Further Thought: “In Christ is the tenderness of the shepherd, the affection of the parent, and the matchless grace of the compassionate Saviour. His blessings He presents in the most alluring terms. He is not content merely to announce these blessings; He presents them in the most attractive way, to excite a desire to possess them. So His servants are to present the riches of the glory of the unspeakable Gift. The wonderful love of Christ will melt and subdue hearts, when the mere reiteration of doctrines would accomplish nothing. ‘Comfort ye, comfort ye My people, saith your God.’ ‘O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! . . . He shall feed His flock like a shepherd:
He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom.’
"Isaiah 40:1, 9-11.”—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, pp. 826, 827."
Discussion Questions:
• It’s unfortunate, but some people can make themselves feel better by pointing out the faults of others. How can we be sure that we don’t fall into that same mind frame?
• Consider this scenario: A friend has just returned from a funeral and makes this comment: “I am so glad my aunt is up in heaven looking down at me. It makes me feel so good.” Based on the principles we studied in our lesson this week, how would you respond? That is, however important the state of the dead is, why might this not be the best time to give that person a Bible study on this topic?
• Discuss the following statement in the light of our witness to others: “The very act of looking for evil in others develops evil in those who look. By dwelling upon the faults of others, we are changed into the same image. But by beholding Jesus, talking of His love and perfection of character, we become changed into His image. By contemplating the lofty ideal He has placed before us, we shall be uplifted into a pure and holy atmosphere, even the presence of God. When we abide here, there goes forth from us a light that irradiates all who are connected with us.”—Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers, p. 479.
Inside Story
Speaking Boldly in Finland
By Andrew Mcchesney
Nineteen-year-old Simo Vehkavuori began to rethink his life while visiting a Seventh-day Adventist uncle and aunt in Sweden. The Finnish teen remembered failing to fulfill a promise to follow God at a summer camp three years earlier, and he anxiously wondered, Have I lost God’s grace?
One night, he went to the back garden and, weeping, knelt by a large lilac bush. “Jesus, if You still accept me, if tonight is the right time to give my heart to You, please show me,” he cried. “Perhaps allow a star to fall in the sky.”
As he stood up, an enormous star fell in the night sky.When Simo returned home to the family dairy farm in Finland, the farming community heard about his decision to follow God. Some people snickered, and Simo wondered whether he should be so open about his faith. One evening, a government inspector showed up for a regular check as Simo milked the cows in his father’s brick barn. She had heard about his conversion, and she spoke mockingly. “Listen, a little bird is spreading a rumor,” she said as Simo milked a cow by hand. “I hope that you did not become a Christian in Sweden. Wouldn’t it be better for you to go to dances and movies with other young people and to squeeze all the joy out of the world that is possible?”
Looking up at the woman, Simo said, “My dear friend, this evening I can tell you that I met Jesus as my personal Savior in Sweden, and I want to follow Him wherever He leads.” He had scarcely finished speaking when a loud explosion rocked the barn. The cow that he was milking dropped to the ground dead. The other cows collapsed on their knees. Silence filled the barn for a moment. Then the cows began to moo madly, their mooing sounding like barking dogs.
Ball lightning, the size of a golf ball, had fallen to the ground and exploded between Simo and the cow. Simo’s rubber boots protected him from the shock. The inspector stood frozen on the concrete floor. Her face was pale. Her instruments had tumbled into a gutter filled with cow dung. Finally she spoke.
“Simo, can you forgive my careless words?” she said. The mocking tone was gone. “We are like dust when nature manifests its power. Stay on your chosen path.” After a pause, she asked, “How can I get on the same path as you?"
Simo resolved at that moment never to be shy about sharing his faith. In his room that night, he prayed, “Take my whole heart and life, and let me follow wherever You lead me.” siMo vehkAvuori, now 84 and retired, served as a pastor and church leader for many years in Finland.
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