Even though Egypt was nearly destroyed, Pharaoh would not let Israel go. It would take one final dramatic blow to bring Egypt to its knees. This plague would strike so deeply into the heart of every Egyptian that they would demand that the Israelites leave. Every person, from servant to king, would suffer loss. Only the Israelites would be spared – if they followed God’s special instructions. If they followed these instructions to the letter, they would remain unharmed. The Egyptians, on the other hand, would suffer greatly.
Discuss:
Richard Gunther (www.lambsongs.co.nz) | FreeBibleImages.org
What was the last plague that God sent on Egypt?
God gave Moses instructions for the Israelites to follow in order to escape the plague. What were the Israelites commanded to do?
The night that God sent the plague is called the Passover because He passed over every household that followed His special instructions. Why do we still keep Passover today? How is it similar or different to the way the Israelites kept it in Egypt?
What other miracles besides the plagues did God use to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt?
Memory Challenge:
Exodus 14:13-14
And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”
After Moses’ death, God selected Joshua to lead the children of Israel into their new homeland. But it would not be easy! The Canaanites lived there, and would not leave willingly, even though God had promised this land to the Israelites hundreds of years earlier. Joshua knew that God would fight for Israel, if necessary, to fulfill His promise. In Egypt God brought Pharaoh to his knees with plagues, forcing Pharaoh to let the children of Israel go. What miracles would God perform to help His people this time? How would He bring the Israelites into a land flowing with milk and honey? How would God help Israel now?
Discuss:
Sweet Publishing | FreeBibleImages.org
Israel fought many battles to go into the promised land, but who was the one who made sure they won against their enemies?
How did Joshua show loyalty to God?
What were some of the miracles that God performed for the Israelites as they came into the land of Canaan?
Joshua set a good example as Israel’s leader. What are some things we can do to set a good example for others?
Memory Challenge:
Joshua 6:27
So the LORD was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout all the country.
Author: Thomas White | Editorial Dept., Living Church of God
“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your own hand.”
– 1 Chronicles 29:14, Holman Christian Standard Bible
Assembly by Dexter Wakefield
Sometimes I wonder how Christ and the Father can always be happy.
We read throughout Scripture of Their various emotions—anger, sorrow, hatred for sin, even jealousy over those who give their lives to idols. I can sometimes forget that all of these emotions are secondary at best for members of the God Family, because joy, being a fruit of the Spirit, is always first and foremost. Why? What makes God consistently, wholeheartedly happy?
A lot of things, probably, but Mr. Dexter Wakefield wrapped up this week’s assembly by reminding me of one. Spending only a few minutes on it, he offered the quick, powerful analogy that God is running a family business we in His Church are training to inherit, and His business revolves around giving.
It’s God’s Pleasure
Some say you don’t need to enjoy your job, but apparently, God does. His job is giving, He’s never off the clock, and He loves it. Every millisecond of every day, He’s giving us something. He is not obligated to give anything, but He gives everything, and like the ultimate Chick-Fil-A employee, it’s His pleasure.
So, is it ours?
“Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.”
– 2 Corinthians 8:12, New Living Translation
Non-stop Giving?
As Mr. Wakefield pointed out, if we don’t enjoy giving, we’d better, because as Kings and Priests in God’s Kingdom, we’ll be giving on a pretty much everlasting basis. And sure, you think, “But in the Kingdom it’ll be easy. We’ll be God—if we want to give something, we can just poof it into existence like a magician at a soup kitchen.”
And maybe that’s true, but we’ll be spending all of our time giving of ourselves—giving of our wisdom, energy, encouragement, help, and peace. As
humans, we can’t give 24/7—we physically need our own sleep, food, mental rest,
etc. But if we’re supposed to one day give non-stop for eternity, shouldn’t we
be taking every feasible opportunity to give now?
I have to admit that too often, I don’t. A major weakness of
mine is time-hoarding. I’ll give twenty bucks to a stranger with a sad face,
but I get fidgety listening for twenty minutes to a sad story. That’s something
I need to work on, because God endlessly gives time—all of the time we have. We
need patience to truly give, and we need to truly give to have real joy.
“The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”
– Proverbs 11:25, New Living Translation
God’s Business is Giving
God promises that we’ll have abundance if we give to others, but I don’t think that means He’ll make us find replacement cash in our jean pockets after we give someone on the street ten dollars, or that He’ll find a way to give us two hours of free time after we spend an hour unexpectedly helping someone out. No, those who refresh others are refreshed just by having done so. Knowing you’ve been a good part of someone’s life, even for just a few minutes, can fill your entire day with a sense of prosperity.
If we’re having trouble with joy, we may need to grow in generosity—God is never unhappy, and in part, that’s because He’s never not giving.
He has a business to run, after all.
Thomas White was one of the onsite Living Education students for the 2018-2019 semesters. He also has a Bachelor’s Degree in English. Thomas currently works as an Editorial Assistant for the Living Church of God. According to his wife, he eats pizza in entirely the wrong way.
https://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/javier-molina-L58BveBr1FM-unsplash.jpg10001500Jonathan McNairhttps://www.lcgeducation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/logo_basic-website-300x94.pngJonathan McNair2019-09-06 09:23:512021-09-03 14:02:45Second Thoughts: Joy Takes Generosity
During the reign of Solomon the kingdom of Israel had peace, productivity, and prosperity during the reign of Solomon. It was said that gold was so abundant, silver was considered practically worthless. Solomon’s friends respected him and his enemies feared him. God had given Solomon the responsibility to build the temple, a task which Solomon took very seriously. It became clear that God was blessing him and the nation of Israel. Solomon’s fame began to spread far and wide, and many important people including kings and queens came to see for themselves. They could hardly believe what their eyes had seen. The nation of Israel underKing Solomon came to surpass all the kingdoms of the earth in wisdom and riches. Yet, who was really responsible for the prosperity and blessings that the kingdom of Israel enjoyed?
Discuss:
Richard Gunther (www.lambsongs.co.nz) | FreeBibleImages.org
Marriage was often used to establish peace between countries. King Solomon married the daughter of the king of Egypt which achieved this purpose.
Israel had trade agreements with the surrounding nations. Why do you think this would be helpful in having a peaceful kingdom? Though these types of agreements can be helpful, who do we look to as the true source of peace? .
Solomon’s wealth and wisdom attracted many people; one of the more famous was the Queen of Sheba. What was her assessment of the facts when she visited Solomon?
The temple that Solomon built was magnificent! His father David had prepared much of the materials for its construction including gold, silver, precious stones, marble, and wood (1 Chronicles 29:1–5). It took seven years to build, but when it was finished it was very beautiful. What do you think it would have been like to visit Jerusalem after the temple has just been completed?
Solomon worked hard, and God blessed his efforts (Ecclesiastes 2:4–9). God often blesses us by blessing the efforts we put forth. Hard work is a principle that applies to us (Proverbs 10:4).
Memory Challenge:
1 Kings 4:29
And God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore.
As God had commanded, Moses demanded that Pharaoh release the Israelite slaves. As you might expect, Pharaoh refused. The Egyptians had no respect for God, and to the Pharaoh, Moses’ order from God was just a ploy for the Israelites to abandon their work. Before long, however, God would strike the Egyptians with plagues that would show that believing in the Egyptian gods was utter nonsense.
Discuss:
Richard Gunther (www.lambsongs.co.nz) | FreeBibleImages.org
Pharaoh had sorcerers and magicians. What does God’s Word teach us about magic, fortune tellers, etc… (Deuteronomy 18:9–11)?
What plagues did God send on Egypt? Why did God send these particular plagues? What effect do you think each had on everyday life in Egypt?
After the plagues, Egypt had no crops, no fruit trees nor any other trees, and very few livestock. There was only destruction everywhere (Exodus 10:7). Why did God allowed this to happen?
Why do you think Pharaoh continued to have a hard heart?
Memory Challenge:
Exodus 7:5
And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch out My hand on Egypt and bring out the children of Israel from among them.
The children of Israel refused to go up to the Promised Land as God had told them. Because of their disobedience, God caused Israel to wander in the wilderness for 40 years. All the adults of that generation died in the wilderness except for Joshua and Caleb. After a long and productive life, it was time for Moses to die. God selected Joshua to be Israel’s next leader and gave him some very important instructions.
Discuss:
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Why did God allow Joshua and Caleb to survive the 40 years in the wilderness?
Joshua had served Moses for more than 40 years, before assuming his role as the new leader of Israel. What are you learning today that will help you be a better leader in the future?
God always has a work for His people to do. Joshua’s mission was to lead the children of Israel into Israel, with God’s guidance. What is our mission today?
God inspired Moses to challenge Joshua to be strong and courageous. In what ways do you show strength and courage?
Memory Challenge:
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
