Old Testament – Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
Who was Joshua? Joshua was Moses’ assistant. Joshua is honored by the Jews,
Christians and Muslims. Joshua first appears in the Bible when Moses tells Joshua
he is to lead the Israelites into battle against the Amalek. This would be the first
of many battles Joshua would fight. Joshua was one of twelve spies that Moses
sent into the promised land to see what it looked like. God had told the Israelites
to go forward but ten of the twelve spies made the Israelites so scared that they
would not obey God. Only two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, told the Israelites
to go forward along with Moses into the promised land. The Israelites didn’t
listen and disobeyed God. As a result, they were punished and wandered for 40
years in the wilderness. After Moses died, Joshua became the leader of the
Israelites. His life story is told in the Book of Joshua. Here we are at the end of
Joshua’s life.
Joshua reminds the Israelites of all God has done for them. He tells them that
God is to be worshipped alone and there are to be no other gods before God.
Joshua says he and his family will worship and obey God alone. Joshua and the
Israelites make a promise with each other. This promise is to worship and obey
God alone.
Joshua’s words are for us too. We need to think and see what we put before God.
Often we put things that are good in front of God. But, God is to be the center of
our lives always.
Old Testament – Psalm 78
Psalm 78 sings about all that God did for the Israelites. It tells of Israel’s history.
This song is about God’s goodness and deliverance. Listen to Psalm 78 sung
below and take time to think about all God has done for you and thank Him.
New Testament – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Paul is writing to believers living in Thessaloniki. Remember we toured
Thessaloniki a couple of weeks ago via the internet. The early Christians had
expected Jesus to return immediately and it had not happened. Also, they were
not sure what happened when Jesus returns a second time. They were having
doubts. God speaking through Paul’s words comfort these believers and us. We
learn that Jesus will descend from heaven and shout for believers who have died
to rise. These believers will rise from their graves and meet Jesus in the air.
Believers who are still alive will then go up to meet Christ and everyone will live
with Christ forever.
New Testament – Matthew 25:1-13
Jesus tells people a story about ten young women who were waiting for the
bridegroom to come to his wedding. In Jesus’ time weddings were held in the
evening. The bridegroom doesn’t come until midnight. The girls who were ready
were able to go to the wedding but the girls who were not didn’t get into the
wedding.
What does this story mean? Jesus is telling us what will happen when he comes
again. The girls who are ready represent believers who are looking for Jesus’
return and are ready to meet Him. The other girls represent people who aren’t
looking for Jesus’ return and miss Him when he comes. Watch the video below.
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