Sabbath School Class—Life as Discovery and Hope
September 27, 2008
Larry R Evans
Quiz for Reflection
[To get the most from the quiz read the passages in brackets and look for a thread of thought which may give more depth and understanding to the question being asked.]
1. The closer we come to God the more we realize how much we are like Him. True or False? [Isa 6:1-6; Job 41:5,6; Rev. 1:7]
2. The experience of Isaiah teaches that God uses individuals for His service who grasp their own unworthiness yet at the same time God’s amazing grace. True or False? [Isa 6:5-9]
3. The Bible teaches that we should count the cost before we accept the call of God. True or False? [Isa 6:8; Heb 11:8]
4. As disciples of Christ we are to “go” because He has invested power and authority in His disciples. True or False? [Mt 28:16-20]
5. The commission to “go” is a mandate to correct theological issues in contrast to the presentation of a “social gospel.” True or False? [Isa 55:6-9; 1:15-18; 49:5-6; Mt 25:35,36]
6. Persistent rejection of God’s invitation given through His prophets will eventually harden the heart. True or False? [Isa 6:9,10]
7. We accomplish the mission God has given to us if we restore those who have fallen away from Him. True or False? [Isa 49:6; Rev 14:6,7; Acts 1`3:47]
8. The whole earth is full of God’s glory. True or False? [Isa 6:3]
Reflective Review
The comprehensive message of Isaiah is startling. It comes at a time when the world is being rocked by the outcome of corporate greed. A sense of financial gloom has awakened the self-absorbed minds of many. The message of Isaiah is relevant—not for the purpose of criticizing others. His message awakens the conscience—our relationship with Him and with others for whom He cares. The experience of Isaiah speaks with even greater force in today’s climate. The mission of God is there but it begins with a clearer grasp of God and His holiness. Such a revelation, while deepening our own sense of sinfulness, doesn’t end with our repentance. Rather, the closer we come to God, the more we grasp His grace, His compassion, His yearning for those yet in “Egypt” (see Isa 19:19-21) the more we sense our global responsibilities. The more we understand God and come into His presence the more we adopt His priorities and sense anew the nature of the mission which has been entrusted to us. The greed, selfishness, the blatant disrespect for the welfare of the downtrodden stand in contrast to the holiness of God. With Isaiah we see ourselves as part of the problem and therefore we stand in the need of change that only He can bring about. But His message is bigger than calling us to personal repentance. His message surely includes “Woe is me!” (Isa 6:5). There is hope for us and for all who are willing to be “touched” by God (Isa 6:7). This revelation from God and our accepting of its implications is the beginning of the end-time revival and reformation. Those who go forth do so in the armor of God’s love with a message about God and a lifestyle that cares for others. This mission brings more than verbal hope. It brings practical help to those who are discouraged, hungry and abused. (Mat 25:35,36) Confidence in the ability of God’s love to change lives captures the attention of multitudes as His servants live out the implications of a mission driven by His holiness—a holiness which knows no racial, national or religious borders. A holiness that is drawn to the rich as well as to the poor. With Isaiah God’s people will say, “’Here am I. Send me!’ He said, ‘Go .
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