Three Hebrew boys in Daniel 3 draws similar characteristics with how events will turn out to be at the end of time, as we see in Revelation 13. We need to be couragious, for this is the peace of mind that will help one to overcome during trial. This is a command given by Jesus Christ. Even as the end approaches, however challenging we anticipate it to be, we should stay faithful to God and our hope for victory remains.
(READ John 14:1)
SUNDAY; King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream which he fails to recall have interpreted, but it is interpreted by Daniel the Prophet. The dream speaks of the rise and fall of various world-ruling kingdoms and nations, right from Babylon to the nations of current Europe represented by the toes of iron mixed with clay. Intermarriage between these European nations was put in place so as to have them united, however, they failed despite all attempts. However, all these nations will pass away and God will establish His eternal kingdom.
(READ Daniel 2:31-45; Daniel 7:13&14)
MONDAY; Despite prophecy about the fall of Babylon, King Nebuchadnezzar proves his rebellion to this fact by setting up a golden image showing that he would always rule as king. Despite the decree passed over Babylon, three Hebrew boys- Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego remain determined not to woship the set image and remain faithful to the Lord even in the face of death, even when they seemingly would have excuses to do so.
(READ Daniel 2:46-48; 3:1-12,17&18; Luke 16:10)
TUESDAY; Worship is offering allegiance to another person or thing other than to God. It goes beyond a simple bow. The three Hebrew boys decided not to worship anything other than the Creator of Heavens and the earth. A similar command will run through the earth during the last days, one to worship an image, opposed to God. However, we are called to worship God, Our Creator because He is the One who created everything and redeemed us through Jesus Christ.
(READ Daniel 3:15; Revelation 13:11-17; 14:9-12; 16:2; 19:20; 20:4; Romans 1:18-25; Matthew 12:30)
WEDNESDAY; Members of the early church which existed right after the ascension of Jesus Christ faced various trials because of proclaiming their faith in Jesus Him. James is killed and Peter, who is imprisoned so as to be killed, is rescued from prison the night before, by an angel sent by God. In as much as he later died as well, this rescue declares to us how powerful God is, and how God always looks out for His very own who believe and proclaim truth even amidst tribulations.
(READ Acts 12:1-17; John 21:18&19)
THURSDAY; In Eden, the Sabbath was the sign where Adam and Eve recognised God being the One to be worshipped, being our Creator and redeemer. The end times will have the beast impose worship on another day(Sunday) contrary to the biblical truth which is the Seventh-day Sabbath. The final conflict rotates around whom we will chose to obey and worship. In addition, Jesus Christ’s enemies wanted to kill Him because of the right observance of the Sabbath. Likewise, death will be put as a penalty for keeping the sabbath, however, we ought to remain firm in faith because eternal victory is assured.
(READ Matthew 12:9-14; John 5:1-16; Revelation 14:6&7)
FRIDAY; Throughout this whole time, God sent and used angels to deliver various people in the Bible, from danger. They came appearing as normal human beings, but carrying out errands assigned to them by God, in the lives of His children. In addition, God holds back His wrath onto some people simply because of the prayers of a few righteous people amidst them.
(READ “God’s People Delivered” pp.635-652 in The Great Controversy by Ellen G White)
CAPTIONS:
SUNDAY; Daniel 2 and the historicist approach to prophecy
MONDAY; Worshipping the image
TUESDAY; Worshipping the image, again
WEDNESDAY; Early church persecution
THURSDAY; The mark of the beast
FRIDAY; Further thought
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS;
- How does Daniel 2 prove us not only that God does not know the future, but that He is, ultimately, in charge of it?
- How can we avoid the easy rationalisations that present us with opportunities to compromise on our faith? What does this text say that addresses a similar temptation: ” ‘He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much’ “(Luke 16:10, NKJV)
- Read 2 Timothy 1:7. Discuss the things in prophecy that have worried you most. How do we shake off the spirit of fear and find God’s message of hope even amid the prophecies that talk about persecution for our faith?
- Though right now it might be hard to see how Sabbath and Sunday could become front and centre in final events, look at how quickly the world can change. What should this truth teach us about not basing our faith on current events, which can change in an instant, but only on the revealed Word of God?
