MEMORY VERSE: ‘Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in Thee: yea, in the shadow of Thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.’ Psalm 57:1.
LESSON AIM: To consider from Scripture what it means to make the Lord our dwelling place now, and how this understanding will help us serve God with greater confidence in the perilous end times.
‘All His gifts are promised on condition of obedience. God has a heaven full of blessings for those who will co-operate with Him. All who obey Him may with confidence claim the fulfilment of His promises. But we must show a firm, undeviating trust in God. Often He delays to answer us in order to try our faith or test the genuineness of our desire. Having asked according to His word, we should believe His promise and press our petitions with a determination that will not be denied. God does not say, Ask once, and you shall receive. He bids us ask. Unwearyingly persist in prayer. The persistent asking brings the petitioner into a more earnest attitude, and gives him an increased desire to receive the things for which he asks. Christ said to Martha at the grave of Lazarus, “If thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God.” John 11:40. But many have not a living faith. This is why they do not see more of the power of God. Their weakness is the result of their unbelief. They have more faith in their own working than in the working of God for them. They take themselves into their own keeping. They plan and devise, but pray little, and have little real trust in God. They think they have faith, but it is only the impulse of the moment. Failing to realise their own need, or God’s willingness to give, they do not persevere in keeping their requests before the Lord. Our prayers are to be as earnest and persistent as was the petition of the needy friend who asked for the loaves at midnight. The more earnestly and steadfastly we ask, the closer will be our spiritual union with Christ. We shall receive increased blessings because we have increased faith.’ Christ’s Object Lessons, pages 145-146.
1. What image of refuge did David the sweet singer in Israel, often use in his prayers and psalms? And what characteristics of God are revealed to us? Psalm 57:1; Psalm 17:8; Psalm 36:7; Psalm 63:7.
NOTE: ‘For thousands of years Satan has been gaining an experience in learning how to deceive; and to those who live in this age he comes with almost overwhelming power. Our only safety is found in obedience to God’s word, which has been given us as a sure guide and counsellor. God’s people today are to keep themselves distinct and separate from the world, its spirit, and its influences. “Come out from among them, and be ye separate.” 2 Corinthians 6:17. Shall we hear the voice of God and obey, or shall we make halfway work of the matter and try to serve God and mammon? There is earnest work before each one of us. Right thoughts, pure and holy purposes, do not come to us naturally. We shall have to strive for them.’ Counsels on Health, pages 290-291.
2. What other picture did David draw of the gentle, comforting protective care of our Saviour? And how did Jesus use the same idea to show His love for His rebellious people? Psalm 91:4. Compare Matthew 23:37.
NOTE: ‘Christ’s representation is a most striking one. He would have gathered His chosen people together as a hen gathers her chickens under her wing. He would have given them protection; they would not have been left defenceless. When the hen sees that her brood is in danger, she calls them under her sheltering wings. She will resist any enemy that may approach. She will die rather than that those who have fled for protection under her sheltering wings should suffer. This will Christ do for those who fly to Him for refuge. He will gather His children together under His mediatorial wings, and there they will be safe.’ Review & Herald, February 22, 1898.