Sabbath School Lesson for June 21-27, 2025 Memory Text: “So he said to them, ‘I am a Hebrew; and I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.’ ” Jonah 1:9 NKJV There is something in the statement Jonah made to the sailors to identify himself that reminds us of the first angel’s message in Revelation 14:7. Jonah, a reluctant prophet who God patiently encouraged to preach to a very wicked city, was quick to point out that he worshiped the Creator, which is the very Creator God we are told to worship in the last days. We, too, have been told to warn people about a dramatic judgment about to fall on individuals who must repent to avoid disaster. Other Bible stories that provide images of last-day events are the fall of Babylon, a kingdom also mentioned in the three angels’ messages. And the Persian king Cyrus, who by liberating God’s people so they could rebuild Jerusalem, became a type of Christ. Although these images are imperfect, partial representations of things in the future, they give us principles that can help us navigate the confusing, worrisome events in our world today. Jonah, Belshazzar, and Cyrus are characters we can learn from, as we try to do God’s will under the most difficult circumstances imaginable. Sunday: The Reluctant Prophet–Jonah obeyed His Creator, but reluctantly. Monday: A Work of Repentance–We, too, must repent and call others to repentance. Tuesday: Belshazzar’s Feast–Belshazzar’s lack of humility was a problem. Wednesday: The Drying of the Euphrates–Modern Babylon will be caught off guard by the Second Coming. Thursday: Cyrus, the Anointed–The Persian king Cyrus was used by God to “save” His people, the Jews. Sunday: The Reluctant Prophet It’s easy to identify the lessons in Jonah’s story. The three days and nights in the belly of a big fish brought Jonah to his senses, and gave him the motivation he needed to preach in a terribly wicked city. Jonah was swallowed by the fish because of his own sins, but Jesus spent three days and nights in a tomb because of ours. The themes in the book of Jonah are quite pertinent to the last days. Despite Jonah’s initial failure to follow God’s directions, his final evangelistic effort in Nineveh was an astounding success. Jonah recognized God as his Creator, and was used by Him to preach about judgment against a city that was exceedingly wicked. We must look at ourselves today and constantly ask God to give us the courage to come out of our comfort zone and preach things that are necessary for people to hear, even if our safety is threatened by doing so. Our salvation, and theirs, depend on faithful obedience to God, no matter what He asks of us. Verses and questions: Matthew 12:38-41 and Luke 19:10 What was Jesus trying to tell the scribes and Pharisees about their desire for a sign? In what ways was Jesus’ ministry greater than Jonah’s? Jonah 1:9 and Revelation 14:7 How significant will worship of the Creator, and thus the Sabbath, be in the last days, and why? Monday: A Work of Repentance Jeremiah 18:7-10 provides an explanation for why Nineveh was not destroyed in forty days, as Jonah had predicted. God makes ample provision for nations and individuals to repent and turn from their evil. When that happens, God is happy to relent and avert the destruction that comes without our repentance. Nineveh’s revival after Jonah’s preaching was heartfelt and widespread. God was more than happy to stop the coming disaster, even if His reluctant prophet was disappointed that the Assyrian enemy was spared. However, the Ninevites’ foolish pride later returned and they forgot God, leading to Nineveh’s downfall when a coalition army of Medes and Babylonians attacked them in 612 B.C. The warnings that need to be made in the last days will be all the more dire and necessary, because the prophecies at that time will not be conditional. The Second Coming, and all that accompany it, is guaranteed to happen, no matter how much repentance there is. But, those who do repent will receive protection and a place in heaven, when the final plagues and tribulation are over. Our solemn duty then is to repent and share the warning messages we’ve been given. Verses and questions: Jonah 3:4-10 and Jeremiah 18:7-10 What appropriate response did the Ninevites have? What does God’s response show us about His character? Revelation 18:4 Although God won’t save the world from its final end, how can repentance still be beneficial?  Tuesday: Belshazzar’s Feast Every chapter in Daniel brings us a story to be remembered. There was a party told about in chapter five, hosted by Nebuchadnezzar’s successor Belshazzar, that people to this day remember. It isn’t remembered though for the lavish refreshments and entertainment, but for the astonishing handwriting on the wall that no one but Daniel could interpret for the drunken guests. It is believed that despite his many missteps, Nebuchadnezzar may have died a believer in the God of creation. Belshazzar, on the other hand, knowing the story of Nebuchadnezzar, failed to humble himself as his predecessor had, and his nation suffered a crushing defeat as a result (Daniel 5:22). Besides the intemperate partying that night, Belshazzar disrespected God’s temple vessels, all the while they were praising “the gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone” (Daniel 5:4). In the last days, all people will have had an opportunity to know God’s truth (just like Belshazzar had), but they will refuse to do anything about it, resulting in their eternal ruin. Verses and questions: Daniel 5:1-31 What led to the defeat of Babylon? What more can we do to humble ourselves before God and others? Wednesday: The Drying of the Euphrates Several ancient historians describe the overthrow of Babylon by the Persians as achieved by the diverting of the Euphrates River. The riverbed was dried up to the extent that their soldiers could <a class="cat-post-excerpt-more" href="https://www.outlookmag.org/the-teachers-notes-images-of-the-end-lesson-13/" title="Continue reading The Teacher’s Notes–Images of the End, Lesson 13 Adult Bible Study Guide, 2025 2Q, “Allusions Images Symbols”“>Read more…

Howard Thurman was one of the most important Christian thinkers of the 20th century. He was a pastor, author, and civil rights leader. His book Jesus and the Disinherited became a powerful influence on many leaders in the fight for justice—including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In fact, Thurman was a mentor to King’s father and later became a personal influence on King himself. Dr. King often carried Jesus and the Disinherited with him while marching for civil rights. The book’s message of love, courage, and nonviolence helped shape the way King led the movement. Thurman wrote this book especially for people who feel left out, pushed down, or powerless. He called them the “disinherited.” The book offers spiritual wisdom and hope to help them rise with dignity and strength. Who Are the Disinherited? Thurman uses the word disinherited to describe people who have been robbed of hope and opportunity—especially due to poverty, race, or social class. These are people who live with fear, rejection, and injustice. Having grown up in the segregated South, Thurman knew this experience firsthand. Fear and Its Effects One of the main ideas in the book is that fear shapes the lives of the disinherited. Fear of violence, fear of loss, and fear of being seen as “less than” can lead to anger, shame, or bitterness. It can also cause people to hide their true selves or act in harmful ways. Thurman says this fear must be faced if healing is to happen. Jesus Stands with the Oppressed Thurman points out that Jesus Himself was poor and part of a group that faced injustice—the Jewish people under Roman rule. Jesus knew what it meant to live with fear and pressure. But instead of giving in to hate, Jesus chose love. He stood with the weak, healed the hurting, and challenged those in power. His example gives hope to the disinherited. Love as Resistance For Thurman, love is not weakness—it is power. He teaches that responding to hate with love, and injustice with kindness, takes great courage. This kind of love breaks the cycle of hate. It also builds dignity and opens the door for healing. This message of nonviolent love deeply inspired Martin Luther King Jr. and became a foundation for the civil rights movement. The Importance of Community Thurman writes that people need one another. A supportive, caring community helps the disinherited find courage and joy. In community, people can pray together, speak honestly, and stand up for justice without being alone. Love and unity give strength in hard times. Faith as a Force for Justice Thurman says faith is not just about comfort—it’s a tool for change. Trusting in God’s love and justice gives people the strength to resist wrong and live with hope. Faith leads the disinherited to rise above fear and live with purpose, no matter what the world says about them. Living It Out Daily At the end of the book, Thurman gives practical ways to follow Jesus: Face your fears honestly Choose love instead of hate Pray with openness and truth Build supportive relationships Speak and act for justice in daily life Why This Book Still Matters Even today, Jesus and the Disinherited speaks clearly. It reminds us that Jesus is on the side of the hurting. It challenges us to face our fear, reject hate, and live in love. And it shows us that even when the world pushes people down, God lifts them up.

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Recently, the world lost a very faithful steward of God—Phil Robertson. Whether you are a fan of duck hunting or the hit A&E television show Duck Dynasty, or you just live in the U.S. and have seen giant cardboard cutouts of bearded men donning camo at your local Walmart, you’ve probably heard of him. Phil Robertson, known as Duck Commander to many around his hometown and in the world, lived a life so full of faith in God that he couldn’t hardly be another way. Through the 2023 film The Blind, the world got a glimpse of Phil’s life before faith and fame. He was lost, addicted to alcohol, angry, and seemed to ruin his marriage with chaos and infidelity…but God. A key quote in the film is “You’ve got to come to the end of yourself to find the beginning of God.” Twenty-eight year-old Phil Robertson met God at the end of himself—when there was nothing left to live for and he no longer cared for himself or anyone else. He was empty, and at that place he could be filled…with God. What I know—and what others who were praying for Phil all those years ago knew—is the man the world grew to know and love always lived in him. The generous, kind, loving, down-to-earth outdoorsmen and neighbor we saw on the television screen simply needed to see himself the way God had all along. So, I’m not convinced we have to empty ourselves of everything valuable to find God. I’m not convinced we need to come to the end of ourselves or even hit rock bottom. I think we merely need to see God, and in seeing Him, we will see ourselves clearly. Seeing God In Exodus 34, Moses ascends Mount Sinai to meet with God, and when he returns, his face shines with divine radiance. Scripture says, “…he was not aware that his face had become radiant because he had spoken to the Lord” (Exodus 34:29, NLT). Moses’ face was transformed—not by effort or will, but by proximity to God’s glory. Seeing just a glimpse of God’s presence, left a visible mark that set Moses apart. The people saw the glow and knew he had been with God. It was not just a private encounter—it was a public testimony. Too often we look at stories like this as if they’re just a piece of history we’re learning. We think, “that’s just another Bible miracle. It can’t happen to me.” I wonder if the disciples thought the same thing… Another mountaintop moment unfolded centuries later—this time for the disciples. In Matthew 17:1–8, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain, and there He is transfigured before them—His face shining like the sun, His clothes dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appear, and the voice of the Father declares, “This is my dearly loved Son… Listen to him.” This was no ordinary vision—it was a revelation of Jesus’ divine identity. The disciples fell face down in reverent fear. And when they looked up again, they saw only Jesus. This moment confirmed what faith had begun to grasp: that in seeing Jesus, they were truly seeing God. Those who see God are changed. We don’t leave those moments the same. His glory reshapes us, His presence marks us, and His voice commissions us. There are believers who haven’t seen God. Some have attended church weekly for three or more decades and believe in a God of human making—someone hateful or fickle, not just and loving. There are people who have never believed because they’ve never been introduced to God properly. It’s like being introduced to someone at a party, except you get the gossip before you get the introduction. How do we meet God properly? 1. Approach God with Humility, Not Performance We don’t meet God by impressing Him—we meet Him by surrendering to Him. Moses didn’t climb Sinai to prove something; he came in response to God’s invitation. It’s not perfect church attendance God wants—it’s your willing heart. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6, NLT). If you want to see God clearly, come humbly, not pretending or performing. 2. Seek Him in Scripture, Not Just in Crisis Yes, Phil Robertson met God at the bottom, but we don’t have to wait for disaster. God reveals Himself every day through His Word. Jesus told the Pharisees in John 5:39–40 that the Scriptures point to Him—but they refused to come to Him. If we’re not in the Word, we risk forming a picture of God based on gossip and guesses. Read with the prayer, “God, show me who You really are.” 3. Make Space for Silence God spoke to Elijah not in the wind or the fire, but in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12). In a noisy world, we often miss God’s voice because we’re too full of other voices. Turn off the noise. Put down the phone. Practice quiet, reflective prayer. Seeing God starts with stilling your soul enough to notice Him. 4. Walk With Jesus, Not Just Around Him Peter, James, and John saw Jesus transfigured not because they were bystanders, but because they were walking with Him. The closer you walk with Christ—day by day, in relationship—the more clearly you’ll see God’s heart. Don’t just sit near the things of God. Walk in step with Jesus. 5. Expect Transformation, Not Just Information When Moses saw God, his face changed. When the disciples saw Jesus in His glory, they fell down in worship. When you truly meet God, you won’t stay the same. So don’t approach Him just to learn something new—come expecting to be changed. Come ready to reflect His glory, even if it means your life looks radically different afterward. Phil Robertson—he thought he had come to the end of himself to find God there, but I think he just finally stopped looking at himself and finally looked at God. Once you see Him, you can never go back to the way you Read more…