God acted powerfully to set the people free from slavery, now God spells out the way in which this newly free people can live well together. We would do well to recall both God’s acts of power for us, and God’s words of instruction for us.
Worship this week with Holy Communion —
Saturday — 5:00 p.m. in the chapel
Sunday — 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
9:30 a.m. Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship
October 4-5, 2014 Promises Kept – Covenant & Commandments
The people of Israel had been slaves in Egypt for over 400 years – many generations. They had forgotten how to govern themselves, as they had been ordered how to live by the Egyptians since birth. Many had likely learned to worship the Egyptian gods of their masters. When they were delivered from slavery in Egypt, they were like sheep without a shepherd.
God gave them what they needed first: deliverance, shelter (they set up camp), and food (manna and quail). Next, God set out to teach them how to govern themselves under God’s rule. God gave Moses Ten Commandments to bring to the people as basic tenants for living safely and peacefully. God’s Ten Commandments were not restrictions as much as they were promises. In each commandment, God promises (explicitly or implicitly) safety, God’s presence, prosperity, serenity, and long life.
Daily Devotions for this week:
Read:Follow the story of how Joshua took Jericho after Moses’ death. See how God led the Israelites during this time.
Sunday, Exodus 19:3-7; 20:1-17, Covenant and Commandments
Monday, Deuteronomy 34:1-12, Moses Dies
Tuesday, Joshua 1:1-9, God’s Commission to Joshua
Wednesday, Joshua 2:1-21, Spies Sent to Jericho
Thursday, Joshua 3:1-17, Israel Crosses the Jordan
Friday, Joshua 6:1-14, Jericho Taken and Destroyed
Saturday, Joshua 6:15-27, Jericho Destroyed and Rahab Spared
- How did God lead the Israelites, through Joshua, during this time of transition into the Promised Land? How did God keep God’s promises?
- What gods are served in your community other than God (sports, money, progress, etc.)? Which gods fail to live up to their promises?
- Which commandments do you find hardest to follow? What gets in your way of following God’s laws?
Precious Creator, in the reading of your word, make us a faithful people. Shape our lives to bring glory to your name. Amen.
