Weekly Guide：Week 18
May 27, 2018
Forward
We are continuing the reading on the Book of Deuteronomy. May the Lord’s word renew you all each day!
Question
- What did Moses say about divorcing the wife, treating newly wedded wife, the widow, the fatherless, and flogging the guilty?
- What is the The Family of the Unsandaled?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
Chapter 24, a man may divorce his wife if he finds something indecent about her but must write a certificate of divorce. The newly wedded man must not be sent to war or have any other duty laid on him for a year so he can bring happiness to his wife. Because the Israelites have been slaves in Egypt, they should not take advantage of the poor, must be compassionate, should not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice, must help them and give them dignity. It is evil to kidnap and treat or sell others as slaves. Be very careful with skin diseases. Each will die for their own sins, family should not be put to death for them.
-
Chapter 25, the guilty should not be punished for more than the crime deserve. One must carry on his brother’s name or become the The Family of the Unsandaled. Even when desperate to help her husband, a woman should not seize other man’s private part. Trade must be done fairly "For the Lord your God detests anyone who does these things, anyone who deals dishonestly." Do not forget to blot out the name of Amalek.
Meditation: My Story
- Community - God wants Israelites to be compassionate to the foreigners, widows, and the fatherless. He wants them to be helped with dignity. He wants Israelites to be sympathetic and flexible to the poor. Not causing them insurmountable difficulties. God is full of mercy and grace to us. Have I been harsh toward others?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
- What did Moses say about the firstfruits and the third year?
- What about the three
“this day”?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
After entering the promised land, the Israelites must offer the firstfruit, and proclaim God’s redemption and blessings.
-
The tenth of produce each third year must be put aside for the Levites, foreigners, widows, and the fatherless and proclaim that God’s commands have not been forgotten.
-
Moses repeated three times "this day" the Israelites have made a covenant with God, that God is their God and they are His people. They have become His treasured possession as He promised.
-
Chapter 26 completes of the declaration of the law and regulations started in chapter 12.
Meditation: My Story
- Integrity - All the goodness in my life comes from God. I should be willing to give a tenth of what God gave me back to Him like Abel. Ask God to help me remember all the blessings He has given to me over the years. Ask Him to help me to give tithe willingly.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
- What did Moses command?
- Whom did the Levitical priests say would be cursed?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
Israelites’ livelihood depends on their relationship with God. The relationship depends on their obedience to God’s law. So, they were to write all the words of the law on some large plaster coated stones when they entered the promised land.
-
Moses and the Levitical priests said to all Israel that they have become God’s people and must follow the commands and decrees given to them. Moses commanded six tribes to bless the people on Mount Gerizim and six tribes to pronounce curses on Mount Ebal. The Levites would recite to the people that anyone who dishonors their parents, moves boundary stone, leads blind astray, withholds justice from foreigners or fatherless or widows, has sex with animal, incests or dishonors his father’s bed, kills in secret, kills innocent, does not uphold the law by carrying them out would be cursed.
Meditation: My Story
- Walking with God - We always pick blessings over curses when asked. In reality, we often submit to our own fleshly desires and prides. We forget the sin behind the desires and prides. Let me atone in front of God, ask Him to purify my hear and sanctify me.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What testimonies did Moses give to plea to the Israelites to obey God’s commands?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
- Moses reiterated again the great miracles and wonders of God from the past to appeal to the people to abide by the covenant with God. The commands were not too difficult for them or beyond their reach.
"The word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it." However, if their hearts turn away from God and not obedient, "all the curses written in this book will fall on them." But when they and their children return to God and obey God with all their hearts and souls, then God will restore their fortunes and have compassion on them.
Meditation: My Story
- Walking with God - What God wants from me is not hard to do. It is my choice to let go many things right in front of my eyes because the reward is that glorious crown waiting for me in heaven. Let me reaffirm my goal before God, to walk on that narrow but the righteous path to the eternal life.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Scripture Reading
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
- What did Moses write in the song?
- What were the blessings to the twelve tribes?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
Chapter 32: Moses wrote the song by God’s command to recall God’s blessings, people’s rebellion, the punishments that followed, and God’s promises and redemption. The song proclaimed that God is the rock and He is the only God. Moses asked the people to take all the words to heart so they can command their children to obey. The words are not idle; The words are their life. God once again told Moses he will not enter the land of Canaan for he did not uphold God’s holiness at the waters of Meribah.
-
Chapter 33: Moses’ blessing to the twelve tribes. It began with God’s glory and ended with praises to the graces the people have received. It is such a blessing being chosen by God and His mercy can be seen easily through Moses’ blessing even though Israel would eventually fail.
Meditation: My Story
- Integrity - The rebellious people of Israel worshiped those useless false gods. We, too, often spend much energy pursuing those temporary pleasures and corruptible materials. Like the children who see only the sand on a beautiful beach, we forget the eternal treasure in heaven. Pray to God to help me see beyond my nose, help me see what He has planned for me in heaven.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
- What were Moses’ final words to Joshua, the priests, the Levites, and the elders?
- What did God say to Moses and Joshua?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
Moses could not enter the promised land because God did not allow him and he was old. However, God brought up Joshua to lead the Israelites to cross the Jordan river, to go into the land of Canaan, to destroy the nations on that land. Moses encouraged Joshua in front of all Israel that God will be with him.
-
Moses commanded the Levitical priests and elders to read to all Israel the law every seventh year, the year of cancelling debts, so they can learn to fear God.
-
God said to Moses and Joshua that the people will forsake Him and break the covenant. He told Moses to write down a song "so that it may be a witness for me against them."
-
Moses finished writing the words of the Book of the Law and placed it beside the ark of covenant as a witness against Israel.
Meditation: My Story
- Integrity - Moses passed on to Joshua the duty of leading the people to war and to go into the land of Canaan. The burden laid upon Joshua seemed to be unbearably heavy from man’s point of view. However, like the faith he had when first scouted in the land of Canaan, Joshua had complete faith that God will fight for Israel. What prevents me from accepting God’s calling? Pray to God to strengthen my faith in Him.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Does God's promise ever fail?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Ishmael's descendants. God's promise is never unfulfilled.
+ As God has promised, Ishmael became the father of 12 tribes.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Fidelity** - Ishmael was conceived by human will. Although he was not the chosen son but God still blessed him. Ishmael was the ancestor of the Arabs today. How should I treat the descendants of Ishmael?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did the chosen son continue with his life?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ The eighth segment of the family story. The House of Isaac, the chosen son of God. The birth of the two sons of Isaac and their struggle.
+ Rebekah gave birth to twin sons for Isaac. According to God's promise, the second son Jacob was going to be stronger than the first son Esau. Jacob bought the birthright of the first born from Esau with red stew. Esau despised his birthright. Isaac stayed in Gerar of Philistine according to God's will. Isaac lied about Rebekah as his sister. Isaac was asked to leave because he had gotten too powerful. Isaac backed down from the disputes of the wells. God led him to a vast land. Philistine made treaty with Isaac.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Although Jacob took seriously God's promise, he chose to take matter into his own hands to gain the birthright by fraudulent means and caused family tension. Am I pursuing God's promise by my own way? How should I seek blessings from God?
+ **Community** - Jacob chose peace in the dispute of the well and God led him to a vast land. Am I facing similar situations? Can I find peaceful resolutions?
+ **Integrity** - Isaac lied as Abraham did for his own safety. This might have been a trait passed down from father to son. Am I passing down the sinful traits to my descendants when I'm building my own family and bringing up my children? Ask God to help me repent and to purify me.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did God's promise and blessings continue?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Jacob got Isaac's blessing through deception and fled.
+ Isaac wanted to bless Esau but was old and had no clear vision. Rebekah helped Jacob to deceive Isaac and gotten the blessing that was meant for Esau. Esau was mad and wanted to kill Jacob. Jacob followed his parents' will and fled to Laban. Isaac blessed Jacob before he left and reaffirmed the covenant God has made with him. Jacob met God and prayed to Him.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Jacob pursued God's blessing not His presence. God found Jacob instead and changed his life. Do I prioritize God's blessing over His presence? Pray to God to help me know him and follow him, one step at a time.
+ **Integrity** - Although Isaac loved Esau more than Jacob, he obeyed God to bless Jacob when he learned His will. Obedience was a standout character of Isaac. Have I ever disobeyed God? How does Isaac's example remind and help me to be obedient?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did Jacob's descendants increase as God promised?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ The story of Jacob's 12 sons, the ancestor of the Israel's 12 tribes.
+ Jacob started off from where He met God and went to stay with his uncle Laban. Laban tricked Jacob to marry Leah. God blessed Jacob with increased wealth and offspring.
+ Even with trickery, people cannot change God's promise. God always faithfully lead those who lean on Him, however sinful they might be, onto the righteous path.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Leah was not as pretty as her sister and wasn't loved as much by her husband. But God blessed Leah and she moved her focus from her husband to God. What does this remind me of? Where's my value and what is my worth?
+ Walk with God - Jacob learned a lot about God and grew in faith during the 12 years he worked for Laban. Have I ever been treated unfairly in my own job and life? How did God lead me to know Him deeper? How did my relationship with God grow in prayer?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did God transform Jacob, the son of promise?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Jacob's transformation and meeting with Esau.
+ Jacob was full of fear as he went toward home. But God wrestled with him and transformed him. God changed Jacob's name to Israel and he reconciled with his brother Esau.
+ God changes people when they lose all hopes.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Jacob tried to reconcile with Esau through his own way. But was full of fear when he heard Esau had come with 400 people. He tried to hold onto God under this desperate situation and God removed Jacob's power, changed and blessed him. Under what kind of situations do I try to hold onto God? How does God bless me? Think back and remember what God has done for me. Have I grown to know Him more?
+ **Integrity** - Jacob's life had changed completely after this. He became humble and submissive when met with Esau. How did God change my life through my experiences?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What became of Jacob and his family?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ The character of Jacob's sons and death of Jacob.
+ Jacob's daughter Dinah was defiled by Shechem when she went visit the women of the land. Her brothers deceived and killed all Shechem's men while they were still in pain, looted their city, took their women and children. This horrific act put Jacob's family in great danger. Jacob listened to God to purify his entire family and moved back to Bethel.
+ God wants to set apart His people from the world.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Dinah put herself in danger. Her brothers caused much suffering through their fleshly rage and revenge. Jacob saw his inadequacy in leading his family. He therefore followed God's will and purified his entire family to serve only the one true God. How does this story remind me of my own responsibilities in raising my family?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
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Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What did God do when Pharaoh's heart continued to harden?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Pharaoh never completely obeyed God and continued to bargain in "partial submission" even after so many plagues. God is all knowing and omnipotent. There is no bargaining with God because His will is always accomplished.
+ God commanded Moses to tell his descendants everything happened in Egypt. God works wonders and we ought to proclaim in His name.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Moses transformed from a cowardly and undecisive person to a faithful servant of God who was able to stand up against the Pharaoh on all things. What kind of transformations can I see from a person who walks with God? What can I learn from Moses?
+ **Integrity** - Gone through plagues after plagues, Pharaoh continued to rebel against God because of his pride. Do I truly know God's greatness? Am I willing to submit to Him completely?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What was God's tenth plague when Pharaoh's heart was still hardened and refused to let the Israelites go?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Many Jewish holidays came directly from God. Passover was one of them. It was to commemorate the blessings they received when God led them out of Egypt.
+ They followed God's command by putting the blood of lamb on the door frames. Any family did not do so had their first born killed. Israel must kill the lamb and protect themselves with its blood. This foretells Jesus Christ as the lamb that bleed for all men's sins.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Eating in hast on the Passover, putting on travel clothing, and getting ready to leave are Israelites' display of faith. They acted on faith for God's promise to lead them out of Egypt. Do I need faith to prepare myself for God's promises that are yet to come?
+ **Fidelity** - Moses summoned all the elders to give them the instructions for Passover. Everyone obeyed willingly. Obeying God's commands, Moses and Arron finally got the respect from Israelites. How does this remind me of those who serve God? How I should view them?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did God lead Israelites out of Egypt?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ In the days of Exodus, God used the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire to lead the Israelites every day so they would not get lost.
+ It was a great challenge facing the Red Sea. Israelites experienced God's great power in His faithfulness and salvation.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Moses brought along Joseph's bones because Joseph told the Israelites: "God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up from this place." A faithful servant of God continues to testify for Him even after he dies. What can I learn from this?
+ **Fidelity** - Israelites complained against Moses when facing the impassable Red Sea. But Moses continued to comfort them asking them to have faith in God. Moses' faith in God and positive attitude were admirable. Can I learn to have faith in God when I face difficulties in my life?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did Moses, Miriam, and Israelites paise God?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ The account of Moses, Miriam, and Israelites praised God for what He had done.
+ Song of Moses praised God for His glory, His majestic power, His win over the enemies, with His love, He redeemed His people. God reigns for ever and ever.
+ In Miriam's song, she praised God for His victory over the enemies.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Do I remember God and praise Him for everything He has done when I experience His blessings?
+ **Community** - Moses, Miriam, and whole Israelites sang to praise God. Am I praising God with all of God's people?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did God supply the Israelites in the deserts?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ After bringing them out of Egypt, God supplied the Israelites for all their needs in the deserts.
+ Israelites complained to Moses and Aaron for the lack of food and water. God supplied them with quail, manna, and water from the rock.
+ God taught the Israelites to obey His commands and laws in addition to supplying their daily needs.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - God tested the Israelites after they were brought out of Egypt to see if they would obey Him. When I follow God, I may be tested, too. What are my answers to His tests?
+ **Integrity** - Whenever they are not fully satisfied with their material needs, the Israelites complained and forgot God's blessings and sovereignty. They experienced God's mighty power but could not remember His teachings and commands. Do I often complaint that God and His servants don't conform to my will?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did Moses fight the Amalekites and how did he govern the Israelites?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Moses commanded Joshua to fight the Amalekites and devised organizational structure to govern the Israelites.
+ Israelites won the war with Amalekites because Moses held up in his hands the staff of God with help from Aaron and Hur.
+ Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, helped him to build the organizational structure for governance.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Community** - Israelites were wining when Moses raise his hands. Losing when he grew tired. It was with Aaron and Hur's help that Moses was able to keep his hands up. Do I value my fellow Christians' contributions when serving the Lord?
+ **Fidelity** - Besides faith, wisdom is also needed when serving. Moses distributed the responsibilities, so he would not become the bottle neck. How am I co-working with my fellow Christians as a team when serving the Lord?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What did Moses say about divorcing the wife, treating newly wedded wife, the widow, the fatherless, and flogging the guilty? What is the Family of the Unsandaled?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Chapter 24, a man may divorce his wife if he finds something indecent about her but must write a certificate of divorce. The newly wedded man must not be sent to war or have any other duty laid upon him for a year so he can bring happiness to his wife. Because the Israelites had been slaves in Egypt, they should not take advantage of the poor, must be compassionate, should not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice, must help them and give them dignity. It is evil to kidnap and treat or sell others as slaves. Be very careful with skin diseases. The guilty will die for their own sins, family should not be put to death for them.
+ Chapter 25, the guilty should not be punished for more than the crime deserves. One must carry on his brother's name or become The Family of the Unsandaled. Even when desperate to help her husband, a woman should not seize other man's private part. Trade must be done fairly "For the Lord your God detests anyone who does these things, anyone who deals dishonestly." Do not forget to blot out the name of Amalek.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Community** - God wants Israelites to be compassionate to the foreigners, widows, and the fatherless. He wants them to be helped with dignity. He wants Israelites to be sympathetic and flexible to the poor. Not causing them insurmountable difficulties. God is full of mercy and grace to us. Have I been harsh toward others?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What did Moses say about the firstfruits and the third year? What about the thrice repeated phrase "this day?"
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ After entering the promised land, the Israelites must offer the firstfruit, and proclaim God's redemption and blessings.
+ The tenth of produce each third year must be put aside for the Levites, foreigners, widows, and the fatherless and proclaim that God's commands have not been forgotten.
+ Moses repeated three times "this day" the Israelites have made a covenant with God, that God is their God and they are His people. They have become His treasured possession as He promised.
+ Chapter 26 completes the declaration of the law and regulations started in chapter 12.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - All the goodness in my life are from God. I should be willing to give a tenth of what God gave me back to Him like Abel did. Ask God to help me remember all the blessings He has given to me over the years. Ask Him to help me to give tithe willingly.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What did Moses command? Whom did the Levitical priests say would be cursed?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Israelites' livelihood depended on their relationship with God. The relationship depended on their obedience to God's law. So, they were to write all the words of the law on some large plaster coated stones when they entered the promised land.
+ Moses and the Levitical priests said to all Israel that they have become God's people and must follow the commands and decrees given to them. Moses commanded six tribes to bless the people on Mount Gerizim and six tribes to pronounce curses on Mount Ebal. The Levites would recite to the people that anyone who dishonors their parents, moves boundary stone, leads blind astray, withholds justice from foreigners or fatherless or widows, has sex with animal, incest or dishonors his father's bed, kills in secret, kills innocent, does not uphold the law by carrying them out would be cursed.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - We always pick blessings over curses when asked. In reality, we often submit to our own fleshly desires and prides. We forget the sin behind the desires and prides. Let me atone in front of God, ask Him to purify my hear and sanctify me.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What testimonies did Moses give to the Israelites, pleading to them to obey God's commands?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Moses reiterated again the great miracles and wonders of God from the past to appeal to the people to abide by the covenant with God. The commands were not too difficult for them or beyond their reach: "The word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it." However, if their hearts turn away from God and not obedient: "All the curses written in this book will fall on them." But when they and their children return to God and obey God with all their hearts and souls, then God will restore their fortunes and have compassion on them.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - What God wants from me is not hard to do. It is my choice to let go many things right in front of my eyes because the reward is that glorious crown waiting for me in heaven. Let me reaffirm my goal before God, to walk on that narrow but the righteous path to the eternal life.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What were Moses' final words to Joshua, the priest, the Levites, and the elders? What did God say to Moses and Joshua?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Moses could not enter the promised land because God did not allow him and he was old. However, God brought up Joshua to lead the Israelites to cross the Jordan river, to go into the land of Canaan, to destroy the nations on that land. Moses encouraged Joshua in front of all Israel that God will be with him.
+ Moses commanded the Levitical priests and elders to read to all Israel the law every seventh year, the year of cancelling debts, so they can learn to fear God.
+ God said to Moses and Joshua that the people will forsake Him and break the covenant. He told Moses to write down a song "so that it may be a witness for me against them."
+ Moses finished writing the words of the Book of the Law and placed it beside the ark of covenant as a witness against Israel.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - Moses passed on to Joshua the duty of leading the people to war and to go into the land of Canaan. The burden laid upon Joshua seemed to be unbearably heavy from man's point of view. However, like the faith he had when first scouted in the land of Canaan, Joshua had complete faith that God will fight for Israel. What prevents me from accepting God's calling? Pray to God to strengthen my faith in Him.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What did Moses write in the song? What were the blessings to the twelve tribes?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Chapter 32: Moses wrote the song by God's command to recall God's blessings, people's rebellion, the punishments that followed, and God's promises and redemption. The song proclaimed that God is the rock and He is the only God. Moses asked the people to take all the words to heart so they can command their children to obey. The words are not idle; The words are their life. God once again told Moses that he will not enter the land of Canaan for he did not uphold God's holiness at the waters of Meribah.
+ Chapter 33: Moses' blessing to the twelve tribes. It began with God's glory and ended with praises to the graces the people have received. It is such a blessing being chosen by God and His mercy can be seen easily through Moses' blessing even though Israel would eventually fail.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - The rebellious people of Israel worshiped those useless false gods. We, too, often spend much energy pursuing those temporary pleasures and corruptible materials. Like the children who see only the sand on a beautiful beach, we forget the eternal treasure in heaven. Pray to God to help me see beyond my nose, help me see what He has planned for me in heaven.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
Prayer
Notes and Responses