Studying
the book of Joshua, the kids seemed to notice a lot of killing and taking other
people’s lands. Someone asked me why God was directing the Israelites to steal
and kill. That was a very hard question. I was thankful that Phil Vischer on
“What’s In the Bible?” vol 4 answered that question very well. The clip we
watched is on www.whatsinthebible.com. Basically, Phil explained that
since God actually owns the land, He can choose to give it to whomever He
wants. He chose the Israelites to have Canaan. And why did God allow all those
people to die, the real question is why haven’t we been killed? You see,
because of sin, we all deserve death. So, those people who were going against
God and who were preventing the Israelites from fulfilling God’s Rescue Plan,
they deserved to die. We deserve to die. Why don’t we get what we deserve?
Because of what Christ did for us on the cross. He died for us so we wouldn’t
have to. That is God’s Rescue Plan!!!
We
continued with reviewing the next battle in Joshua in chapter 10. This one was
about a very big request from Joshua to God. Joshua asked God to stop the sun so
they could win the battle. God did it!! That is amazing!! Our Big Question was
“What does God do when we pray? He answers us and saves us." Yes, He
always answers us. It might be a “YES”, “NO” or “WAIT”; but He always answers
us.
In Sunday School, your kids learned about “Joshua’s
Final Encouragement.” Joshua was an old man—120 years
old!—but his life was a testament of God’s faithfulness to His people.
God had promised when the Israelites began the conquest of Canaan
that God would be with Joshua wherever he went. (Joshua 1:9) Joshua reminded
the Israelites about the history of their nation, from the covenant first made
to Abraham to the banks of the Jordan River when the Israelites crossed over on
dry ground. Joshua also reminded the Israelites that God fought all of their
battles. Not one of God’s promises to His people failed. Isn’t that a pretty
awesome encouragement? We serve a God who keeps His promises!
Joshua reminded the Israelites that they still lived among people
who worshiped false gods, false gods that could lead the people away from
following the one true God. Joshua made it clear: the Israelites could not sit
on the fence. They could not worship Yahweh one day and the Baals the next.
Joshua drew the line in the sand and told them to choose. Joshua said, “As
for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” The Israelites made a
covenant to serve Yahweh. Joshua read the book of the Law, and made an altar to
seal their commitment to God.
How can we show our commitment to God? We can serve, worship,
and obey God. As you talk about Joshua’s legacy of faith with your kids, point
to an even greater legacy of faith. After Christ’s resurrection, He sent His
disciples out to tell the nations about Him. Jesus calls all people who trust
in Him to tell others about Him.
Just in case the “Family Journal Page” didn't make it home:
Bible
Passage: Joshua 23:1-24:28
Big Picture Question: How can we show we love God? We can serve, worship, and obey
God.
Key passage: “But if serving
the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you
will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods
of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household,
we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15
Christ
Connection: As
Joshua prepared for his own death, he left behind a legacy of obedience to God.
After Jesus’ death and resurrection, He appeared to the disciples and left them
with a legacy: to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey
everything Jesus commanded. (Matthew 28:19-20)
Family
task: Discover a way your family can serve
others during the week. Consider making dinner for a neighbor, babysitting for
a friend, visiting a nursing home, serving at a homeless shelter, picking up
litter in the neighborhood, and so forth. Share how your service to others
shows your love for them. Share some ways you can show your love to God by
serving Him.
Next
week's lesson: Judges
3:7-31
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