“Choose for yourselves today: Which will you worship … As for me and my family, we will worship the LORD”
Dear families,
Joshua was getting along in years, so he gathered the people at the place where God had made a promise to Abraham. (See Gen. 12:6-7.) Joshua wanted the people to remember and to live based on what they knew to be true about God: God can be trusted. He is good, and He is faithful.
Joshua issued a challenge: “Be very strong and continue obeying all that is written in the book of the law of Moses.” Reading, studying, and obeying God’s Word is a mark of belief in God. Joshua reminded the people that they were successful over their enemies because of their obedience to God. Joshua also gave the Israelites a warning. Just as all the good things God promised had been fulfilled, so would all the bad things He promised if the Israelites disobeyed Him.
Further, Joshua reminded the leaders of their nations’ history—from the birth of Isaac to Israel’s escape from Egypt. Over and over, God had demonstrated His power and goodness to the Israelites. Their ancestors had repeatedly turned from God to worship the false gods of other nations. Joshua said, “Choose for yourselves today: Which will you worship … As for me and my family, we will worship the LORD” (Josh. 24:15).
The Israelites had a choice: Continue to worship God or choose to serve other gods. In response to God’s faithfulness to His promises, the Israelites renewed their covenant to be faithful to the Lord.
As you share the story of Joshua’s legacy with kids, point them to a greater legacy found in Jesus Christ. Jesus gave a similar type of farewell speech at the Last Supper, exhorting His disciples to not only love God but love one another. After His resurrection, Jesus sent His disciples out to tell the nations about Him. Jesus calls all people who trust in Him to tell others about Him.
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: Joshua told the Israelites to obey God. Jesus told the disciples to obey Him by telling others about Him.
Kids: As Joshua prepared for his own death, he left behind a legacy of obedience to God. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, He appeared to the disciples and left them with a legacy: to obey Him by making disciples of all nations.
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 revealed your strength among the peoples. Psalm 77:14
At Home
Family Prayer
Mornings: Thank God for the gifts and talents He has given you. What abilities has God gifted to you? How can those abilities be used to worship Him?
Evenings: Ask God to help you use the gifts and talents He gave you to tell others about Jesus and bring glory to Himself. How can the talents and abilities God gives be used to share the gospel with others? How can we honor God by using our gifts this way?
Family Activities
For Fun: Look through family photo albums with kids. Talk about the seasons or special moments when your family experienced God’s loving kindness. Discuss how remembering His love for us makes our love for Him grow. Encourage kids to worship God with their obedience.
To Serve: Write a card or letter to the individuals God has used to teach you about Him. It could be a Sunday School teacher, pastor, friend, or family member. Thank the person for telling you about God and all the things He has done. Thank him or her for taking the time to encourage you in the faith.
Family Worship
Adult Daily Discipleship Guide
** Next week: God’s Miracles Prove Who He Is (Mark 16)