Through all our trials we have a never-failing Helper. He does not leave us alone to struggle with temptation, to battle with evil, and be finally crushed with burdens and sorrow. Though now He is hidden from mortal sight, the ear of faith can hear His voice saying, Fear not; I am with you. “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore.” Revelation 1:18. I have endured your sorrows, experienced your struggles, encountered your temptations. I know your tears; I also have wept. The griefs that lie too deep to be breathed into any human ear, I know. Think not that you are desolate and forsaken. Though your pain touch no responsive chord in any heart on earth, look to Me, and live. “ ‘For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,’ says the LORD, who has mercy on you.” Isaiah 54:10. (DA 483.1)
Reading Plan, Week 29
The Desire of Ages
Chapters: 51–57
Monday: 463.1–472.4
Tuesday: 473.1–485.4
Wednesday: 486.1–497.4
Thursday: 498.1–510.2
Friday: 511.1–523.4
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 51: “The Light of Life”
As the sun rises over Jerusalem, Jesus declares to those around that He is the true Light of this world. The Pharisees resist His claim through argument, authority and tradition, but when Jesus restores the sight of a man blind from birth, His claim can only be rejected through willful blindness.
How can we maintain our focus on the core principles of God’s love and light instead of being distracted by the lesser details--spiritual and otherwise?
What steps are you taking to be open to receive the light of God’s love today?
Chapter 52: The Divine Shepherd
Looking at those around Him, Jesus describes Himself as a shepherd who cares for His sheep. In sharp contrast with the self-centered spiritual leaders of His country, the King of Heaven knows each follower by name, calling them to Him through love and not through threat and fear. Today, this same Shepherd knows your name.
What messages of Christ’s love for you are seeing in the world around you today?
How can you practice living in the warmth of God’s tender affection for you this week?
Chapter 53: The Last Journey from Galilee
Knowing the doom that lies ahead, Jesus orders His final trek to Jerusalem. Every step is intentional, focusing the eyes of disciple and enemy and the casually curious on the climactic end to Christ’s ministry on this rebel planet. Jew and Gentile alike are invited to partake of the promises and Spirit of their Creator.
As you read this chapter, watch for the assurances offered of God’s continuous love and good will toward you.
How does Christ’s actions toward those who oppose or reject Him inform your actions towards those who place obstacles in your path?
Chapter 54: The Good Samaritan
A lawyer’s simple question leads to one of Jesus’ greatest stories and reveals the deep divide between human religiosity and following God’s simple command to love. The generous help of a hated foreigner shines a light on Heaven’s love for its rebellious children, and points us to the path we should take in loving those around us, especially those who are oppressed and outcast.
Who do you see being rejected by your circle today? How can you reflect the light of God’s love to these outcasts?
How do we resist the “school of national bigotry”?
Who is your neighbor today? What steps can you take to learn to be a better “neighbor” to them?
Chapter 55: Not with Outward Show
When some of the Pharisees ask Jesus when the Kingdom of Heaven will finally arrive, Jesus rejects the idea that His kingdom will be like those of this world. No earthly legislation or human coercion can heal the rift between Heaven and its rebel children. Instead, the Kingdom of Heaven is set up in human hearts, restoring humanity to God through the touch of the Holy Spirit.
When have you seen the limits of well-intentioned external pressures in reaching human hearts?
How do we avoid setting ourselves up as “the expositors of God’s will and the agents of His authority”?
Chapter 56: Blessing the Children
Jesus corrects yet another of His disciples’ mistakes by inviting children and mothers into His company. As He opens His arms to families, Jesus demonstrates how we are to make His Kingdom gentle and welcoming for the young as well as restorative and encouraging for their parents.
What about you reassures others that Heaven will be a pleasant place if you are there?
How can you practice gentleness toward God’s children this week?
Chapter 57: “One Thing You Lack”
Enchanted by Jesus’ welcome of the mothers and children, a young man approaches, seeking salvation. When he explains to Jesus that he has obeyed all the commandments since childhood and still is missing something, the Savior offers him a choice: to serve the things of this world or to serve the King of All Heaven.
As you consider this story, ask God what it is that you may need to surrender to Him today.
How do we avoid self-righteousness when following God’s commands?