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Parents' Corner | June 16, 2019

ParentsCorner_Weekly

 

 

Dear Parents,

 

After God, through Moses, brought the Israelites out of Egypt, He met with them in the wilderness and established a covenant, or agreement, with the people of Israel: “Now if you will listen to Me and carefully keep My covenant, you will be My own possession out of all the peoples ... and you will be My kingdom of priests and My holy nation” (Ex. 19:5-6).

God promised five things in the Mosaic covenant: 1) Israel will be God’s own possession (Ex. 19:5); 2) Israel will be God’s kingdom of priests (Ex. 19:6); 3) Israel will be a holy nation (Ex. 19:6); 4) God will defend Israel from her enemies (Ex. 23:22); and 5) God will be gracious, merciful, and forgiving to Israel (Ex. 34:6-7).

God’s conditions for the covenant were clear: “You must carefully follow every command I am giving you” (Deut. 8:1). “Be careful that you don’t forget the Lord your God by failing to keep His command” (Deut. 8:11). “If you ever forget the Lord your God ... you will perish” (Deut. 8:19).

In the opening chapters of Deuteronomy, the Israelites were at the edge of the promised land. Moses reminded them of all the things God had done. He reminded them of the Lord’s commands and implored them to worship only God. Through faith, trust, and love, the Israelites would receive the blessings of mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Moses’ message was clear: Remember!

Scripture reveals that Israel did not keep the covenant. (See Ezek. 16:59; Hos. 6:7.) But God was merciful to His people. His new covenant focuses not on obedience, but on the heart. (See Jer. 31:31-34.) Our obedience cannot earn us God’s favor, and our disobedience does not separate us from Him. We receive His blessings by holding out empty hands of faith.

God Bless,
David Feiser
Family Ministry Pastor
The Well Community Church

 

Family Starting Points

June 16, 2019

Scripture Memory: Psalm 128:1

“Blessed are all who fear the Lord who walk in His ways.”

Big Picture Question:

Who can keep God’s law? No one can keep God’s law except Jesus.

Bible Story: God Reminded His People of His Covenant (Deuteronomy 5:1-6:25; 8:1-11:1, 26-28)

  • Moses reminded God’s people about the Ten Commandments.
  • Moses told the people to talk about God’s laws and teach them to their children.
  • Moses said if the people obeyed God, they would be blessed in the land.

Family Discussion Starters:

  • What bad things happen when we break God’s rules?
  • What good things happen when we keep God’s rules?
  • How can our family remind each other about God’s rules?

Family Activity:

  • Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9 to your family. Talk about ways to remind each other of this verse throughout the week.
  • Take it further: If weather permits, take a walk as a family. As you walk, remember today’s Bible story.

Next Week:

 

  • Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 13:1-14:38)