Stubborn Daughter

FRIDAY November 14

Further Study:

“Since Satan is the originator of sin, the direct instigator of all the sins that caused the death of the Son of God, justice demands that Satan shall suffer the final punishment. Christ’s work for the redemption of men and the purification of the universe from sin will be closed by the removal of sin from the heavenly sanctuary and the placing of these sins upon Satan, who will bear the final penalty. So in the typical service, the yearly round of ministration closed with the purification of the sanctuary, and the confessing of the sins on the head of the scapegoat.”—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 358.

“Blood and life are associated as lexical pairs and thus understood as parallel in meaning in . . . Hebrew. Because of this close association blood is considered the source of life, and because blood represents life (Gen. 9:4, Deut. 12:23), it may expiate for life. Because the life of a creature is in the blood, blood makes atonement for one’s life. One life is sacrificed for another. The shedding of substitutionary blood on the altar makes atonement, since the blood of the innocent victim was given for the life of the one who has sinned.”—Mark F. Rooker, The New American Commentary: Leviticus, vol. 3A (Nashville, Tenn.: Broadman & Holman, 2000), p. 236.

Discussion Questions:

Review the process of atonement and cleansing in the earthly sanctuary and then compare it to how, in reality, Christ destroys our sin without destroying us, as well.

Many people find it hard to understand why innocent animals had to die in order to make a point about sin. What’s the important lesson from these deaths for us? What should it tell us about the nature of sin?

All during the week we talked about “cleansing” from sin. What does that mean on a practical level; that is, in the life of someone who claims the blood of Christ? 1 John 1:7. What does it mean to be cleansed of sin?

Take your answer to Monday’s final question and bring it to class on Sabbath. Compare responses. How can we, both as individuals and as a church, better fulfill our role as “priests”?

Summary:

The Day of Atonement was the consummation of the daily cleansing of the Israelites from sin. It illustrated the time the cleansing power of the sacrificial death of Christ would be consummated through a work of judgment.

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		I N S I D E Story
		Stubborn Daughter by SAYORN HENG I live in Cambodia. We were very poor; our house had a plastic tarp for a roof. Then in 2001 my family became Christians. But I refused. I wouldn't listen to them talk about this Jesus. I needed to work to help support my family, so I applied at a garment factory. But I was told I was too young. I asked a Christian missionary how to find a job, and he told me I should ask Jesus to help me. I didn't believe in Jesus, so I prayed to God instead. God answered my prayer, and I got a job. The man who worked next to me in the garment factory talked to me about Jesus. It seemed that I was surrounded by Christians! During my family's evening worships, I sat outside. But I could hear them singing and reading the Bible. One night I heard my mother and sister pray for me. Then I heard them read from the Bible that those who are not born again shall not see the kingdom of God (John 3:3, NIV). I didn't want to be the only one in my family who didn't go to heaven. I told my mother that I wanted to be a Christian, and she prayed with me as I gave my heart to God. After that I joined the family worship. When I learned about tithing, I struggled. I worked long hours but earned only $15 a month. How could I return tithe on that? I prayed that God would help me find a better job, one that paid by the piece instead of by the day. I promised to return tithe if God found me a better job, and He did! I began returning tithe and was offered a better job with better pay. My wages continued to increase as I faithfully returned tithe. When I realized the importance of Sabbath, God gave me a job where I could have Sabbaths off-in an industry that works seven days a week. This is a weekly miracle! I am amazed that God has been so good to me. One Sabbath I was afraid for my job, so I went to work. But every few minutes the needle broke, and I earned nothing that day. I think God was trying to tell me that He couldn't bless me if I didn't honor His Sabbath. My faith is growing, and God is blessing. Now we have enough to eat. I thank God that He is so patient with me, His stubborn daughter. We must tell everyone that our God is great and good! Our mission offerings help do that. SAYORN HENG lives in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
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