Bob Dylan sang it years ago: “You gotta serve somebody”. This week we read a recap of all that the Lord had done for God’s people, then in light of all God has done, Joshua asks the people to “Choose this day who you will serve … but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15) Daily we are still posed the same question.
Worship this week:
Saturday – 5:00 p.m. Worship in chapel
Sunday – 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
9:30 a.m. – Sunday School
10:30 a.m. – Contemporary Worship
Devotions for the week ahead:
October 11-12, 2014 Promises Kept — Joshua Renews the Covenant
The first generation of Israelites to be freed from slavery in Egypt proved unfaithful to God, creating and worshiping idols for themselves, despite the overwhelming evidence that God had just delivered them from bondage. As a punishment for their wickedness, God did not allow them to enter the Promised Land, but instead they wandered the wilderness for 40 years; essentially a generation.
The second generation of Israelites were given the gift that their ancestors were denied. God led them into the Promised Land. The land God promised to Abraham and his descendants had finally been given to them. God remained faithful to God’s promise to Abraham, even when God’s people remained unfaithful to God.
Read: Follow the story of how Samuel became the judge who anointed David as king.
Sunday, Joshua 24:1-15, Joshua Renews the Covenant
Monday, 1 Samuel 1:1-28, Samuel’s Birth and Dedication
Tuesday, 1 Samuel 3:1-18, Samuel’s Calling and Prophecies
Wednesday, 1 Samuel 7:3-15, Samuel as Judge
Thursday, 1 Samuel 8:1-22, Israel Demands a King
Friday, 1 Samuel 9:27 – 10:8, Saul Anointing as King
Saturday, 1 Samuel 16:1-13, David Anointed as King
- Why did the people want a king? What did God want for the people? How did Samuel choose the kings?
- How are leaders in your community chosen? What might it look like to trust in God rather than trusting in people?
- What covenants or agreements have you made with God? Are these healthy (commitment to follow) or unhealthy (bargaining) agreements? What commitment can you make to God this week?
God of grace, your word inspires our faith. Speak so that we may clearly see the options we face and have wisdom to choose those that draw us to you. Amen.
