His forgiveness, not our own effort, brings us lasting peace.
Dear families,
In today's story, we see that God fights for His people and gives them peace and rest. We live in a world filled with conflict and pain. We desperately want peace. The reality is that true peace doesn’t come from any amount of solitude or self-confidence; we need true peace that comes from being forgiven. Peace comes as we trust in the finished work of Jesus. His forgiveness, not our own effort, brings us lasting peace.
Read the words of the apostle Paul in Ephesians 2:12-14. In a world of conflict, Christ is our hope. In a world filled with division, He is our peace. This peace and hope Paul speaks of are available to us when we place our trust in Christ alone for our salvation. This is a continual, daily dying to self so that we may live in Christ.
What is so interesting about the section of Scripture your kids will be learning about today is that it shows us that we humans have not changed and God has not changed. Israel obeyed God at Jericho, and God fought for His people. They enjoyed good success.
Next, they went up against a smaller city and relied on their own strength rather than seeking God's strength. They disobeyed and took things devoted to God and fought a battle at Ai without consulting God and His plan. Their lives were filled with disunity. Sin is the reason our world is in disunity. The lie we believe is that sin is personal and doesn't affect anyone else. Sin is the rejection of God Himself and the placing of our trust in things He has made. The sin of one Israelite—Achan—affected him, his family, and the whole nation.
Joshua's response was right. He humbled himself, appealed to God's covenant-keeping power, and responded with obedience when God spoke to him. When we sin, we must recognize the damage that it creates in our lives and in the world. Our response must not be to cover it up but to run to Christ because He is our hope, our life, and our peace.
Dwell on these words from theologian Charles Spurgeon: “My faith rests not upon what I am or shall be or feel or know, but in what Christ is, in what He has done, and in what He is now doing for me. Hallelujah!”
Check out the resources below designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities. You can also find the Adult Daily Discipleship Guide that accompanies our adult groups.
FAMILY TALKING POINTS
CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.
Preschool: God saved the Israelites and gave them victory over their enemies. God saved sinners by sending His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross. Jesus gives us victory over sin and death.
Kids: Joshua’s name means “The LORD is salvation.” God fought for Joshua and the Israelites, saving them and giving them victory over their enemies. Sinners can look to God for victory over sin and death. God brought us salvation by sending His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross and rise again.
BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.
Preschool: What is a miracle? A miracle is something that shows God’s power.
Kids: What is a miracle? A miracle is something God does that usually cannot be done so that we can know He is all-powerful.
KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.
Preschool: God shows His strength to people. Psalm 77:14
Kids: You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. Psalm 77:14
At home
Family Prayer
Mornings: Thank God for the people who help you and care for you. Ask God to help you show appreciation for the ways they serve you today. How has God met your needs through the help of others? How is this a sign of His love for you?
Evenings: Ask God to remind you of His power to do what might seem impossible. What thoughts did you have about God when you read of His miracle to help Joshua? How does this story show us His power over creation?
Family Activities
For Fun: Take your family on an outing to a place where you can get a good view of the sunset (or sunrise). As you take in the beauty of the changing sun, talk about how God fought for His people by making the sun stand still. Remind kids that God is in control of everything, and we can find comfort in knowing we can trust Him.
To Serve: Guide each family member to come up with a way she can serve another family member this week. It could be making their lunch, doing their chores, cleaning their room, etc. Remind each family member that these acts of service for one another are just small reminders of how God loves and helps His people. The greatest example of this is Jesus, who came to serve and lay down His life as the perfect sacrifice for our sins.
Family Worship
Adult Daily Discipleship Guide
** Next week: Joshua Challenged the People (Joshua 23–24)