Bible Talk
By: Brice Williams
Topic: Perseverance
Lesson Name: Journey to the Promised Land
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Opening Question: Going around (this way) please state your name and tell us, what is the longest distance you have ever travelled on foot and why?
Preface: Israelites were slaves for over 400 years. God used Moses & a series of plagues to convince the pharaoh to let them go. Moses thus began to lead the Israelites to the “Promised Land” which is
Verse #1: Exodus 13:17
When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.”
Q1 Why do you think God did not want them take the quick & short path? (Rationalize this)
Q2 What battles in your life has God wanted you to avoid but you lacked patience and jumped in?
Q3 Flip the concept: What battles has God wanted you to engage head-on, but you fled?
[ Plot Update: After they were released, the King of Egypt disapproved and Pharaoh sent his chariot army after them. God then opens the Red Sea for safe passage, then closes it on the chariot army. ] —- 20 days later
Verse #2: Exodus 15:24-25
So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink?” Then Moses cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became fit to drink. There the Lord issued a ruling and instruction for them and put them to the test.
Q1 Despite all that God had done so far on their behalf, they still grumbled as if basic needs wouldn’t be taken care of. What is a time when you logically knew God would take care of a situation, but your heart doubted?
Q2 Faith to trust God was the Israelites issue. That being said, If God was to test you right now on something, what would it be?
Q3 What is the outcome in a general sense if God is testing you and you intentionally choose not to grow? [pointed answer]
[ Plot update: Israelites ran out of food, God supplies them with bread and meat as needed, They battle the Amalekites Moses takes some advice from Jethro then Moses then travels up Mt. Sinai and literally speaks to God. ] —- 3 months after leaving Egypt.
Verse#3: Exodus 19:7-8
Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the Lord had commanded him to speak. The people all responded together, “We will do everything the Lord has said.” So Moses brought their answer back to the Lord.
Q1: Why do you think Moses felt the need to summon the elders (leaders) of the Israelites to discuss God’s words to him?—- How could they help? Why are leaders beneficial? — (Delegating plans/advice)
Q2: Think of a time you failed to take the FULL advice or counsel and it backfired on you; what can you do in the future to hold yourself accountable? [ask advice, read the word, pray for discernment]
*Note: I encourage you to read the book of Exodus if you have not yet to see HOW they reacted to God’s advice and if they ever made it to their “promised land.”
Challenge:
God is in control within his church. The individuals that have been placed in leadership roles within the church are above you because God needs them there for a specific purpose. Sometimes that purpose might be to walk in the desert for 40 years, other times, it may just feel that way. Regardless of the circumstances, God has you on a journey and the fastest means to the destination is faith in His will. Submission to those God placed in your life is part of God’s plan so part of loving God is believing this. If you are interested in reaching the “promised land” God has in store at the end of your journey, I challenge you to speak with the person who invited you here so you can begin or continue to study out the Bible.
And That is Bible talk……