Trusting God's Promises Through Unique Callings and Community

Summary

### Summary

Tonight, we journeyed through the narrative of the Israelites from their exodus out of Egypt to the transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua. We began by reflecting on the cyclical nature of the Israelites' relationship with God: a cycle of provision, disobedience, judgment, repentance, and forgiveness. This cycle was evident in the story of Moses, who, despite his faithfulness, disobeyed God by striking the rock instead of speaking to it, resulting in his inability to lead the people into the Promised Land.

We then transitioned to the leadership of Joshua, who was chosen by God to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. Joshua's story is a testament to the importance of trusting in God's promises and being strong and courageous in the face of challenges. Unlike Moses, Joshua was not called to fill Moses' shoes but to lead in his unique way, emphasizing that God calls each of us to live out our true selves rather than imitating others.

The narrative also highlighted the significance of covenant renewal, as seen in Joshua 24, where the Israelites reaffirmed their commitment to serve the Lord. This act of placing an Ebenezer, a stone of remembrance, served as a physical reminder of their covenant with God. We were encouraged to consider our own commitments and the ways we can remind ourselves daily of our dedication to serving God.

In conclusion, we were reminded that God does not forsake us and is always present, guiding us through transitions and challenges. We are called to trust in God's provision, live out our unique callings, and support one another in our faith journeys.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Cycle of Faith and Disobedience: The Israelites' journey illustrates a recurring cycle of faithfulness, disobedience, judgment, repentance, and forgiveness. This cycle serves as a reminder of God's enduring patience and mercy, encouraging us to continually seek repentance and renewal in our own lives. [25:15]

2. Unique Callings: God calls each of us to live out our unique identities and callings rather than trying to fill someone else's shoes. Joshua was not called to be another Moses but to lead in his own way, demonstrating that our individuality is a vital part of God's plan. [38:32]

3. Trust in God's Promises: Joshua's leadership exemplifies the importance of trusting in God's promises and being strong and courageous. Despite the challenges, Joshua's faithfulness led to one of the most successful periods for the Israelites, showing that trust in God yields fruitful outcomes. [39:34]

4. Covenant Renewal: The act of renewing the covenant with God, as seen in Joshua 24, emphasizes the importance of continually reaffirming our commitment to God. Physical reminders, like the Ebenezer stone, can help us stay focused on our dedication to serving the Lord. [44:56]

5. Community and Accountability: We need each other to grow in faith and hold one another accountable. True accountability involves genuine care and support, helping each other stay committed to God's love and grace. This communal support is essential for fulfilling God's kingdom on earth. [42:13]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[16:59] - Announcements and Carpool Update
[23:38] - Recap of Exodus and Provision of Manna
[24:32] - Idolatry and God's Judgment
[25:15] - The Cycle of Disobedience and Repentance
[26:25] - Moses' Disobedience and Consequences
[28:19] - Transition to Joshua's Leadership
[29:27] - Moses' Final Words and Joshua's Commission
[30:43] - God's Assurance to Joshua
[32:55] - Living in God's Promises
[34:14] - Trusting God's Provision
[35:54] - Understanding Transition and Leadership
[38:32] - Joshua's Unique Calling
[39:34] - Joshua's Successful Leadership
[41:20] - The Need for Jesus and Community
[42:51] - God's Presence in Turmoil
[43:47] - Covenant Renewal and Ebenezer
[47:12] - Choosing to Serve the Lord
[48:54] - Closing Remarks and Doxology

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Numbers 20:6-12 - Moses' Disobedience
2. Deuteronomy 31:1-8 - Transition of Leadership to Joshua
3. Joshua 24:19-26 - Covenant Renewal

### Observation Questions
1. What specific act of disobedience did Moses commit that prevented him from entering the Promised Land? ([27:24])
2. How did God assure Joshua as he took over leadership from Moses? ([30:43])
3. What was the significance of the Ebenezer stone in Joshua 24? ([44:56])
4. Describe the cycle of faith and disobedience that the Israelites experienced. ([25:15])

### Interpretation Questions
1. Why was Moses' act of striking the rock instead of speaking to it considered a significant disobedience? ([28:19])
2. How does Joshua's unique calling differ from Moses' leadership, and what does this tell us about God's expectations for individual callings? ([38:32])
3. What does the act of covenant renewal in Joshua 24 signify about the Israelites' relationship with God? ([44:56])
4. How does the concept of community and accountability play a role in the faith journey of the Israelites and in our own lives today? ([42:13])

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt caught in a cycle of disobedience and repentance. How did you experience God's patience and mercy during that time? ([25:15])
2. In what ways can you embrace your unique calling from God rather than trying to imitate someone else's path? ([38:32])
3. How can you remind yourself daily of your commitment to serve God, similar to the Israelites' use of the Ebenezer stone? ([44:56])
4. What are some practical ways you can be strong and courageous in your faith, especially when facing challenges? ([30:43])
5. How can you actively participate in a community of faith that holds each other accountable in love and grace? ([42:13])
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to trust in God's provision. What steps can you take to strengthen that trust this week? ([34:14])
7. Think of a person in your life who might need support in their faith journey. How can you offer genuine care and accountability to them this week? ([42:13])

Devotional

Day 1: The Cycle of Faith and Disobedience
The Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land is marked by a recurring cycle of faithfulness, disobedience, judgment, repentance, and forgiveness. This cycle is a powerful reminder of God's enduring patience and mercy. Despite their repeated failures, God continued to provide for the Israelites and guide them. This pattern is evident in the story of Moses, who, despite his faithfulness, disobeyed God by striking the rock instead of speaking to it. As a result, he was not allowed to lead the people into the Promised Land. This narrative encourages us to reflect on our own lives and recognize the times we have fallen short, yet experienced God's forgiveness and provision. [25:15]

Numbers 14:18 (ESV): "The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but he will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, to the third and the fourth generation."

Reflection: Think of a time when you experienced God's forgiveness after a period of disobedience. How can you use that experience to seek repentance and renewal in your current walk with God?

Day 2: Unique Callings
God calls each of us to live out our unique identities and callings rather than trying to fill someone else's shoes. Joshua was chosen to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, not as a second Moses, but in his own unique way. This demonstrates that our individuality is a vital part of God's plan. We are not meant to imitate others but to embrace our unique gifts and callings. This can be challenging, especially when we feel inadequate or compare ourselves to others. However, trusting in God's plan for our lives allows us to fulfill our true potential and purpose. [38:32]

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (ESV): "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone."

Reflection: Reflect on the unique gifts and talents God has given you. How can you use these gifts to serve others and fulfill your calling without comparing yourself to others?

Day 3: Trust in God's Promises
Joshua's leadership exemplifies the importance of trusting in God's promises and being strong and courageous. Despite the challenges he faced, Joshua's faithfulness led to one of the most successful periods for the Israelites. This story teaches us that trust in God yields fruitful outcomes. When we face difficulties, it can be tempting to rely on our own strength or doubt God's promises. However, Joshua's example encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith and trust that God will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing. [39:34]

Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Reflection: Identify a challenge you are currently facing. How can you actively trust in God's promises and remain strong and courageous in this situation?

Day 4: Covenant Renewal
The act of renewing the covenant with God, as seen in Joshua 24, emphasizes the importance of continually reaffirming our commitment to God. The Israelites placed an Ebenezer, a stone of remembrance, as a physical reminder of their covenant with God. This practice can help us stay focused on our dedication to serving the Lord. In our daily lives, we can create our own "Ebenezers" to remind us of our commitments and God's faithfulness. These reminders can be physical objects, written notes, or even daily habits that keep us grounded in our faith. [44:56]

Joshua 24:15 (ESV): "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can create a daily reminder of your commitment to God? How can this reminder help you stay focused on serving the Lord?

Day 5: Community and Accountability
We need each other to grow in faith and hold one another accountable. True accountability involves genuine care and support, helping each other stay committed to God's love and grace. This communal support is essential for fulfilling God's kingdom on earth. In a world that often promotes individualism, the importance of community cannot be overstated. By building strong, supportive relationships within our faith community, we can encourage one another, share burdens, and grow together in our walk with God. [42:13]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: Think of someone in your faith community who may need encouragement or support. How can you reach out to them today and offer genuine care and accountability?

Quotes

1. "God does not forget us. God does not forsake us. God does not leave us in the place in which we are right now. So all of this has taken place. There's a few things that we can pull from what's happening here. A few things from the narrative. Joshua's part of this God story. What is this movement of transition? Transition, not only physical transition of actually trekking across the land, right? But leader transition. From people to people. It's also about living in the promises of God. How are the people, how is this new leader, Joshua, that God has raised up going to live in the promises that God has set forth for God's people?" [32:55] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "God isn't asking you to feel someone else's shoes. God isn't asking you to even feel God's shoes. We've seen that. I just talked about Abraham and Sarah. Don't feel my shoes. You're not God. I don't need you to fulfill this thing. I'm helping you. I want you to fulfill this thing. Let me, as God, be God. God is asking us to live our truth. To live how God has made us. To live as the creative, unique, called individuals that we are. Not to live like someone else." [37:33] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "God didn't call Joshua to lead the Israelite people and the new generation to the promised land in the same way that he called Moses. He didn't call Joshua or lift up Joshua to be the leader of the people. To be a replacement for Moses. Didn't call up Joshua to fit Moses' shoes. He called, God called Joshua to be Joshua. Not someone that's impersonating God. Not someone that's impersonating someone else. To lead the people and to share how God would provide for them the entire way." [38:32] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "God has not left us. God has not forsaken us. God is present with us. We're going to go to the end of Joshua. Joshua 24. 19 through 26. You've probably heard this in some way or another in life. And may not even know it came from here. But this is a renewing of God. The people. And with God a covenant. A reminder. Of who are you choosing this day. But Joshua said to the people. You cannot serve the Lord. For he is a holy God. He is a jealous God. He will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. If you forsake the Lord. And serve foreign gods. Then he will turn and do you harm. And consume you after having done you good." [43:47] (67 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We have to ask ourselves that question. In continual covenant. The covenant that has been made. Through the blood of Jesus Christ. We have to continually ask ourselves. Day in and day out. Who do I choose to serve this day? And I pray. That our answers are. The Lord God almighty. The one who does not forsake. The one who does provide. The one who will be with us. In and through the days of our lives." [47:47] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "God will speak to you. And however God feels led to speak to you. And so if we are seeking. And thank you Aaliyah. If we are seeking ways in which we think. God is going to speak to us. We might be missing out on where. God is really speaking to us. So you can share whatever you want to. And if you feel led to do so. You can just chat with me. And we'll plan a time. We'll talk about it if you want to. And we'll go from there." [01:02:49] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "As we leave tonight, a few things I think we can be reminded of is that God loves you. That's a gospel message. It's right there. And I think we have to come to a place to accept that love. And in the midst of that love, and accepting that love and grace from God is also a part in that is sharing that with our friends, our brothers and sisters in this world. And we do that through simple ways, however God calls you to do it. And so, let's do it." [01:12:40] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "God has spoken through people. In some way. God has spoken through scripture. God has spoken through multiple different ways. To me. That has led me to where I am. Because we are all unique. Because we are all created. In the image of God." [01:02:21] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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