Weekly Guide：Week 20
June 10, 2018
Forward
We continue reading the Book of Joshua this week.
This book is a continuation of the Pentateuch of Moses. It is the promise God made to Israelites’ ancestor, a record of realization of man co-working with God. How did the Israelites lead by Joshua rely on God when faced with the unknown enemy in Canaan? Fear is an emotional response when facing danger and it intensifies in unstable environment. The fear of failure clouded the Israelites when the battle was about to begin. They feared their lack of ability to conquer the land, they feared their lack of ability to withstand the tests.
The power of darkness does exist in the real world, but panic is not a beneficial emotion. The reassurance God gave Joshua continue to provide the following four encouragements to those who face challenges today: First, knowledge of our identity and value brings us the missional life in Christ Jesus; Second, the word of God guides us so we wont get lost; Then, God gives us the spiritual community, church, to unite all Christians as one; Above all, God is with us so that we are strong and courageous no matter where we go.
May our Lord’s word renew you all each day!
Question
What was effect of the victories in Jericho and Ai had with the people in the south?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
Joshua and the leaders of Israelites did not consult with the Lord and was deceived by the Gibeonites (Hivites, 9:7, 11:19) to make peace treaty with them in violation of God’s command (Deu. 7:2).
-
The five kings of the Amorites joined forces to attack Gibeon but was defeated by Joshua and his army. Israelites conquered the southern cities.
Meditation: My Story
-
Walking with God - The Gibeonites deceived the Israelites and made peace treaty with them because Joshua did not consult with God. Satan tries to deceive us, too. So, we must always ask God to know His will. Do I have anything I need to ask God today so that I don’t get deceived by Satan?
-
Integrity - Joshua made the Gibeonites to live among the Israelites after being deceived by them. We too must learn to deal with our mistakes, not overlook them nor overcome by them. Let me examine myself humbly for what I have done wrong and ask God to remind myself of my weaknesses.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
How did the Israelites conquer the cities in the north?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
After defeating the kings in the south, the Israelites turned north and conquered the northern kings.
-
Chapter 12 summarize the kings defeated by Joshua: two kings to the east of Jordan River and thirty-one kings to the west of Jordan River.
Meditation: My Story
-
Integrity - Forty years ago Israelites feared the Anakites. Forty years later, Joshua and the Israelites relied on God to defeat these giants. Are there giants in my life that seem insurmountable? How may I lean on the Lord to defeat them?
-
Fidelity - We see God throughout the Book of Joshua. Likewise, today, God is battling in our stead. He can win and has won. Am I keeping a tight grip of the struggles in my job and services as my own or letting God to take control?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
How God had Joshua divide the lands to the tribes of Israel?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
Chapters 13 to 21 tell how the land of Canaan was divided among the Israelites. The realization of God’s promise of land to Abraham and his descendants.
-
God had Joshua divide the lands that are yet to be conquered (eventually conquered by David, 2 Samuel 5, 8).
-
The land to the east of Jordan River were divided up to the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, according to Moses’ command.
Meditation: My Story
-
Identity - The Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh stayed in the east of the Jordan River, did not go into the promised land. Am I a person who is labeled as Christian but falls for the worldly desires and temptations instead of the land God had promised me? Pray and ask God for mercy and help.
-
Fidelity - Some of the lands God had Joshua distribute to the Israelites were yet to be conquered. From God’s point of view, His promises will be accomplished. Yet, we often don’t follow through with His commands because of our weaknesses. God does not tolerate our compromises. God never changes, he knows our needs and stands ready to help us. In the journey of my missional life, what help do I need from God today? Pray and ask God to lead me.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
Which tribe was the first to receive land?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
- Caleb and the tribe of Judah were the first to receive inheritance indicating the importance of the tribe.
Meditation: My Story
-
Identity - The tribe of Judah was the first to receive the inheritance some hundred years after God promised Abraham and Jacob. Being children of God, we also have the inheritance of grace in Jesus Christ. Pray for myself and fellow Christians to give thanks to the Lord for the spiritual home and the status of being Children of God.
-
Fidelity - Caleb co-worked with Joshua for forty years. At age eighty-five, he asked Joshua to give him the hill country occupied by Anakites in their fortified cities because he had faith that God will help him drive out the Anakites. Do I often lax in my services and lust in self-indulgence because I have done enough? Do I serve according to my ability or God’s promise?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
What tribes were the next to receive land?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
- The two tribes of Joseph’s descendant were next to receive their allotments: Ephraim and half tribe of Manasseh.
Meditation: My Story
- Identity - Ephraim was mentioned first in getting their inheritance even though Manasseh was Joseph’s firstborn, because Jacob had put Ephraim ahead of Manasseh (Gen. 48:20). God elected us, the weak, and made us strong. How do I identify myself in Christ Jesus?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Question
How was the inheritance divided up for the rest of the tribes?
Scripture Reading
Meditation: God’s Story
-
The inheritance was divided up in different way than the tribes of Judah and Joseph.
-
The Tribe of Benjamin was first to receive their inheritance which included the yet to be conquered Jerusalem. Then the remaining tribes.
-
The last was allotted to Joshua. The narrative on dividing the inheritance of land started and ended with the two Israelites of previous generation: Caleb and Joshua.
Meditation: My Story
- Community - As the leader of Israel, Joshua waited till the last to receive his inheritance. What can I learn from Joshua’s humbleness to put the benefits of others first?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
Scripture Reading
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How was Israel in Egypt?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Israel settled in Egypt. Joseph continued to serve faithfully and used his power to save even more people. Israel made Jacob promise to take him back to the land where his fathers rest. Israel blessed Joseph's two sons.
+ Although he died in Egypt, Israel was full of hope and faithful to God's promises. God never fails to fulfill his promises.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - Israel worshiped God even on his death bed. There's never an end in walking with God. When do I worship Him? Pray to God to help me follow Him every second of my life.
+ **Identity** - Joseph loved God with all his heart but according to Israel's blessing, God did not elect his tribe as the tribe of Kings. We might believe that Joseph deserved more. Do I often question why some of the Godlier Christians never get blessed with worldly riches? How do I view and submit to God's sovereignty?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What happened to Israel's descendants?
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### Meditation: God's Story
+ Death of Israel. Israel blessed all his sons. Joseph buried Israel in Canaan by his wish. The brothers were still afraid that Joseph would revenge. Joseph comforted them. Joseph died, and like his father, he asked his descendants to take him back to the promised land.
+ Through Israel, God promised the Messiah would descend through Judah.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - The story of Genesis ended but God's work has not. Through Israel's blessing, God promised the coming of Messiah from Judah's descendants. What do I see reflecting on the story of Genesis and connect the stories of God and of man? How does my story connect with God's? What encouragement and hope do I receive?
+ **Community** - It can be depressing and feeling furious when wronged and persecuted by others. Joseph cried but did not revenge. Instead, he comforted his brothers. What can I learn from the grace and gentleness of Joseph to face the persecutions?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What happened to the descendants of Israel in Egypt?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ The background of Exodus. The curtain raiser of God's salvation plan.
+ Israelites were tortured in Egypt, but they grew stronger with God's blessing. Moses was born and saved by God when Pharaoh was killing all newborn male Hebrews. We must remember God is always in control no matter what dangers and circumstances we may face.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - The God-fearing midwives saved the life of eventual Exodus leader, Moses. Am I God-fearing and willing to walk with Him under any circumstances?
+ **Identity** - All Hebrew male infants were being slaughtered when Moses was born. Through God's blessing, Moses was taken by Pharaoh's daughter and grew up in the palace. He killed a person and fled to Midian. Everything happens to a person, be it persecution or setback, comes from God for the good purpose of equipping him/her. How does knowing this fact help me identify myself and recognize my own experiences positively?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What did the descendants of Israel experience in Egypt?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ God is loving and faithful. He has a perfect plan for His people. He listens and cares for them. So, we lean on Him and keep hope in His plan for all who leans on Him will be brought out of darkness into light to experience His abundant blessings.
+ God elected man to work with Him. He needs no one's help because He is omnipotent. And yet, He chooses man to work with Him so that we may experience Him.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - How did Moses feel when God first called on Him? How do I identify myself when I hesitate from answering God's calling?
+ **Fidelity** - God always gave Moses the perfect solution each time he pushed back on His calling. Am I pushing back God's calling because I distrust my own ability to handle rather than depend on Him to supply and equip?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did the first meeting between Moses, Aaron, and Pharaoh go?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Pharaoh laid more burden on Israelites after the first meeting with Moses and Aaron. God might allow many unreasonable things to happen but through them, we get to know better God's power, faith, righteousness, and love.
+ Israelites complained to Moses because they had to do more works. God restated His promise and let Moses know His faith and love to the Israelites.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Community** - God let Aaron to help Moses because he spoke with faltering lips. Do I seek help from others with different gifts, so we can form a unified spiritual team to serve God?
+ **Fidelity** - Israelites bad mouthed Moses when He obeyed God's will. While serving, what should I do when facing complaints? What can I learn from the interactions between Moses and God?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What did God do when Pharaoh failed to let the Israelites leave?
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ God told Moses and Aaron that He would multiply His signs and wonders in Egypt so they would know He is the Lord.
+ Pharaoh would not obey God to let Israelites leave after being warned repeatedly. His heart hardened after each plague. His stubbornness brought destructions to his people and country.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - It is necessary to overcome the bondage of the world to live a Godly life. In Moses' time, it was the Pharaoh. Today, it is money, work, and many other challenges. What did I learn from today's passage to face these challenges?
+ **Fidelity** - Moses repeatedly asked Pharaoh to "let my people go." Moses might have felt frustrated and defeated but he continued to obey and serve God. Can I continue to obey and serve God faithfully like Moses when facing difficult struggles repeatedly?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
{% include BibleLinks2020.html %}
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What are the other instructions for the Tabernacle?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ The other instructions for the Tabernacle, including the altar of incense, atonement money, basin for washing, anointing oil, incense, and craftsmen. God also wanted man to observe Sabbath.
+ God established Tabernacle so He could dwell among His people. He established the Sabbath to indicate the Israelites are set apart and belong to Him. Building Tabernacle and observing Sabbath are the two sides of the same coin of worshiping.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - God established Tabernacle to be with us, sabbath for us to rest, and set apart us to Himself. How do I sanctify myself to make myself His?
+ **Fidelity** - God values our services of all kinds. He filled the craftsmen with His Spirit so they would have the skills and wisdom to serve Him. Do I value the gifts God has given to me to serve Him?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What happened down below when Moses was up in the mountain to see God?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Israelites made a golden calf and broke the covenant with God when they couldn't wait for Moses to come back from the mountain. Moses pleaded to God for forgiveness to the people so that some of them were given a new chance.
+ Here we see God's blessings and love. Although man continued to rebel against God, He continued to keep His promises and give man opportunities to repent.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - God and Moses were talking in the Tabernacle like friends. How could Moses be so close to God when he was not perfect? Besides being chosen by God, Moses also leaned on Him completely. Do I often experience God's presence and walk with Him?
+ **Community** - Moses showed his love for his people. He pleaded for them and was willing to sacrifice for them. Am I willing to forgive and sacrifice for others?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What was the content of the new covenant?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ The narrative of a new covenant from God.
+ Aron announced the "festival to the Lord" with burnt and fellowship offerings during the Golden Calf incident (Exodus 32:5-6) As result, God reiterated the forbiddance on idol worshipping and obedience on festival celebrations.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - God made new covenant with Israelites out of His love for them. Do I go back to God and ask for His forgiveness when I make mistakes? Do I reiterate my willingness to follow His steps?
+ **Integrity** - God asked the Israelites to be faithful and not to worship false gods and idols like the Gentiles. There are different idols and false gods throughout history (money, power, success, games...) What are my idols? How should I win over them?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What were God's instructions in building the Tabernacle?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ God instructed the Israelites to start building the Tabernacle.
+ God instructed the Israelites to first observe the Sabbath, to give willingly, and God would give the craftsmen the wisdom, knowledge, and skills.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - It was expensive to build the Tabernacle and yet, the Israelites had surplus from their offerings. God always provides. How should I view my services, my offerings, and my faith in God?
+ **Fidelity** - Building the Tabernacle required money, material, time, skills, and energy from everyone. They contributed willingly. Am I willingly contributing what I have to serve God?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What are the things around the Tabernacle?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Things around the Tabernacle: The Ark, table, lampstand, altar of incense, alter of burnt offering, basin for washing, courtyard.
+ God elected different people to complete His works. Each person had different skill and responsibility. Moses was the leader and he passed down the instructions from God and commands all workers. Ithamar, son of Aaron, accounted the materials. Bezel and Oholiab were the craftsmen.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - God elected me, gave me a gift and responsibility to serve Him. Do I value my gift and responsibility and know that I am an integral part of His work, a valued vessel?
+ **Fidelity** - God elected different people. Each has his/her own gift and responsibility. Moses was the leader among them, passing down God's instructions. Do I seek God's leading, realize my calling, and value my identity as His vessel when I serve?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What was the last task in building the Tabernacle?
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ The last tasks and the completion of the Tabernacle.
+ Everything used in and for the Tabernacle were made by the craftsmen with their own designs. They were all made as the Lord commanded. The eight occurrences of the phrase "As the Lord commanded" in this chapter signifies the importance of His command.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Community** - The name of the twelve sons were on the priest's garment. Each time the priest went into the Tabernacle, the twelve tribes went in with him. We are being called the Royal Priests in our time. Do I remember to bring with me the prayers of fellow Christians to God?
+ **Fidelity** - Obey is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). A service pleasing to God requires complete obedience. Do I focus on seeking His will and practice "as He commanded" when serving?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
{% include BibleLinks2022.html %}
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What was effect of the victories in Jericho and Ai had with the people in the south?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Joshua and the leaders of Israelites did not consult with the Lord and was deceived by the Gibeonites (Hivites, see 9:7, 11:19) to make peace treaty with them in violation of God's command (Deu. 7:2).
+ The five kings of the Amorites joined forces to attack Gibeon but was defeated by Joshua and his army. Israelites conquered the southern cities.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Walking with God** - The Gibeonites deceived the Israelites and made peace treaty with them because Joshua did not consult with God. Satan tries to deceive us, too. So, we must always ask God to know His will. Do I have anything I need to ask God today so that I don't get deceived by Satan?
+ **Integrity** - Joshua made the Gibeonites to live among the Israelites after being deceived by them. We too must learn to deal with our mistakes, not overlook them nor overcome by them. Let me examine myself humbly for what I have done wrong and ask God to remind myself of my weaknesses.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How did the Israelites conquer the cities in the north?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ After defeating the kings in the south, the Israelites turned to north and conquered the northern kings.
+ Chapter 12 summarizes the kings defeated by Joshua: two kings to the east of Jordan River and thirty-one kings to the west of Jordan River.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Integrity** - Forty years ago Israelites feared the Anakites. Forty years later, Joshua and the Israelites relied on God to defeat these giants. Are there giants in my life that seem insurmountable? How may I lean on the Lord to defeat them?
+ **Fidelity** - We see God throughout the Book of Joshua. Likewise, today, God is battling in our stead. He can win and has won. Am I keeping a tight grip of the struggles in my job and services as my own or letting God to take control?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How God had Joshua divide the lands to the tribes of Israel?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Chapters 13 to 21 document how the land of Canaan was divided among the Israelites. The realization of God's promises to Abraham and his descendants.
+ God had Joshua divide the lands that are yet to be conquered (eventually conquered by David, 2 Samuel 5, 8).
+ The lands to the east of Jordan River were divided up to the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, according to Moses' command.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - The Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh stayed in the east of the Jordan River, did not go into the promised land. Do I label myself a Christian but fall for the worldly desires and temptations instead of the land God had promised me? Pray and ask God for mercy and help.
+ **Fidelity** - Some of the lands God had Joshua distribute to the Israelites were yet to be conquered. From God's point of view, His promises will be accomplished. Yet, we often don't follow through with His commands because of our weaknesses. God does not tolerate our compromises. God never changes. He knows our needs and stands ready to help us. In the journey of my missional life, what help do I need from God today? Pray and ask God to lead me.
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
Which tribe was the first to receive land?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ Caleb and the tribe of Judah were the first to receive inheritance indicating the significance of the tribe.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - The tribe of Judah was the first to receive the inheritance some hundred years after God promised Abraham and Jacob. Being children of God, we have the inheritance of grace in Jesus Christ. Pray for myself and fellow Christians to give thanks to the Lord for the spiritual home and the identity of being Children of God.
+ **Fidelity** - Caleb co-worked with Joshua for forty years. At age eighty-five, he asked Joshua to give him the hill country occupied by Anakites in their fortified cities because he had faith that God will help him drive out the Anakites. Do I often lax in my services and lust in self-indulgence because I feel I have done enough? Do I serve according to my ability or God's promise?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
What tribes were the next to receive land?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ The two tribes of Joseph's descend were next to receive their allotments: Ephraim and half tribe of Manasseh.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Identity** - Ephraim was mentioned first in getting their inheritance even though Manasseh was Joseph's firstborn, because Jacob had put Ephraim ahead of Manasseh (Gen. 48:20). God elected us, the weak, and made us strong. How do I identify myself in Christ Jesus?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
### Question
How was the inheritance divided up for the rest of the tribes?
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
### Meditation: God's Story
+ The inheritance was divided up in different way than the tribes of Judah and Joseph.
+ The Tribe of Benjamin was first to receive their inheritance which included the yet to be conquered Jerusalem. Then the remaining tribes.
+ The last was allotted to Joshua. The narrative on dividing the inheritance of land started and ended with the two Israelites of previous generation: Caleb and Joshua.
### Meditation: My Story
+ **Community** - As the leader of Israel, Joshua waited till the last to receive his inheritance. What can I learn from Joshua's humbleness to put the benefits of others first?
Prayer
Notes and Responses
{% include BibleLinks2024.html %}
Prayer
Notes and Responses