The Attack That Saved a Life

FRIDAY

May 22

Further Study:

Read the comments made by Ellen G. White on the giving of the Ten Commandment law in Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 303-310, and on the story about Jesus' Sabbath keeping together with His disciples in The Desire of Ages, pp. 281-289. A rich source for additional information is: Walter F. Specht, "The Sabbath in the New Testament," in Kenneth A. Strand, ed., The Sabbath in Scripture and History (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald® Publishing Association, 1982), pp. 92-113. Note in particular this passage: "In Mark's account (chap. 2:27), Jesus then raised the issue of the purpose of the Sabbath. The Sabbath was not an end in itself. . . . It was designed to be a blessing to man, a day of physical rest, but also a day devoted to spiritual exercises. The Pharisees treated the day as though man were created to serve the Sabbath, rather than the Sabbath meeting the needs of man. R. Shim 'on ben Menasya about A.D. 180 made a similar statement [to the statement made by Jesus]: 'The Sabbath is given over to you but you are not surrendered to the Sabbath.' "—Page 96.

Discussion Questions:

In class, compare your descriptions of what a "perfect" Sabbath would be like. What can you do to come as close as possible to that ideal? Earlier in the week it was suggested that some of the rules and restrictions we apply to the Sabbath are rooted more in tradition than in the Word of God. As a class, discuss what these human-made rules might be, as opposed to what the Bible says. How can we know the difference? Dwell more on the idea expressed in Thursday's lesson. How can we better show the world that the special rest that we enjoy in Jesus through the Sabbath reveals the reality of Christ's grace in our lives? What things might we have done that give others the wrong impression?

Summary:

The Sabbath is God's gift to humanity. It is the perfect antidote for today's restlessness and stress. It is a very specific weekly amount of time that God has made "holy" for us. The day can, if approached with the right attitude, be a source of physical and spiritual rest and a time of great joy. The ultimate example of true Sabbath keeping is Jesus, who referred very significantly to Himself as the Lord of the Sabbath.

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		I N S I D E Story
		The Attack That Saved a Life by SILILE FEIN MAZIBISA It was Saturday evening, and Thabani was walking home from choir practice with his friend, Thomas. Thomas wasn't an Adventist, but he enjoyed spending time with Thabani. As the teenagers walked down the quiet street in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, they heard footsteps behind them. But they paid little attention, for they were in a safe neighborhood—they thought. Suddenly four men raced toward them and attacked Thabani. Three grabbed him while the fourth searched his pockets for valuables. Thomas ran shouting for help, but no one would open their door. Thabani tried to shake off the men and run, but his attackers held him tightly. In the struggle, one of the assailants stabbed Thabani behind his ear. Finally Thabani broke away and stumbled toward Thomas, who had found someone to help them. When the assailants saw another man coming to help the boys, they ran away. Thabani was bleeding from his head wound, so Thomas helped him walk the remaining block to his house. His brother drove them to the near-est clinic. At the clinic the medical personnel directed him to go to a hospital, but in their panic the brothers had locked the car keys in the car. While they tried to decide what to do, a physician approached them. He had just finished his shift at the clinic and offered to take them to the hospital. They arrived at the hospital, and the physician led them to a room where he treated Thabani's injuries. He then told Thabani that he could return home. The boys thanked the doctor and explained that they had no money to pay him. The doctor told Thabani not to worry, that he would not charge for the care. Thanking the man once more, the boys returned home. When Thabani's parents returned home, he told them what had happened. The family tried to locate the doctor who had treated their son at no charge, but no one at the clinic or the hospital knew of a doctor that fit Thabani's description. "Perhaps you were treated by an angel," his mother said reverently. Thomas was deeply impressed that God had cared for his friend in such a remarkable manner. Although he attended a church that focused on healings and miracles, Thomas began to worship with Thabani at the Adventist church. Recently Thomas was baptized, and the two friends sing God's praises together as brothers in faith. Your mission offerings reach virtually every country in the world with the message of God's love and salvation. Thank you! SILILE FEIN MAZIBISA is Thabani's sister. They are the children of an Adventist pastor in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
		Produced by the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission. email: info@adventistmission.org website: www.adventistmission.org