Archive for the ‘Israelites’ tag
Gideon: October 14, 2012
The text for this lesson is Judges 6:11–7:25.
Key Point
- Christ, the light of the world, overcomes the darkness of sin and death, even as God overcame Israel’s enemy while the light streamed from the lamps of Gideon’s men.
- Law: Because of sin, I love the works of darkness and I think darkness can hide my sin.
- Gospel: Christ, the light of the world, exposes and overcomes sin and grants me life and salvation through the cross.
Discussion Points
- Can you recall a time when you were surrounded by darkness that was either unexpected or complete? How did you feel? How did you react?
- In Judges 6:1–6, the Israelites are living in dark times, literally and spiritually. Read these verses. How does God chastise Israel for doing evil? What effect does this have?
- Read Judges 6:11–24. How does the Angel of the Lord describe Gideon? How does Gideon describe himself? What can you tell about Gideon from these descriptions and his actions?
- Read Judges 6:25–32. Gideon has tested God, asking for a sign. What is God’s first mission for Gideon? What does the people’s response tell us about the state of Israel’s faith? How do the words of Gideon’s father set up the rest of the story?
- Read Judges 6:33–7:8. What is God teaching Gideon through everything that happens in these verses?
- Read Judges 7:9–18. How does God reassure Gideon one more time? How does Gideon respond?
- Read Judges 7:19–25. Picture the scene as you read it. What part did Gideon and Israel’s soldiers play in this victory? How did God intervene?
- God defeated the Midianites using only a loud sound and a flash of light in the darkness. How did the darkness contribute to the Midianites’ defeat? How does sin affect us the same way?
- In John 8:12, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” How does Jesus conquer the darkness of sin? How do we follow Jesus? Read John 12:35–36. What does it mean to be a “son of the Light”?
June 20, 2010: God Controls the Sun and the Moon
The text for this lesson is Joshua 10:1-15
Discussion Points
- What was the Amorite kings’ battle plan?
- What did the men of Gibeon do?
- Did Joshua think the Gibeonites deserved to be punished for tricking him and the Israelites?
- What do the words of encouragement for Joshua in verse 8 mean? How are they also words of encouragement for you?
- What is Joshua’s prayer to the Lord?
- Why do you think he petitioned God for the sun and moon to stand still?
- What is important to know about this miracle?
- How did God fight for Joshua and the Israelites?
- How did God make time stand still?
- What can we learn from Joshua in this story?
November 16, 2008: Saul Becomes King
The text for this lesson is 1 Samuel 8:1—10:27; 11:12–15.
Key Points
- Though God lets us have our own way at times, His is the way of forgiving and saving, which He did for His people of old and for us today.
- Law: “Be careful what you wish for,” we’re often told. This is very good advice for sinners, since we wish—indeed, we crave—the very things that lead to our undoing. We “Israels” clamor for our own “Sauls,” no matter how much God warns us that we are like thirsty travelers begging for salty water.
- Gospel: The Lord knows what we need, both in terms of discipline and in terms of grace. As a loving Father, He upholds us, even when we bear the painful consequences of our own choices. He forgives us our faults and sustains our hopes. For in Christ, we are His children, beloved beyond words.
October 19, 2008: Gideon
The text for this lesson is Judges 6:11–7:25.
Key Points
- Christ, the light of the world, overcomes the darkness of sin and death, even as God overcame Israel’s enemy while the light streamed from the lamps of Gideon’s men.
- Sin darkens my heart so that I love the things of darkness and I love to hide my sin in darkness. Christ is the light of the world who exposes and overcomes the darkness of sin and grants me salvation.
- Law: Darkness is the sinner’s friend. Sinners love it, as Jesus says (John 3:19). We do things at midnight we would never dare do at midday. As we do, spiritual darkness envelops us, cutting us off from Him who is Light of Light.
- Gospel: Light is good, for it chases away the darkness, revealing and enlivening. The new Jerusalem, says St. John, never sees darkness (Revelation 22:5). Christ, the light of the world, overcomes the darkness, even as Gideon overcame the enemy with the light streaming from the lamps of his men. The Good News of Christ’s salvation, trumpeted forth, illumines our darkened hearts so that we might see Him who is life and light and love.
September 28, 2008: Entering the Promised Land
The text for this lesson is Joshua 3:1—5:12.
Key Points
- At the Jordan River, led by Joshua, Israel left the desert and entered the Promised Land of milk and honey; in the water of our Baptism, led by Christ, we leave behind the desert of sin, death, and Satan and enter into our heavenly promised land.
- Law: In sin, I am ever-complaining and unrepentant, wearily wandering in the desert of death, determined to go my own way.
- Gospel: In Baptism, Christ lifts me from the grave, joins me to His own baptism and His own body, the Church, and leads me and the Church into the land of rest.
- Bible Words: Titus 3:5.
- Faith Words: Ark of the Covenant, Jordan River, Promised Land, tribe.
- Catechism: Holy Baptism
September 21, 2008: The Bronze Serpent
The text for this lesson is Numbers 21:4–9.
Key Points:
- As the bronze serpent was lifted up to heal and save the Israelites from the snakes, so Christ was lifted up on the cross to heal and save us from sin, death, and the devil.
- Law: I have been bitten and poisoned by sin and death and foolishly complain when life is not what I want or expect.
- Gospel: God calls me to repentance and points me to Christ, who heals me by His death and resurrection.
- Catechism: 2nd Article of the Creed
