
Adult Sabbath School is meeting in the sanctuary at 9:30 a.m.. There is one adult class upstairs and all the children's classes will meet downstairs. Everyone is welcome! |
Lesson From a Plant - “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” Hebrews 12:2 NIV
When Jerry and I celebrated our 58th wedding anniversary in August, we received several cards from church members. When Gayla Shutt handed me a card, she also handed me a plant which she said was called a Prayer Plant. I thought that was an unusual name for a plant, but as I have been watching this plant, I have found it to be very interesting. Gayla said the plant should have water a couple times a week and should be close to some light.
During the course of a day this plant will lean way out towards the light. Periodically throughout the day I turn the plant for all sides to benefit from the light. I also noticed and then read that “The leaves have a habit of laying flat during the day and folding in an erect position at night as if in prayer” -- hence, the name Prayer Plant. Of course, the spiritual lesson from this plant is obvious: First – a Prayer Plant – “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thess. 5:17) Second – It continually reaches for the light – our need for a continual reaching to Jesus, the “Light of the world.”
It had been an exciting day. Jesus had fed more than 5000 people with a little boy’s lunch. The crowd along with the disciples were certain Jesus was the long-looked-for Deliverer from the Romans. They were ready to crown Him King. But Jesus understands things differently so He immediately dismisses the crowd and tells the disciples to get in the boat and return to Capernaum. The disciples were very unhappy and upset about this change in their plans. Mrs. White says something very interesting about this. She says because “their thoughts were stormy and unreasonable, the Lord gave them something else to . . . occupy their minds.” (Desire of Ages, p. 380) A terrible storm came up, so fierce that they feared for their lives.
Then when they thought all was lost, they see Jesus walking to them on the water. Peter tells Jesus he wants to come to Him, and Jesus says simply “Come.” As long as Peter keeps his eyes on Jesus, he walks securely. But when the waves roll high and his eyes are no longer on Jesus, he begins to sink. Jesus grasps Peter’s hand and saves him. Just like Peter the only way we can walk securely is to keep our eyes on Jesus.
Thinking of this story of Peter and my Prayer Plant reminds me of the song “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.”
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.”
May we keep our eyes on Jesus – everyday – all day.
Sharon Oster