Sun
May 4
1. RECALLING CREATION
a. What did God create on the first day of creation? Genesis 1:3–5.
“At the creative word in the beginning, light had shone out of darkness.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 464.
b. Who was present at the creation of the world—not as a mere observer, but as an active participant? Genesis 1:1, 2; John 1:1, 2; Colossians 1:16.
“In the beginning, God was revealed in all the works of creation. It was Christ that spread the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth. . . . It was He that filled the earth with beauty, and the air with song. And upon all things in earth, and air, and sky, He wrote the message of the Father’s love.”—Ibid., p. 20.
“The hand that sustains the worlds in space, the hand that holds in their orderly arrangement and tireless activity all things throughout the universe of God, is the hand that was nailed to the cross for us.”—Education, p. 132.
Mon
May 5
2. LIGHT IN THE DESERT
a. How were the children of Israel guided in the desert? Exodus 13:21, 22. Explain the presence enshrouded in the pillar of cloud and in the pillar of fire? Exodus 13:21 (first part); 1 Corinthians 10:1–4.
“In the manifestation of God to His people, light had ever been a symbol of His presence. At the creative word in the beginning, light had shone out of darkness. Light had been enshrouded in the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, leading the vast armies of Israel.”—The Desire of Ages, p. 464.
b. What is written about Christ’s presence with Israel in the desert—and what protection did God promise to His people? Psalm 105:39; Isaiah 4:5, 6.
“In one of the most beautiful and comforting passages of Isaiah’s prophecy, reference is made to the pillar of cloud and of fire to represent God’s care for His people in the great final struggle with the powers of evil.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 283.
c. How did Christ manifest Himself at Sinai—and how did Moses and the people react? Exodus 19:16–18; 20:18, 19; Hebrews 12:21.
“ ‘The glory of the Lord was like devouring fire on the top of the mount’ in the sight of the assembled multitude. . . . So terrible were the tokens of Jehovah’s presence that the hosts of Israel shook with fear, and fell upon their faces before the Lord.”—Ibid., p. 304.
“So glorious was the revealing of [Christ’s] presence that it could not be borne by mortal man. Moses, who was so highly favored of God, exclaimed, ‘I do exceedingly fear and quake’. But God strengthened him to endure this excellent glory, and to bring from the mount a reflection of it upon his face so that the people could not look steadfastly upon it.”—Sons and Daughters of God, p. 225.
Tue
May 6
3. LIGHT IN THE DWELLING OF GOD
a. How did Christ manifest His presence in the tabernacle? Exodus 40:34, 35.
“With eager interest the multitudes of Israel crowded around to look upon the sacred structure. While they were contemplating the scene with reverent satisfaction, the pillar of cloud floated over the sanctuary and, descending, enveloped it. ‘And the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.’ There was a revealing of the divine majesty, and for a time even Moses could not enter. With deep emotion the people beheld the token that the work of their hands was accepted. There were no loud demonstrations of rejoicing. A solemn awe rested upon all. But the gladness of their hearts welled up in tears of joy, and they murmured low, earnest words of gratitude that God had condescended to abide with them.”—Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 349, 350.
“Above the mercy seat was the Shekinah, the manifestation of the divine Presence; and from between the cherubim, God made known His will. Divine messages were sometimes communicated to the high priest by a voice from the cloud. Sometimes a light fell upon the angel at the right, to signify approval or acceptance, or a shadow or cloud rested upon the one at the left to reveal disapproval or rejection.”—Ibid.
b. What happened later, when the temple was dedicated? 2 Chronicles 7:1.
“A most splendid sanctuary had been made, according to the pattern showed to Moses in the mount, and afterward presented by the Lord to David. The earthly sanctuary was made like the heavenly. In addition to the cherubim on the top of the ark, Solomon made two other angels of larger size, standing at each end of the ark, representing the heavenly angels always guarding the law of God. It is impossible to describe the beauty and splendor of this tabernacle. There, as in the tabernacle, the sacred ark was borne in solemn, reverential order, and set in its place beneath the wings of the two stately cherubim that stood upon the floor.
“The sacred choir united their voices, with all kinds of musical instruments, in praise to God. And while the voices in harmony, with instruments of music, resounded through the temple, and were borne upon the air through Jerusalem, the cloud of God’s glory took possession of the house, as it had formerly filled the tabernacle. ‘And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the Lord, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of the Lord’.”—Spiritual Gifts, vol. 4a, pp. 113, 114.
Wed
May 7
4. THE LIGHT OF THE GOSPEL
a. What message of Christ in John 8:12 brings us great hope?
“It was not the scholarly theologians who had an understanding of this truth, and engaged in its proclamation. Had these been faithful watchmen, diligently and prayerfully searching the Scriptures, they would have known the time of night; the prophecies would have opened to them the events about to take place. But they did not occupy this position, and the message was given by humbler men. . . . Those who turn away from the light which God has given, or who neglect to seek it when it is within their reach, are left in darkness.”—The Great Controversy, p. 312.
“The Lord has made every provision so that we may have a rich, abundant, joyful experience. John writes concerning Christ, saying, ‘In him was life; and the life was the light of men.’ Life is associated with light, and if we have no light from the Sun of Righteousness, we can have no life in Him. But this light has been provided for every soul, and it is only as we withdraw from the light that darkness comes upon us. Jesus said, ‘He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.’ In the world about us there can be no life without light. Were the sun to withdraw his shining, all vegetation, all animal life, would have an end. This illustrates the fact that we cannot have spiritual life unless we place ourselves under the beams of the Sun of Righteousness. If we put a flowering plant in a dark room, it will soon wither and die; and so we may have some spiritual life, and yet lose it by dwelling in an atmosphere of doubt and gloom.”—Sons and Daughters of God, p. 281.
b. What assurance comes as we turn to Jesus? 2 Corinthians 3:18.
“As a flower turns to the sun that its bright rays may aid in perfecting its beauty and symmetry, so should Christ’s followers turn to the Sun of Righteousness, that heaven’s light may shine upon them, perfecting their characters, and giving them a deep and abiding experience in the things of God. It is beyond our power to conceive the blessings that are brought within our reach through Christ, if we will but unite our human effort with divine grace.”—Ibid., p. 26.
“Whoever is with singleness of purpose seeking to do God’s will, earnestly heeding the light already given, will receive greater light; to that soul some star of heavenly radiance will be sent to guide him into all truth.”—The Great Controversy, p. 312.
Thu
May 8
5. SHINING IN OUR HEARTS
a. How can we be uplifted by Paul’s inspiring reference to the Light of the world? 2 Corinthians 4:6.
“Let the glorious conceptions of God possess your mind. Let your life be knit by hidden links to the life of Jesus. He who commanded the light to shine out of darkness is willing to shine in your heart, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit will take the things of God and show them unto you, conveying them as a living power into the obedient heart. Christ will lead you to the threshold of the Infinite. You may behold the glory beyond the veil, and reveal to men the sufficiency of Him who ever liveth to make intercession for us.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 149.
“The revelation of His own glory in the form of humanity will bring heaven so near to men that the beauty adorning the inner temple will be seen in every soul in whom the Saviour dwells. Men will be captivated by the glory of an abiding Christ. And in currents of praise and thanksgiving from the many souls thus won to God, glory will flow back to the great Giver.
“ ‘Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.’ Isaiah 60:1. To those who go out to meet the Bridegroom is this message given. Christ is coming with power and great glory. He is coming with His own glory and with the glory of the Father. He is coming with all the holy angels with Him. While all the world is plunged in darkness, there will be light in every dwelling of the saints. They will catch the first light of His second appearing. The unsullied light will shine from His splendor, and Christ the Redeemer will be admired by all who have served Him. While the wicked flee from His presence, Christ’s followers will rejoice.”—Ibid., pp. 420, 421.
Fri
May 9
PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. What does the Bible teach about the Godhead in the work of creation?
2. Describe how Jesus manifested Himself to His people in the desert.
3. How did the light of Christ shine in the tabernacle and the temple?
4. Describe how Jesus manifested Himself at the temple dedication.
5. How does Christ reveal Himself to us and through us?