Bible Story: Joshua Meets Commander JesusReference: Joshua 1, 3, 4, 5 The Israelites followed God’s special cloud in the wilderness for 40 years. When Moses died, God called his helper Joshua to lead Israel into the promised land. “Don’t be afraid,” God told Joshua. “I will be with you and help you. It is time for you and the Israelites to cross the Jordan River and take possession of the land I promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Be careful to read and obey all the words in the book that Moses wrote for Me.”  God told Joshua, “Cross the River Jordan with the Israelites and enter the promised land. Don’t be afraid. I will help you.” (Wiggle fingers like a moving river.) Image courtesy of Sweet Publishing and FreeBibleImages.org Joshua commanded the priests to carry the ark of the covenant to the Jordan River. As their feet touched the water, the waters of the river stopped flowing till there was dry ground under them. They stood in the middle of the river while the whole nation of Israel passed over the dry river ground to the other side. The Israelites made a memorial with 12 stones from the river to remember how God dried it up before them.  God stopped the river, so the Israelites passed over on dry ground. (Make a stop sign.) Image courtesy of Sweet Publishing and FreeBibleImages.org The city of Jericho lay before the Israelites. While Joshua was beside the Jordan River, he saw a Warrior holding a sword. He came to Him and asked, “Are you on our side or with the enemy?” The great Warrior answered, “I am the Commander of God’s army.” Joshua fell down and worshiped Him. “What do you want me to do?” Joshua asked. “Take your shoes off because this is holy ground,” He answered. Joshua obeyed.  On the other side, Joshua met a Man with a sword. “I am the Commander of God’s army,” He said. (Sword) Image courtesy of Sweet Publishing and FreeBibleImages.org Our Bible story reminds me of the prayer verse, Joshua 1:6, in which God told Joshua, “Joshua, be strong and brave! You must lead these people so they can take their land. This is the land I promised their fathers I would give them” (ICB). The Israelites had many battles ahead of them to fight. But, Jesus was going to fight for them. They just had to be strong and true to God. Sometimes we have battles, too. We have to fight sin and sadness. Or we might have to learn something new that scares us. Be strong and brave. Trust that Jesus is right there with you! Dear Father God, Thank You for sending Commander Jesus to help me fight any battle. I will be strong and brave. In Jesus’ Name, Amen Nature Journal: TerritoryDoes your mother or father ever tell you to stay in your yard? The land that has your home on it is your territory. Some animals have territories, too. It’s an area that an animal defends to protect their food, nest, or mating areas. When an animal shows hostility to other animals who enter their territory, we say that animal is being territorial. Robins are fun birds to watch. They are always on the ground searching for worms and bugs to eat. When they find a mate and build a nest, Mr. Robin can become VERY territorial. He dives near approaching people or animals. He chases other birds away. He doesn’t want anybody getting near his family’s nest.  Robins are very territorial when they are raising their young. Photo #1504785 by Elise Sheppard, courtesy of FreeImages.com The children of Israel were coming into the special territory that God was giving them. God said there was good food there. They would make homes there. They would raise their families there. But, the Israelites would have to defend their territory from other peoples who were there. Commander Jesus showed Joshua that He was on their side to help them in all their battles. Memory Mastery: God's Special Rules Moses receives God's special rules on 2 tablets of stone. We call them the 10 Commandments. Image courtesy of Sweet Publishing and FreeBibleImages.org
Mission Helper: Spotlight PeruThis quarter we are helping our brothers and sisters in Peru build a medical center and church. Please bring your coins. They will all be dedicated to the world mission project.  These women are wearing traditional clothing of people in Peru who live in the "highlands." Photo #1501838 by Katie Bianchin courtesy of FreeImages.com
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