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Blessings of Christ’s Kingdom
Read Isaiah 35:1-10
“No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there” (v. 9).
While John Bunyan wrote Pilgrim’s Progress, he may have had this passage in mind. As Christian approached the Palace Beautiful, he spotted a lion on either side of the narrowing path. Believing death was at hand, he considered retreating. But Watchful, the porter of the palace, called, “Fear not the lions, for they are chained and are placed there for trial of faith. . . . Keep in the midst of the path, and no hurt shall come unto thee.”
Citizens of God’s spiritual kingdom often encounter lions. Satan himself is described as a roaring lion. Daniel confronted literal lions in the den, but God tamed them. Many early Christians faced raging beasts and were torn into pieces by them. Their martyr spirits were, however, safely transported to the presence of God.
Whatever lions lurk near your pathway today, remember, the God of Daniel still lives. He will bring His children safely home — as long as they tread the midst of the path, the highway of holiness. (Joyce Cooper)
And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim — We tremble not for him.
His rage we can endure, For, lo, his doom is sure.
— Martin Luther
What a blessing to know the lions are chained and can come no closer to you than our Lord allows!
This devotional is the Tuesday, February 23, 2016 entry of Opening the Word.
What Influence Does the Sunday School Teacher Have?
"Henrietta Mears, an influential Christian educator and leader during the first half of the twentieth century, described her own personal pilgrimage, 'First I learned to love my teacher. Then I learned to love my teacher's God.'" (Haystead)
Have you seriously considered the important role you have in leading your students closer to Christ, due to the relationship they have with you in your class? While such a thought is understandably intimidating, it is worth reflection. If the teacher's relationship with his students is a key ingredient for their spiritual growth, how important is his study of God's Word in preparation for the lesson? At the same time, can the teacher fulfill her task of discipling her students by approaching the lesson only as an intellectual exercise?
How should you work at building relationships with your students this week in order to influence them for Christ?
Source: Haystead, Wes (2005). The 21st Century Sunday School: Strategies for Today and Tomorrow. Cincinnati, OH: The Standard Publishing Company. p.18.
The Gift of Sight
Lesson 13 - February 28, 2016
Focus Text: Mark 10:46-52; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6
Central Truth: The compassionate Christ ministers to the needs of men.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to state how those who are blinded by sin can receive sight.
Lesson Objective:
- A Pitiful Cry (Mark 10:46-48)
- A Gracious Response (Mark 10:49-52)
- A Glorious Light (2 Cor. 4:3-6)
Source: The Miracles of Jesus: Adult Teacher's Insights.
Prayer – Lesson 12: The Giver of Life
Heavenly Father, help our teachers and students today grasp the amazing truth that You do truly understand our humanity … and that You love us … and that You offer us real life. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
Two Aspects of New Life in Christ
In "Doctrinal Discussion" Glenn McClure writes:
There are two major aspects that become evidence of one’s new life: identification (acknowledging Jesus as Christ and giving Him allegiance); and incorporation (witnessing to the world of our union with Christ).
McClure fleshes out this thought with the outline:
- Identification
- Faith's Declaration: Acknowledgment of Christ
- Faith's Dedication: Allegiance to Christ
- Incorporation
- Faith's Distinction: Union With Christ
- Faith's Demonstration: All Things New in Christ
You can find this discussion on pages 72-73 of the quarterly.
Source: Miracles of Jesus: Adult Teacher's Insights, pages 72-73.
How can we know Jesus cares during our times of trouble?
In "Biblical Perspective" Gayle Woods writes:
Jesus is touched by the feelings of our infirmities. He is moved when His people are hurting. The tears of Mary and the Jews caused Jesus to groan — to be troubled. He is no less moved when we are going through our difficult times of life. He sees every trouble, every trial, every tear, and groans with us. The word translated troubled means to be “intensely agitated.”
Discussion: How does it encourage you to know that Jesus was "intensely agitated" by the tears of Mary and the Jews?
Source: Miracles of Jesus: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 70.