The GPS BIBLE READING MAP for Emphasizing God s Plan of Salvation. January

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1 Your Map for Bible Reading in 2014

2 The GPS BIBLE READING MAP for 2014 Emphasizing God s Plan of Salvation January Welcome to a unique Bible reading plan that will help you draw closer to God as you understand the big picture of His word and will. Our goal with this reading plan is simple: we want to understand the Bible s over-arching theme. Lots goes on in Scripture but its main theme is God s plan of salvation. As we study the pieces of the Bible individually it can be easy to miss seeing how the pieces of the Bible fit together to show us God s program to redeem sinful people - all sinful people of all races - because of His great love for them. The GPS Bible Reading Map is designed to make certain this theme is consistently set before the reader and tie the daily readings to it. In short, this is a selective plan that emphasizes reading the Bible s one story so we can understand the Bible s one theme. It s going to be a great year! Week 1 - January Genesis *1 *2 *3 *4 *6 SNAPSHOT - The Bible is all about Jesus (Luke 24:44-47) but it doesn t begin with Jesus. It begins with the creation of our world and tells us what is wrong with it. This week we will read about that beginning. Genesis 1 stresses the power of God, along with the uniqueness of human creation. Nothing else is said to be made in God s image (v. 26). Genesis 2 follows up with more detail on the creation of humans, giving us the story of woman s creation. Genesis 3 is the decisive chapter in this week s reading. Here sin enters the world, changing everything. Man s relationship with God is ruptured so Adam and Eve are forced to leave the Garden and the wonderful fellowship with God they enjoy there. Genesis 4 finds sin getting worse, and traces the lineage of two kinds of people: Cain and Seth. Cain s people are wicked while Seth s descendants worship God (v. 26). Genesis 6 begins the Noah story. DANGER/UNDER CONSTRUCTION - These sections in our reading map will highlight bumpy spots in the road where we may be confused or have tough questions about the reading. For example, many wonder where Cain got his wife in Genesis 4. The answer is We don t know and we can t let that distract us from keeping our eye on the main theme in the chapter. RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD These rubber meets the road segments will give us some applications of the readings so we can put the Word in play in our lives. First, consider and pray about the power of God as seen in Genesis 1 and 2. Second, ask yourself if you take sin as seriously as God does in chapter 3. Finally, think about your worship and what Cain and Abel can teach us about worshiping God. IN THE MINIVAN - In the minivan is designed to give families some discussion and application starters as they read through the GPS Reading Map together. This week there needs to be a lot of conversation about God being our Creator and therefore having authority and power over us. When we make something, we expect it to do what we made it do. So does God! We are His creation and thus must do what He made us to do: serve and worship Him. Children should also be led to talk about sin, what it is,

3 and why God took the transgression of chapter 3 so seriously. What Adam and Eve did may appear to be minor to children but it was not. Finally, talk about how sin multiplies (by chapter 6 nearly the whole world is under its sway). What did Noah and his family do that made them different? Week 2 - January Genesis *7 *8 *9 *11 *12 SNAPSHOT This week we are continuing the Noah story, in Genesis 7-9. The Bible cites this as an example of God s grace (6:5), and that s a good theme to watch for in the story. Genesis 11 shows that even after the fresh start the flood provided people get right back to defying God and sinning as quickly as possible. Genesis 12 is one of the most important passages in all of the Old Testament. Here God begins His plan to redeem sinful people by calling Abram out of Ur so that the Lord can begin building a holy nation that will follow Him and teach the world of Him. That nation, promised in verse 2, will be the Israelite nation. The blessing of verse 3 (demonstrated in verses 10-20) will ultimately be fulfilled by Jesus Christ (see Galatians 3:16). DANGER/UNDER CONSTRUCTION - The end of Noah s story is troubling (9:20-29). There is much debate about what Ham did but we should remember that in Old Testament culture just making fun of a patriarch would be tremendously insulting and so it is not necessary to the story that Ham did anything more. RUBBER - Do you regularly meditate and praise God for His grace? This week is a good week to do so. Grace is all through the Noah story, and can even be found in God s gracious decision not to destroy the Babel Tower builders but instead disperse them. Most importantly, God graciously calls Abram as the beginnings of His plan to save sinful people. What if God didn t care about us? What if God refused to help us? Think more about God s grace this week! IN THE MINIVAN - Children will be fascinated by the Ark story. Talk about being on a boat that long and encourage your family members to imagine what that would be like. Genesis 11 provides a place to emphasize obedience, as the people there were defying God s order to populate the whole earth by trying to stay in one place. Finally, Abraham needs to be seen as a huge character in the Old Testament but it needs to be made plain that he was not (by any measure) perfect when God first chose him. The end of chapter 12 makes this clear. Help your children see that God can work with us even when we re imperfect and that He works to grow and develop our faith even as He did Abraham. Week 3 - January Genesis *13 *14 *15 *16 *17 SNAPSHOT Lot becomes a key figure in our reading this week but while he makes an interesting character study and we can learn much from him, we want to keep our eye on God s promises to Abraham as God works through him. God has promised Abraham protection and blessings and these promises are kept abundantly in Genesis 13. Again, God cares for Abraham in Genesis 14. Quickly we are learning to trust God. When God promises God delivers! Genesis 15 restates and reaffirms the promises of chapter 12, showing their significance. Abraham makes a mistake in Genesis 16, but God is still working with him as Genesis 17 shows. Again, the promises are stated and amplified. Seeing these promises come to pass is the defining issue of the Old Testament.

4 DANGER/UNDER CONSTRUCTION - Don t get lost speculating about Melchizedek in chapter 14. There is much we don t know and much we will learn later in Hebrews. At this point we are given what we need to know: he is a king and priest and servant of God. He is also clearly superior to even someone as great as Abraham. RUBBER - Where does faith come from? From hearing God s Word (Rom 10:17). But faith only comes from the Word of God when we are looking for it. We need to watch how trustworthy God is and how He always keeps His promises so that Scripture can build faith in our hearts. Make it a practice to underline places God keeps His word as we are reading, or perhaps start a list on one of the blank pages in the back of your Bible. You may be surprised at how often the Bible makes the point that we can trust God! IN THE MINIVAN - The promises to Abraham are repeated twice in our reading this week. The temptation will be to work with other parts of the reading that are more story and so more teachable. Yet parents want to make sure they are making the main thing the main thing, and the main thing here is God s promises to Abraham. Talk about repetition, what it means, and why God keeps repeating His promises to Abraham. The rest of the Old Testament is shaped by them. We will be watching these promises come to pass all the way to the New Testament. Make sure your family understands that this is the basic map for the rest of the Old Testament. Week 4 - January 26-Feb 1 - Genesis *18 *19 *20 *21 *22 SNAPSHOT The depth of Abraham s relationship with God is seen in Genesis 18. Notice again it is about the promises and that it is now time for Isaac to be born. Despite every obstacle, God s word will be fulfilled! Genesis 19 ties up the loose ends of Lot s story, as well as providing an important teaching point for Abraham to use with his household (vv tie to 19:8). God protects Abraham again in Genesis 20. Isaac arrives in Genesis 21, and then becomes the basis of the greatest test to Abraham s faith in Genesis 22. Note the repetition of those promises again at the end of chapter 22! RUBBER - Chapter 22 s test of faith awes us but we do well to remember that God had carefully grown Abraham s faith over a long period of time. Look back at your own faith development. What can you do today that you couldn t do when you first became a Christian? How is God s working through His Word, His providence, and His people growing your faith? IN THE MINIVAN - The sacrifice of Isaac is hard to understand for children. First, make it clear that God would never have allowed Abraham to kill his child. Secondly, kids need to be led to understand that sometimes obeying God does mean we have to do something very difficult but we want to obey God and do as He says even when it is hard. February

5 We are marching forward in reading God s Word. We will spend the majority of our time this month in Genesis but this first book is so key in setting the stage for all that comes afterward that it is hard to miss even a single chapter. However, by the end of the month we will be in Exodus and in Egypt, locked in a battle between God and Pharaoh for His people. Let s keep watching as God s plan to save men and women unfolds in Scripture. Week 5 - February Genesis *24 *25 *26 *27 *28 SNAPSHOT Our story is in transition toward a new character, Isaac. Genesis 24 shows the elaborate precautions Abraham takes to make sure Isaac doesn t marry a Canaanite woman. God is at work again, answering prayer and blessing Abraham s family as He promised. Genesis 25 ends Abraham s story and places two new characters center stage: Jacob and Esau. Note the repetition of Abraham s promises to Isaac in Genesis 26. Isaac promptly duplicates the mistakes his father made and is protected by God just as Abraham was. Lies and deceit seem to be part of Jacob s standard operating procedure, and work again in Genesis 27 to steal the blessing. As we are watching the promises of God, this blessing is very important. Jacob s trickery results in him being sent away where God gives to him the promises of Abraham (vv. 3-4, 13-15). What will God do next with this crafty grandson of Abraham s? RUBBER - Already the Bible is stressing a distinction between Abraham s people and the people of Canaan. How is that to be lived out among God s people now (see James 1:27)? Watching Jacob trick his way to what he wants (and end up having to run for his life) provides a good place for us to think about reaping and sowing (Gal 6:7). Do you use any methods to get what you want, deciding the end justifies the means? How much like Jacob are we? IN THE MINIVAN - The two boys, Esau and Jacob, provide lots of fodder for talking about family relationships, disobeying parents and fighting among siblings. Some talk about the importance of the blessing in chapter 27 will help your family see how much this really mattered. Again, stress that God s promises dominate everything that is going on. Jacob receives those promises in chapter 28 and will be cared for by the Lord even in a foreign country. Help your children grow in their trust of the Lord! Week 6 - February Genesis *29 *30 *31 *32 *37 SNAPSHOT - Genesis 29 tells us how Jacob the Deceiver ends up being tricked into marrying two wives. That story continues in Genesis 30, in the Great Baby Race. The heartache and strife in Jacob s home is plain to see. Genesis 31 puts a heavy emphasis on God s care for Jacob, because he is the recipient of the promises of God (see vv. 5, 7, 13, 24, 29, 42). Genesis 32 has Jacob and Esau prepare to meet again (and they are reconciled in ch. 33) but the dominant note in the chapter is Jacob wrestling with God. There is a lot about that we may not understand (see below) but the key seems to be Jacob s name being changed (vv ). He no longer will be Jacob, which means tricks but instead Israel which may mean strives with God or better, God fights for you. It is time for Jacob to quit living by his wits and live by faith! Chapters covers material about Esau and his family, and the terrible defiling of Jacob s daughter (ch. 34), along with a repetition of the promises to Jacob (35:11-12) and Rachel and Isaac dying (35:16ff). We resume our reading in chapter 37 where we meet a new and tremendously important character, Joseph.

6 DANGER/UNDER CONSTRUCTION - Jacob wrestles with God in chapter 32 and there is almost no end to our questions. How can Jacob hold God? Why does God want to wrestle with Jacob anyway? Satisfactory answers to these and other questions are hard to find. We have to be content to see that Jacob realizes he is wrestling with God and that he persists in wanting a blessing from God (v. 26). Jacob s toughness yields him that blessing in the form of a new name, and perhaps a new outlook on life. Don t be thrown by verse 30. No one can see God in His full, unaltered, unshaded form and live, but many have seen a manifestation of God that the Lord allows them to see. For example, Jesus was God, and many saw Him. RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD - Chapter 31 really lets us think about our own dependance on God. Do you see all you have as a result of God s care and blessing? Chapter 37 gives us an ironic fulfillment of you reap what you sow (Gal 6:7) as the man who deceived his own father is now tricked by his sons. How often are we tempted to try and fudge a little here, or cheat a little there, as if deception won t ultimately come back to hurt us? IN THE MINIVAN - Spend some time talking about blessings as a family. Jacob believed in the promises of God and then gave credit for what had happened to him for being the fulfillment of those promises. What has God promised us today? What do we see as tangible fulfillment of those promises? Later in the week it will be time to start talking about Joseph. He provides lots of opportunities to talk about character. Was he wise in 37:2 and 37:5-7? Ask your children how they would feel about Joseph as a brother. Emphasize that Joseph was not the first born (so important in Bible times) but he is being treated as a first born (the coat of many colors probably signified that, v. 3). Envy and jealousy were running rampant in Jacob s house! What can be done to keep us from being envious of the good others are getting? Week 7 - February Genesis *39 *40 *41 *42 *43 SNAPSHOT We are jumping the Judah and Tamar story in chapter 38 this week, even though it figures in the Lord s lineage (Matt 1:3). Chapter 39 refocuses on Joseph, as he prospers and then suffers even more in Egypt. Chapter 40 gives the reader a glimmer of hope that Joseph may eventually get out of prison. In chapter 41 Joseph s phenomenal faith and determination to always credit God for all things comes to the front. We finally begin to see God s plan for Joseph take shape! 42:57 finally reveals why we are learning about Joseph. There is famine everywhere which means the family of promise is threatened with starvation back in Canaan! Will the promises die with Jacob? Chapter 42 begins the trips to Egypt where Joseph will save his own family. Those trips continue in chapter 43 where Joseph tests his brothers to see if they are the kind of evil men who will give up a brother to save their own necks. Will they do to Benjamin what they did to him so long ago? RUBBER - What will you do when you do what is right and are rewarded for it by being severely punished? That is exactly what happened to Joseph in chapter 39. Are you ready for that? These chapters also provide much food for thought on the subject of forgiveness. Could you forgive someone

7 who had done you the kind of wrong that Joseph s brothers did him? Do you see him working to see if they are genuinely repentant in his schemes? IN THE MINIVAN - Let s keep the main thing the main thing here. The entire Joseph story is told to help us see how God kept the promises to the house of Abraham alive. Jacob and his family don t starve in the great famine. God has foreseen everything and sent someone ahead to make plans and prepare for the famine. This is a good place to talk about how God uses us and sometimes life can take very unexpected turns when the Lord is positioning us to serve Him where He needs us. Week 8 - February 23-March 1 - Genesis *44 *45 *46 * Exodus 1 * Exo 2 SNAPSHOT - Joseph s story wraps up successfully in chapters Note Joseph s faith in 45:5-9. In chapter 46 the family of promise moves to Egypt, but not without God s special permission (v. 4). Genesis closes with the family settling in, and Jacob blessing Joseph s children and then his own children. The book concludes with a strong statement that the family of promise doesn t belong in Egypt and some day must return to the Promised Land (50:24). Exodus 1 starts the next chapter of God s story. One of the key ideas in the chapter is the multiplication of Israel s population (note verses 7, 10, 12, 20). The promise to Abraham to make his descendants a great nation is coming to pass! Yet in the 400 years that have passed God s people have become ruthlessly enslaved. How will they get back to where they belong? Exodus 2 begins answering that question with the birth of Moses. DANGER/UNDER CONSTRUCTION - Moses father-in-law is called Reuel in 2:18 but later is called Jethro (Exo 18:1ff), which may be a second name or a title. RUBBER - Twice the beginning of Exodus spotlights people who risked much to do what is right (1:17; 2:1-3). In our times adversity or persecution seem to cause many to throw in the towel and quit. Think carefully about what was different about these faithful servants in Exodus and how we can mirror their perseverance today. IN THE MINIVAN - Here is a good place to make the point with your family that the Bible is the story of God s plan of salvation. From Genesis 50 to Exodus 1 more than 400 years of history elapses, and Scripture says virtually nothing about it. Why not? There must have been a lot of interesting stories and people in that time. The Bible doesn t talk about those years because it doesn t advance the story of redemption. The Bible isn t a storybook about random happenings. It is the history of God fulfilling His promise to bring the Messiah to this world for our salvation. Talk as a family about how the Bible is different from how humans would have written it. As always, keep your eye on the promises of God! The faith of Moses parents in chapter 2 also provides another fine place to show that how we fit into God s plans may appear small and insignificant at first, but God may be looking for someone with courage and trust to give a Moses to! March After reading so long in Genesis our reading really picks up speed this month. We will march out of Egypt with the Israelites, heading to Mount Sinai and the Ten Commandments. Then we will turn north

8 to the Promised Land and watch Israel s terrible failure there. The month will end with Joshua taking command and Israel beginning its invasion of Canaan. We ended last month seeing the promise that Abraham s children would become as numerous as the stars become reality (Exo 1:7) and we will end this month seeing the land promise begin to come to pass as well. Week 9 - March Exodus *3 *4 *5 *6 *7 SNAPSHOT - The burning bush of chapter 3 becomes the pivotal point of Moses life. Note the connection to the promises in 3:6. Chapter 4 finds Moses to be a reluctant deliverer. Later he will show much faith and determination. Watch to see what changes him. The question of 5:2 frames the entire Plagues section we are about to read. God will let Pharaoh know exactly who He is! Underline in your Bible every time the text says you shall know that I am the Lord your God and you will quickly see this emphasis. Chapter 6 connects us to the promises God made to Abraham (verses 4, 8). Chapter 7 is the opening volley in the battle between God and Pharaoh. DANGER/CONSTRUCTION - There are two parts of our reading that are a little bumpy. In 4:24ff Moses nearly loses his life when it turns out he has not participated in the covenant of circumcision. It is a puzzling episode but Moses can t be the leader of God s people without living up to God s expectation fully himself. The other difficulty is in the verses that speak to God s hardening of Pharaoh s heart (note 7:3). This is best explained with the illustration of sunshine melting butter while hardening cement. God s work and God s word will build faith in the Israelites while simultaneously making Pharaoh more defiant and stubborn. The only difference is the heart. RUBBER - We all need more faith and the Plague stories can build stronger faith as we see God s great and matchless and power. Remember that the plagues are all designed specifically to strike at an Egyptian deity, like the Nile River. Do a little research and identify the gods that the plagues revealed were impotent and powerless. What gods do people turn to today that are just as useless? How can we make sure we stand with the One true God and are not seduced into following false gods? IN THE MINIVAN - Moses doubts and excuse making are a great place to teach about how God works with hesitant people who are unsure of themselves. Notice that when we will just obey God He will provide what we need and make a way, even if a mighty empire stands in the Lord s way! That provides good connection to the promises of God. Who would have ever thought an enslaved nation would be freed and be able to travel to Canaan? That just can t happen... unless God promises it will happen! We need more trust in God who can and does do whatever it takes to accomplish His will. Finally, you can use Pharaoh to talk about unbelief. Why didn t Pharaoh believe in God? Why didn t he give up and let the Israelites go? What was going on there? That kind of discussion can provide some enlightening ideas about why people today don t believe in and obey God today. Week 10 - March Exodus *8 *9 *10 *11-12 *13:17-14:31 SNAPSHOT - Exodus 8 continues the war between God and Pharaoh, as more plagues slam into Egypt. Note the compromises that Pharaoh begins to offer (8:28). Exodus 9 lists plagues five through seven. Exodus 10 closes out the first nine plagues with locusts and darkness. Normally we only read one

9 chapter a day but our fourth reading is two chapters. Exodus are crucial to understand the Passover. It is a lengthy read but well worth it. The last reading this week is Exodus 13:17-ch. 14. We need to read the last part of chapter 13 to see God s guidance in the cloud and pillar of fire. Exodus 14b is the amazing and incredible story of the Red Sea deliverance. You may wish to read the Song of Moses in Exodus 15 on your own, but it is not part of our scheduled reading. DANGER/UNDER CONSTRUCTION - We will see God hardening Pharaoh s heart repeatedly in our reading this week (8:15, 19, 32; 9:7, 12, 34; 10:1, 20, 27, 11:10; 14:8). Sometimes the Scriptures say Pharaoh hardened his heart while other times God is said to do the hardening. Either way it shows the events that God brought on Egypt caused faith in Israel while simultaneously only causing Pharaoh to set himself against God even more. Pharaoh chose to oppose God while Israel chose to submit to God. The message (and means) were the same in both cases. The difference was in the heart. RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD - Make sure you spend time with 9: This is an incredible commentary on how faith always leads to works. When we truly believe, we are changed and what we do changes. Ask yourself How am I changed because I believe in God s promises to save me? What do I do different because I have faith in Jesus Christ to save me? IN THE MINIVAN - The Passover reading is long but provides a great opportunity to role play and imagine. Walk your family through a Passover, calling on everyone to imagine what it would be like, how excited everyone must have been, what it is like to eat in hurry, and even the fear that everyone must have experienced as death visited Egypt. Make this real because it was! From there you can talk about how Israel ate the Passover every year. Talk about why they did that and what it meant. Finally, ask your children if they wish we did a Passover celebration today. Then make the tie to the Lord s Supper where we celebrate freedom from sin! Week 11 - March Exodus *16 *17 *19 *20 *24 SNAPSHOT As noted last week, we skipped Moses song of celebration in chapter 15. Exodus 16 introduces us to manna. Exodus 17 shows more grumbling and a vicious battle won by God s power. We are jumping chapter 18 where Moses father-in-law gives him advice about how to handle the huge responsibility of judging all the people s problems and disputes. Exodus 19 brings Israel to Mount Sinai. Verses 4-6 become theme verses for what Israel is to be and why God redeemed them. In Exodus 20 God gives His people the Ten Commandments, the basis for the covenant or Law of Moses. Some of the more detailed aspects of Moses law are contained in chapters which we will not read. Exodus 24 gives us the covenant ratification ceremony. In verses 9-11 Moses and other key men eat in God s presence! We haven t seen this kind of fellowship between God and man since the Garden of Eden. The Law of Moses provides a limited kind of restoration to man and God being together. It isn t perfect or all we would want but it is a step in the right direction! RUBBER - This section of Scripture provides us two key applications. First, Jesus makes use of the story of manna and says He is the true manna in John 6:48ff. Think about what Jesus means by that. What did manna represent and mean to Israel? What does Jesus mean to disciples today? Secondly, too often all we have to say about the Ten Commandments is that we aren t under them today. That is true

10 (note Col 2:14; Gal 3:25) but when God gives a list of His top ten concerns shouldn t we pay attention and study them? Examine the Ten Commandments and consider how they frame all of life and all of our relationships. What do we learn from them? IN THE MINIVAN - Twice in our readings this week Israel complains and murmurs. Unfortunately, that problem didn t die in the desert with the Israelites! Talk about grumbling and why Israel grumbled as they did. Discuss why people complain today. Make the emphasis on how God feels about our murmuring. This is the week to teach gratitude and thankfulness as replacements to grumbling and complaining. We have so much. How can we murmur against God for what we don t have? Week 12 - March Exodus *32 *33 *40 Numbers *13 *14 SNAPSHOT - We are jumping a long section of Exodus that includes the free-will offerings for the Tabernacle (ch. 25), and the extraordinarily detailed plans for the construction of the Tabernacle and the priests clothing (chs ). Exodus 32 contains the shocking story of flagrant disobedience and idolatry at Sinai. Exodus 33 continues that story, making it clear that God no longer intends to go with Israel (see verse 2). After Moses intercedes God does decide to go with Israel once more (verses 13-16). From there we skip over the details of erecting the Tabernacle (chs ) and go directly to its final erection and God s glory filling it (Exodus 40). God is dwelling among His people! We will not read the book of Leviticus but all disciples should have some familiarity with the concept of sacrifice and especially sin offerings (see chs. 4 and 5, for example). Leviticus 10 tells of Nadab and Abihu s sin, providing an important lesson on worshiping as we please instead of as God instructs. Much of Jesus work at the cross is prefigured in the Day of Atonement (ch. 16). Numbers opens with some important details about the size of the Israelite nation and some additional laws. Israel leaves Sinai after being camped there for a year in chapter 10. There is grumbling (again) and even Miriam gets caught up in it (chs ). We will read Numbers that describes Israel s crisis of faith and failure to trust God. These chapters explain why Israel had to wander in the wilderness for forty years. RUBBER - Think carefully about the Tabernacle and even consider skimming through a little of Leviticus so you can consider how this material points to Christ and what He has done for us. The Tabernacle and the Levitical priesthood were all about sacrificing, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ for us. If we don t appreciate the holiness of God and the awfulness of sin and its terrible price we won t be impressed with the cross! The faithless ten spies of Numbers 13 give us a good chance to think about faith, how it is built up, and why with so much evidence for God s power and goodness these people didn t trust Him. Are we any better today? IN THE MINIVAN - This week the Golden Calf and the failure to enter into Canaan are the key points for children. Review the Ten Commandments and then talk about how those commandments were violated by worshiping the Golden Calf. Discussion can include how Israel was mimicking Egyptian worship practices instead of worshiping as God instructed, and how people always want something tangible to see when they worship. The account of the failure to enter the Promised Land in Num should spark talk about peer pressure, demonstrating faith when few others are, and trusting in God. Other

11 talking points can include how pessimism and negativity are contagious, and how focusing on yourself and what you can do instead of God s power always leads to defeat. Week 13 - March 30-April 5 - Numbers *21:4-9; 25 *32 Joshua *1 *2 *3 SNAPSHOT - We are moving past some of the material associated with the wilderness wanderings. Numbers 15 contains more laws, while Numbers covers Korah s rebellion. Numbers has more laws, and in Numbers 20 Miriam dies, Moses sins by striking the rock, and Aaron dies. We are reading the account of the Bronze Serpent (21:4-9) but we will skip over Balaam s miserable story (chs ) to get to the idolatry at Peor (Numbers 25). A census, the plan for Joshua to succeed Moses, and more laws of offerings and vows occupy Numbers Numbers 31 tells of the war against Midian. We are reading Numbers 32 because tribes settling on the eastside of Jordan becomes important throughout the rest of the Bible story. Numbers concludes by recounting the journey of Israel (ch. 33), the boundaries of the land (ch. 34), the cities of refuge (ch. 35) and more information about women inheriting (ch. 36). Unfortunately, we are not reading in Deuteronomy, where Moses preaches powerfully about what God has done for Israel and charges them to faithfulness before they enter the Promised Land. Sadly they enter that Land without Moses (Deut 34). Joshua 1 opens with new leadership and God s promises to him so that he can lead confidently. Joshua 2 tells the exciting story of Rahab and the spies. In Joshua 3 the Israelites cross the Jordan. Much here establishes that Joshua is a leader like Moses and there is an emphasis on the ark of the covenant as representative of God s very presence with His people. RUBBER - The Bronze Serpent story provides an excellent illustration of salvation today. If one believed in the Bronze Serpent but refused to look upon it would they be healed? Make certain you spend time with Joshua 1:1-9. How can we be strong and courageous today? What is the key to Joshua s success (see verse 8) and how is that a key for our success as well today? IN THE MINIVAN - The two stories of sin in Numbers 21 and 25 provide vivid reminders that while God wants to save His people they often don t seem to want to be saved! Talk with your children about sin, and why we are so easily drawn into it. Emphasize God s gracious provision to heal and deliver, but don t fail to mention God s judgment upon sinners. These Old Testament stories help us take God seriously! Joshua s story marks a new leader as the people go into a new land. Discuss how it must have felt to be Joshua. Think about the powerful miracle of Joshua 3. What would it have been like to be there and see that happen? How much courage would it take to be a priest and to walk into the overflowing Jordan? How can we build that kind of faith today? April As we journey further into Joshua this month, heading to Samuel via Judges and Ruth, it is important to be reminded this is a unique history. It is designed to give God s verdict on the events in the life of the Israelite nation. Why did what happened here happen? Because God caused it to happen in response to what His people did, either in faithful service to Him or rebellion to Him. Jehovah is the decisive

12 character in Israel s history. In our readings we see God is at work to bring about His will and especially, bring the promises He made to Abraham to pass. Week 14 - April Joshua *4 *5 *6 *7 *8 SNAPSHOT - Joshua 4 continues the emphasis on Israel s entrance into Canaan that is prominent at the book s beginning. Joshua 5 has a new generation circumcised (the sign of participation in the covenant with God) and the first Passover in Canaan. Joshua 6 begins the theme of holy war: God versus the Canaanites and their wicked ways. Notice God alone fights here, while after Jericho He will be with the Israelites in battle. Joshua 7 finds Israel failing at Ai because one man failed at Jericho. Joshua 8 finishes the Ai story with success, and then notably closes with a renewal of the covenant. Israel is faithful to God again. DANGER/UNDER CONSTRUCTION - In Joshua 7 Achan s entire family is executed with him (7:24). Why? They must have been aware of his sin and thus have been partners in it. Who could hide something under a tent floor without the entire family knowing and seeing? RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD - We don t think often of coveting but that is exactly what is behind Achan s sin (7:21). What is coveting? Does it mean we don t ever want nice things or something better than what we have? Our world is dominated by materialism and consumerism. How can we avoid Achan s sin? IN THE MINIVAN - This week s reading is just begging for a good map. Use Joshua as an occasion to look at the maps in the back of your children s Bibles and teach them how to use them. Talk about the victory at Jericho and discuss how it would have felt to march in those daily processions. Make a point of how Rahab (a non-israelite) is saved while Achan (an Israelite) is lost. Talk about what this means for us today. Week 15 - April Joshua * 9 *10 * 24 Judges * 1 * 2 SNAPSHOT - What a catastrophe in Joshua 9. The Israelites fail to consult God and are tricked. In Joshua 10 the mess from chapter 9 comes back to haunt them when they have to go to war for the Gibeonites. However, God uses this an occasion to give Israel a great victory. Note the repetitive phrase the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel. That is clearly the point of this material. From here we skip over the details of the rest of Canaan s conquest and the dividing up of the land (Joshua 11-23). At least skim the parceling out of the land a little (beginning chapter 14). These chapters represent the direct fulfillment of the promise to Abraham that his children would receive the land of Canaan! Note 21:43-45 and 23:14 especially. God has promised and God keeps His word! Joshua 24 closes the book with a stirring call to be loyal to the covenant and the Lord. This speech sounds much like Moses final speeches in Deuteronomy. We will then begin reading in Judges. The main theme of Judges, unfortunately, is 21:25's sad statement that everyone did what was right in his own eyes. Judges is a book about failure, specifically the failure of God s people to do right and honor Him. Judges 1 begins the book by linking to the end of Joshua and recording some encouraging victories. Shortly, however, we learn of failure (vv ). These ungodly peoples left in the land soon are drawing the Israelites

13 into idolatry and sin (Judges 2). Here we encounter the cycle of the Judges - sin (2:11), punishment (2:14-15), crying out in distress (2:15), so the Lord raises up a judge (a military leader) to deliver them (2:16-18). Then the people would start all over again (2:19ff). DANGER/UNDER CONSTRUCTION - In 1:19 we read that Judah couldn t drive out the inhabitants of the plain. This is further explained in 2: It doesn t reflect on God but on their faithlessness! See also 4:15. RUBBER - Frequently the term rest occurs in Joshua (as in 11:23 and 23:1 and many other references). Rest for Israel meant freedom from the physical and spiritual oppression of the Canaanites. There is not much rest in Judges. Does God give rest for us today? What does that mean for us (note Hebrews 4:1)? IN THE MINIVAN - This week we need to emphasize what a big promise God made to Abraham when He promised Abraham s children the land of Canaan. Imagine God promising you all the land in the state of New Jersey! That is a big piece. How could you occupy all of that? Further, what about the people living there? How could you move all of them off? Joshua shows God fulfilling this big promise by giving the children of Israel the land of Canaan. The fulfillment of this promise sets the stage for God to move forward with the next phase of the story. We also want to teach the cycle of the Judges and how patient God was with His people. We want our children to grow up knowing that God always longs for His people to repent and return to Him. Week 16 - April Judges * 3 * 4 * 6 * 7 * 13 SNAPSHOT - Judges 3 introduces the first three judges, all remarkable men. Judges 4 tells the story of the only woman judge, and a brave woman who kills the enemy general. We are skipping past Deborah s song of victory (Judges 5) but you might note her reproving some of the tribes for not coming to help in war (5:15-17). Israel is hardly a united country at this point. Judges 6-7 tells the incredible story of a very reluctant leader, Gideon. We will not read Judges 8-12 that finishes Gideon s story and tells of some rather unsavory men who led Israel. Judges 13 begins the Samson story with his remarkable birth. RUBBER - The emphasis in all the judge deliverance stories is God s hand and God giving the victory. This is made most clear in the Gideon story where God says his army is too large (7:2). How can an army be too big? That doesn t seem possible to us but God knows that such an army will keep Him from getting the honor for the victory to come. Think about your own life. Are there places where your army is too large? IN THE MINIVAN - We want to make sure our children aren t thinking of long, black robes and court rooms when we use the term judges. In the Bible judges are military leaders. Kids will be interested in Gideon fleecing. It is important to talk about prayer and having God answer prayer and how the Bible certainly does not encourage this kind of fleecing today. You can teach your children that such forces God into a yes or no answer when His answer might be wait or do something entirely different.

14 Week 17 - April 27-May 3 - Judges * 14 * 15 * 16 Ruth *1-2 *3-4 SNAPSHOT - Samson shows himself for the kind of man he will be in Judges 14. He seems ungodly and to be largely lacking in self control, driven by his own carnal desires. Judges 15 shows more of the same. Samson s story ends badly in Judges 16, when a wicked woman brings him down. He is a true tragic hero. Judges closes with two appendices that illustrate how wild these times were (chs , 19-21). Both stories are appalling. After the darkness of Judges reading Ruth is a joy. Ruth is a story of people trying to do right (watch how the main characters all respect God s law carefully), and God blessing them for it. Ruth becomes an example of the promise that Abraham would be a blessing to all peoples coming to pass. Ruth 1 sets the stage with much bitterness and grief, and Ruth s faithfulness shining in the darkness. Ruth 2 introduces us to the story s hero, Boaz. His character and nobility are impressive. In Ruth 3 Ruth moves to be married but there is a complication. Ruth 4 works that out, leading to the blessing of marriage and children, grand children and a great-grandchild named David. DANGER/UNDER CONSTRUCTION - The scene with the redeemer confuses some (4:1-5). Boaz asks him if he wants to buy Naomi s family land, which he is glad to do (4:4). Every farmer wants more land. Then Boaz tells him there is more to the bargain: he will have to marry Ruth, according to Levirate marriage law, and raise up children to Ruth s dead husband (4:5). Thus the land won t really be his and his children won t inherit it. So he says he doesn t want it (4:6). Boaz isn t interested in the land. He is interested in Ruth! RUBBER - The book of Ruth gives us a good place to reflect on why God puts what He does in Scripture. There were probably many love stories and lots of marriages during this time. Why is this one in the Bible? It is a story about being empty and being made full, about sadness giving way to great joy when God s people do what is right. It is a story about people doing right when lots of folks were doing wrong (the time of the Judges). And it powerfully reminds us of God s providence. What else do you see in the story of Ruth? IN THE MINIVAN - Samson s sad tale gives us a chance to talk about the problem of talent that isn t harnessed by self-control and a desire to serve God. In the end Samson accomplishes little when he could have done so much. No armies are led, no great battles are fought, and while there are a lot of dead Philistines laying around they continue to afflict Israel. Talk about how selfishness and selfish desires can derail our abilities and cause us to fizzle in the service of God. May Now is a good time to stop and assess where we are. We ve seen sin enter the world (Gen 3) and God s plan to deal with sin and restore humanity to Himself through the Messiah, His son (Gen 12). Fellowship with God and His people is temporarily and provisionally restored through the Law of Moses (Exo 20). So why are we now reading about kings, Israelites and Philistines? The answer is that God wants a prepared people to prepare the world for the coming of the Messiah. To do that the Israelites need to cleanse the land of Canaan of idolatry and idolaters lest Israel become like the nations around them (as they did in Judges). That task requires leadership, a leader who can bring the nation together as no

15 judge could. Further, kings were always part of God s plan as well (Gen 17:6). God s people need to be trained as to what a king is and does! In our reading this month we will see good kings who lead the people to do what is right, and bad kings who let wickedness overrun the land. All of it points to our need for Jesus, the King of Kings! Week 18 - May Samuel * 1 * 2 * 3 *4 * 5-6 SNAPSHOT - Samuel is a book that majors in the weak being raised up by God while the proud are humbled. The link to the promises God has made to Abraham here is that God always planned for His people to be ruled by kings (note Gen 49:10; Deut 17:14-15). How could we appreciate Jesus Christ as King of Kings if we never knew what a king was? But God s people need the right kind of king. Samuel gives us a look at both a wretched king and the best of kings. 1 Samuel 1 tells the familiar tale of a childless woman praying for a baby. Her child, Samuel, becomes a major player in the Bible story. 1 Samuel 2 contains her song of praise and then tells us of Eli s wicked sons and God s rebuke of Eli. 1 Samuel 3 has the famous story of Samuel s call. Many people, however, don t know what God told Samuel once the young boy said Speak for your servant hears (verse 10). Samuel hears a terrible word of judgement on Eli (vv )! 1 Samuel 4 brings that judgment to pass, in a battle where God s people try to use the ark as a lucky charm and end up losing it. In 1 Samuel 5-6 the Philistines decide they don t want the ark after all, as God is seen as superior to their idols. The ark comes home to Israel, though God s people don t seem to know how to treat it (vv ). RUBBER - Think carefully about Hannah s song (2:1-10). Parts of this song are duplicated in Luke 1:51-53 by Mary. What does it mean that God brings low and He exalts (v. 7). Do we see ourselves as mighty and independent and in need of nothing? What happens to the arrogant who think like this? IN THE MINIVAN - Children need to be taught the contrast in our readings between godly Samuel and Eli s ungodly boys. They all lived together at the Tabernacle (how hard must it have been for Hannah to leave Samuel at a place where wickedness was practiced?). But Samuel was able to live right despite the evil influences around him. Talk about how he managed that and how we can do that today. Also help your children see that God holds parents responsible for correcting their children. Eli failed to do so, honoring his children above God by not disciplining them (2:29). Seeing the divine obligations of parenting is very important for your children. Week 19 - May Samuel *8 *9 *10-11 *12 *13 SNAPSHOT - In 1 Samuel 8 the people request a king. What they want is a military leader (note verse 20), even though God has repeatedly fought for Israel (note 7:8). Watch the repeated use of take by Samuel in his response. Kings are expensive! 1 Samuel 9 introduces us to Saul, the man who fits what the people want: a big man who can lead them into battle. He is, however, not very spiritually minded. He doesn t seek God (verse 5) or seem to have ever met Samuel (verse 17). In 1 Samuel 10 Saul is anointed. 1 Samuel 11 is Saul s coming out party. Notice that Israel is so weak Nahash doesn t mind if they send for help (verse 3). He assumes none will come! Samuel realizes his leadership role is over in 1 Samuel 12. Verse 22 is an excellent summary of the Old Testament up to this point. 1 Samuel 13 is Saul s first failure, and it is a terrible one. Verse 9 may indicate he had the priest do the offering, not

16 that Saul personally offered it (see 2 Sam 24:25). But it does mean Saul disobeyed Samuel and went ahead without God. How can he lead God s people if he doesn t depend on God? DANGER/UNDER CONSTRUCTION - 1 Samuel 13:1's date information is tremendously uncertain in the original text. Various translations attempt to translate it but there is no consensus. RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD - Are we like Israel of old in wanting a visible, out front kind of leader who could solve our problems? Israel wasn t happy with an invisible God they couldn t see and that chose to save when and how He decided in His sovereignty. Are we any different? Think about how serving a God that requires us to walk by faith continues to be a challenge. IN THE MINIVAN - Saul seems to come out of nowhere to be Israel s king. He is a mixture of good characteristics (like humility, verse 22) but seems uneasy with the mantle of leadership. Talk about what makes a good leadership and be on the look out for Saul s mistakes and what he could have done differently to please the Lord and serve God s people more effectively. Week 20 - May Samuel *15 *16 *17 *19 *28 SNAPSHOT - We continue to see the vast need for godly leadership, and we continue to see that Saul will not be that kind of leader. 1 Samuel 14 (which we skipped) records another failure of Saul s, but 1 Samuel 15's failure is much worse. Watch the repeated use of the terms listen, voice and word of the Lord to see who Saul will, and will not listen to (notice especially verse 24). In 1 Samuel 16 we meet the man who will be right kind of king. Verse 7 becomes the hallmark of David s reign: David has the right kind of heart. David does more than talk a good game. He defeats Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. His words are important however. Notice how David frames the battle as being between Goliath and God (verses 26, 45-47). Not surprisingly, God wins the battle. Saul s jealousy consumes him and he begins plotting against David (1 Samuel 18). 1 Samuel 19 describes more of Saul s attempts to murder David. 1 Samuel tells of David s various adventures trying to stay alive while Saul pursues him (and neglects the kingdom). We close Saul s life by reading 1 Samuel 28, where he commits one of the most horrible sins imaginable, divination. Saul won t speak to God so God won t speak to him (verse 6). Samuel s prophecy in verse 19 is correct, as 1 Samuel 31 shows. DANGER/UNDER CONSTRUCTION - 16:14-23 is difficult. Is this a spirit of depression (Saul has the blues ) or is it demonic? We cannot be sure. 17:55 is also uncertain. 16:21 seems to say David was already in Saul s service. Why doesn t he know him now? Did he forget? Perhaps Saul had many armor bearers. It is also possible that this material is not in chronological order. The woman in chapter 28 is famous for being a witch, but she really is a medium: she claims to be able to consult the dead. What she does is absolutely forbidden in the Law (Deut. 18:11; Lev. 19:31; 20:6, 27). RUBBER - Watch carefully as you read along here for the theme of Saul fighting against God. There is much here on what God has done and how God is with David (18:12,14, 28; 19:5, 20-24; see also 20:31; 23:17 and 24:19-20 to see how Saul knows he is trying to hold onto the throne despite God s clear will that David be king). Think about what it means to fight against God today. Are people still doing that? Are you?