We were all debtors to divine justice, but we had nothing with which to pay the debt. Then the Son of God, who pitied us, paid the price of our redemption. He became poor that through His poverty we might be rich. By deeds of liberality toward His poor we may prove the sincerity of our gratitude for the mercy extended to us. “Let us do good to all,” the apostle Paul enjoins, “especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10. And his words accord with those of the Savior: “You have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good.” “Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Mark 14:7; Matthew 7:12. (PK 652.2)
Reading Plan, Week 21
Prophets and Kings
Chapters: 54–60
Monday: 646.1–662.2
Tuesday: 665.1–683.3
Wednesday: 684.1–702.2
Thursday: 703.1–718.3
Friday: 719.1–733.2
All page/paragraph numbers are the original page numbers and can be used with any edition of Conflict of the Ages (shown in gray on the inside margin within The Conflict Beautiful).
The following is an overview of this week’s reading. Each chapter is introduced with a short paragraph, followed by a couple of thoughts/questions for you to consider.
Chapter 54: A Rebuke Against Extortion
Scarcity, credit, taxes, and price gouging have taken their toll on the poor among the Jews living in and near Jerusalem. Rather than supporting their less fortunate brethren, the wealthy have taken advantage of the situation to enrich themselves further with property, money, and even slaves. Filled with righteous indignation, Nehemiah reminds the people of God’s instruction to treat each other with respect and compassion. The community leaders repent and vow to restore the unjustly gotten goods.
How can you practice financial justice in your dealings with others?
Chapter 55: Heathen Plots
Still hoping for an opportunity to take Jerusalem by force, Sanballat and his accomplices make both open and covert attempts to lure Nehemiah away from his work on the fortifications. Nehemiah ignores their invitations and soon completes his task. Steadfastly focusing on God’s purpose and guidance, Nehemiah maintains his integrity while leaving his safety and reputation in divine hands.
What task has God entrusted to you? How do you stay focused when distractions threaten to interfere?
Chapter 56: Instructed in the Law of God
During the Feast of Trumpets, when many people are gathered in Jerusalem, Ezra and the Levites present a public reading and explanation of God’s law. The people rejoice in their new understanding and mourn because of their shortcomings. At the Day of Atonement, they unite in confessing their sins and recommitting themselves to a covenant with God. With joy, they claim God’s pardon and accept his forgiveness.
What parts of God’s Word bring you joy?
What text(s) challenge you to repent and draw closer to God?
Chapter 57: Reformation
During Ezra and Nehemiah’s absence, the people’s friendships, business relationships, and intermarriage with idolators cause them to disregard the sanctity of the temple and the Sabbath. Nehemiah returns and determines to set things right. He forbids traders from entering the city on the Sabbath day, evicts Tobiah from the temple storerooms, and banishes any leaders who refuse to separate from their heathen wives. Like Ezra, Nehemiah undertakes the work of reformation with humility, patience, and deep love for God.
How do we balance the work of reformation in our lives with grace and understanding?
How can we resist the corrupting influences of the culture(s) in which we live?
How can we be sure that reformation grows out of an internally motivated relationship with God rather than being imposed by external forces? What is the balance between drawing people closer to God and calling out sin where we see it?
Chapter 58: The Coming of a Deliverer
Ellen White retraces the promises of a Deliverer from the time of Eden to the end of the Old Testament. She explains how the sacrificial system in the time of the patriarchs and, later, the tabernacle, reminded participants of God’s promise. Though knowledge of this promise was handed down through the house of Israel, the promise itself was for all nations. Satan attempted to obscure these promises as well as God’s character of love. Jesus, accurately fulfilling specific predictions of the Old Testament prophets, was sent to reveal God’s love and redeem His lost children.
How does Satan try to corrupt God's gifts to humanity? Why do his efforts to thwart God fail? How is this both warning and encouragement to us today?
How does Jesus reveal God’s character in a way no other “type or symbol” could?
Chapter 59: “The House of Israel”
The people of Israel were recipients of God’s many promises on behalf of the world around them. Their special connection with God was provided in order to share His blessings with the other nations and prepare the world for Jesus’ first coming. But “these promises were conditional on obedience” (p. 704). After the Babylonian captivity, the people replaced the worship of idols with ritualistic temple services and religious instruction but still neglected to grasp the spiritual significance of their activities. Their focus on minute exactions of the law prevented them from recognizing Jesus as the promised Redeemer when He did arrive. After the Israelites persistently rejected Him, the responsibility and privilege of preparing the entire world for His Second Coming was handed over to the Christian church.
How can we study Scripture and prophecy with humility and a desire to know God, rather than just gain information?
How can we prevent our spiritual habits & disciplines from becoming empty, self-righteous (or even harmful) rituals?
Chapter 60: Visions of Future Glory
God’s purpose has always been to offer forgiveness to all people, to make them holy, and to prepare them for an eternity with Him. His judgments and destruction will cleanse the Earth from sin and restore it to the original perfection He prepared for Adam and Eve. The day is approaching when Jesus will return and the nations of the world will be united in worshiping and glorifying God in His New Creation.
What aspects of God’s restored world bring you hope? What parts do you look forward to?
Reflecting on God’s interactions with His people from the time of Creation through the return from Babylonian captivity, what stands out to you? What have you learned about the significance of being chosen by God?