The Balite Tree

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FRIDAY

June 10

Further Study:

Read Ellen G. White, “Without a Wedding Garment,” pp. 307–319, in Christ’s Object Lessons. “But the plan of redemption had a yet broader and deeper purpose than the salvation of man. It was not for this alone that Christ came to the earth; it was not merely that the inhabitants of this little world might regard the law of God as it should be regarded; but it was to vindicate the character of God before the universe.”—Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 68. “Yet Satan was not then destroyed. The angels did not even then understand all that was involved in the great controversy. The principles at stake were to be more fully revealed. And for the sake of man, Satan’s existence must be continued. Man as well as angels must see the contrast between the Prince of light and the prince of darkness. He must choose whom he will serve.”—Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 761.

Discussion Questions:

Think about Christian history, think about all the horrible things done by professed Christians, and often in the name of Jesus, too. Think how folks have used their faith as cover, a cloak, a justification for some horrific crimes. How does this unfortunate fact help us better understand the need for the kind of separation among the professed followers of Jesus, as revealed in this parable and in other Bible texts?     Ellen G. White makes it clear that Christ’s robe represents the righteousness of Jesus that not only covers, or justifies us, but also changes us into His image and allows us to reflect His character in our lives. How are we to understand the differences between these two essential truths, and why is it important that we do?      Reflect upon the reality of the great controversy and how much it impacts and influences our theology as Seventh-day Adventists. Go through the Bible and pull together all the texts you can find that show just how biblical and important this theme is.       Jesus ended the parable of the wedding garment with these words: “For many are called, but few are chosen” (Matt. 22:14). What do you think He meant by that statement, given the context of the parable?

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		I N S I D E Story
		The Balite Tree by BONY LAGUNDAY The Manobo people of Togopon village in the southern Philippines wanted to relocate their village. They found a site that had plenty of safe water and enough land for houses and gardens. The site was perfect except for one thing: a balite, or banyan, tree grew nearby, and some villagers believed that the tree was home to spirits. Some said that they heard a baby cry near the tree. Others smelled food cooking when they passed the tree. The witch doctor predicted that a disaster would wipe out the village if they moved to the area where this tree grew. I am one of two student missionary teachers in this village. Some Seventh-day Adventist members told us about the problem and asked our advice. Should they move the village to the new site or find another location? We prayed and then told the believers, "Satan is real; he is seeking to deceive people. But God has defeated Satan, who trembles when he hears the weakest child of God pray. We have nothing to fear as long as we trust God to cover us with His care." The villagers moved to the new site. Some villagers heard strange sounds coming from the balite tree; others noted that some children had gotten sick. Even I felt something strange. One day I saw a new student in my classroom, a student I didn't recognize. The other children didn't seem to see this new student. After class this new student warned me not to stay in this village or something bad would happen to me. Then, in a blink, the mysterious student disappeared. Later I saw him near the balite tree. That night I couldn't sleep. I thought of my late father and my grandmother, both of whom had been witch doctors in the village of my birth. Could the devil's curse still be on me? Then I reminded myself that I am now God's child, and God won the victory over Satan before this world was created. I talked to my teammate, and we prayed that God would show the villagers that He truly is God and that they have nothing to fear. The tree continued to disturb the villagers, so someone suggested that they cut it down. But the people feared that the person who cut the tree down would die. So I took the ax, prayed, then cut down the tree. No harm came to any of the villagers. "The God of the student missionary teachers is a powerful God!" the people declared. Please pray that the people of Togopon will grow in their faith. And thank you for your mission offerings that help train me and other young Adventists for service in difficult places around the world. BONY LAGUNDAY is a student at Mountain View College in the southern Philippines.
		Produced by the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission. email:   info@adventistmission.org  website:  www.adventistmission.org