On this Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost, we will reflect on the beginning of the ministry of Joshua, and the trust in God that all impossible things will be made possible. Our story focuses on the entrance into the Promised Land and the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River. We will explore how we encounter the impossible things in our life and what role God plays in those moments.
Our Scripture passage is found in the Book of Joshua. The Scripture passage may be found by following this link: (Joshua 3:7-17).
For continuing study, reflect on these questions (found in the study guide below):
Begin this study by taking some time to image a personal experience where the future seemed quite uncertain and you appeared to face many impossibilities, yet somehow, a new possibility appeared that you had never imagined previously. Can you see God's hand in this experience?
Read the Scripture lesson, Joshua 3:7-17, and imagine what it must have been like to be in the crowd as you approached the Jordan River, wondering how you would get to the other side?
After reading the "WHAT..." paragraph below, reflect on the changes in one's life (both good and challenging) as you go from being a "wilderness people" to a "settled people" in the land that had been promised so long ago.
After reading the "WHERE is GOD..." paragraph below, reflect on the idea that the Israelite people followed a God who made the impossible, possible; and reflect on your own story from the beginning of this study. Has the Scripture reading given you any new insights into your own story?
After reading the "SO WHAT..." paragraph below, reflect on the idea that God acts in our world and, if we are aware of these acts, we are filled with reverence and awe of God's works. How is God active in your life today?
After reading the "NOW WHAT..." paragraph, reflect on the final sentence: "sometimes we have to take a step of faith before we can receive the goodness of God's dream for us." - Do you agree that we must step out in faith before realizing some of God's dreams for us; and, if so, what might some of these "acts of faith" include in your life?
