Sunday: Nimrod and Nineveh
After the Flood, humanity began repopulating and establishing communities. Nimrod, described as a “mighty hunter before the Lord” (Genesis 10:9), is credited with founding major cities like Babel and Nineveh. These cities became early symbols of human pride and defiance against God’s authority. Nimrod’s kingdom reflected human ambition to centralize power and make a name for themselves—culminating in the Tower of Babel. Nineveh later became the capital of the Assyrian Empire, known for its cruelty and opposition to God's people. This day explores how early nations like these emerged not in humble obedience to God but in opposition, setting a pattern of rebellion that echoed through history.
Monday: Abraham’s Call
In contrast to rebellious nations like Babel, God chose Abram (later Abraham) to begin a different kind of nation—one rooted in faith and obedience. God called Abram to leave his homeland, promising to make him into a “great nation” (Genesis 12:2–3). This covenant was not just about lineage or territory, but about being a blessing to “all the families of the earth.” Through Abraham, God aimed to create a people who would be a moral and spiritual example to the world. The lesson emphasizes that God’s kingdom is built on trust, not towers—on obedience, not domination. This sets the foundation for Israel’s mission and the identity of God's people.
Tuesday: Given What You Asked For
As Israel developed as a nation, they began to envy the political structures of surrounding nations. They demanded a king to “be like all the nations” (1 Samuel 8:5). Though this request grieved the prophet Samuel, God permitted it, recognizing their desire as a rejection of His direct kingship. Saul became Israel’s first king, but his reign and those of many successors often led to moral compromise and national decline. This lesson serves as a warning: wanting to conform to worldly patterns can lead God's people away from their true identity and purpose. Earthly leadership, unless fully surrendered to God, often brings corruption.
Wednesday: The Rulers of the Gentiles
Jesus directly addressed the contrast between worldly rulers and kingdom-minded leadership. In Matthew 20:25–28, He reminded His disciples that Gentile rulers "lord it over" their subjects, but it must not be so among His followers. Instead, greatness in God’s kingdom is defined by servanthood. Christ Himself, though divine, came “not to be served, but to serve.” This teaching was radical and countercultural—true leadership isn’t about power or control but about love, humility, and sacrificial service. The day challenges believers to embody this model in all spheres of life, including the church, family, and workplace.
Thursday: A Light to the Gentiles
God’s vision for His people has always included a global mission. Israel was chosen to reflect God’s character and be a light to surrounding nations. Isaiah repeatedly emphasized that God’s Servant (Israel, and ultimately Jesus) would be “a light to the Gentiles” (Isaiah 49:6). However, Israel often failed in this calling, turning inward and becoming exclusive. The church today inherits this mission—to be distinct from the world, not in isolation but in influence. The lesson urges modern believers to reject the corrupting influences of “Babylon”—a symbol of worldly power and false religion—and instead live as ambassadors of God's eternal kingdom, pointing others to truth, justice, and hope in Christ.
More: Sabbath School Lesson 4 - The Nations Part I
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