Knowing God Through His Word
Knowing God Through His Word: An Old and New Testament Journey
“Knowing God, Living His Word, Blessing Others.”
Session 1: God the Creator and Sustainer — Genesis 1–2; John 1:1–5; Colossians 1:15–17
Session 2: God’s Covenant of Grace — Genesis 12:1–9; 15:1–6; Romans 4:18–25; Galatians 3:6–9, 16
Session 3: God Who Delivers — Exodus 3:1–12; 14:13–31; John 8:34–36; 1 Corinthians 10:1–4
Session 4: God’s Presence with His People — Exodus 19:1–6; 25:8–22; John 1:14; Matthew 28:20
Session 7: God the Faithful King — 1 Samuel 8:1–9; 2 Samuel 7:8–16; Luke 1:31–33; Revelation 11:15
Session 8: God the Shepherd of His People — Psalm 23; Psalm 100; John 10:11–15; Hebrews 13:20
Session 10: God’s Justice and Mercy — Micah 6:6–8; Jonah 3:1–10; Matthew 23:23; Luke 6:36
Series Theme Statement
The God who revealed Himself as compassionate, faithful, and just in the Old Testament is the same God revealed in Jesus Christ. In this series, we seek to listen carefully to His Word, recognizing that our knowledge of Him comes only through what He has revealed in Scripture. We make no claim to speak from personal authority but invite you to join in exploring how the Bible itself calls us to trust Him, walk in obedience, and pass on His truth to the generations that follow.
Overview
The Bible is not simply a record of ancient events; it is God’s message to mankind. From the opening words of Genesis to the final vision in Revelation, we encounter the same God—Creator, Deliverer, Shepherd, and Redeemer—working out His plan of love and salvation. This study does not present human opinions as truth but takes the Bible’s witness as our guide. The comments and reflections included are not final answers but prompts to help us think deeply about who God is, what He has done, and how He continues to work in our lives today.
When
God revealed Himself to Moses, He declared:
“The
Lord! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger
and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. I lavish unfailing
love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and
sin. But I do not excuse the guilty…”
(Exodus 34:6–7, NLT).
This passage is a cornerstone for understanding God’s character. It shows us His mercy, His justice, and His call to live faithfully before Him. Our goal is simply to let the Bible speak for itself and to invite reflection on its truth, so that each of us may grow in knowing God through His Word.
Five Subjects of Interest
In this series, we will explore:
God the Creator — the One who brings life and order.
God the Covenant-Maker — the One who keeps His promises.
God the Deliverer — the One who rescues His people.
God the Shepherd and King — the One who guides and rules with love.
God the Restorer — the One who makes all things new.
Each of these themes and more begins in the Old Testament and finds its fulfillment in the New Testament through Jesus Christ.
Timeless Wisdom for Today
Though the events of Scripture happened long ago, the truths about God remain the same. As Hebrews 13:8 reminds us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” The God who parted the Red Sea is the same God who hears our prayers today. The God who promised Abraham a future is the same God who promises us eternal life in Christ.
Living in Light of God’s Character
Exodus 34 reminds us that our obedience is not just for ourselves. The way we live can bless or harm those around us—our children, grandchildren, and even those who simply watch our example. Our faithfulness to God’s Word can ripple outward for generations. As Joshua declared, “As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15, NLT).
John Stott once wrote, “Holiness is not a condition for salvation, but it is the only proper response to salvation.” Our obedience is a testimony of God’s goodness, showing others His mercy and faithfulness.
Practical Applications in Christian Living
This study is not about mastering the Bible, but about letting the Bible master us. By focusing on God’s character, we will be reminded that:
God provides for our daily needs.
God is faithful even when we are weak.
God calls us to live holy lives that reflect His love.
God gives us hope in times of trial.
God uses our obedience to bless others.
Why This Study of God Matters
At this stage of life, many of us have walked with the Lord for decades. Yet there is always more to discover about His greatness and His grace. This study is about deepening our understanding of God’s character and renewing our commitment to live in obedience—not only for our own sake, but for the sake of those who come after us. As Charles Spurgeon once said, “There is nothing better, for strengthening the faith of the believer, than the revelation of God Himself.”
Session 1: God the Creator and Sustainer — Genesis 1–2
Study Notes — Handout — Audio
Focus — God as the source of life and order
Purpose Statement — To see that God is the beginning of all things, and that His creation shows His power, goodness, and care for mankind.
New Testament Connection — John 1:1–5; Colossians 1:15–17; 2 Corinthians 5:17
God created all things through Christ, and in Him all things hold together. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, God begins a new creation in the lives of those who believe.
What to Look For
Notice how God brings order and purpose out of nothing.
Look for the goodness of God in everything He creates.
Watch how the New Testament shows Jesus as part of creation and the new creation.
Personal Reflection Questions
When you look at creation, what part most reminds you of God’s power and care?
How does knowing God made you on purpose change the way you see your life today?
Scripture — Genesis 1–2; John 1:1–5; Colossians 1:15–17
Key Verses to Read Aloud (NLT)
Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
Genesis 1:26–27 “Then God said, ‘Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us...’ So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
Genesis 2:7 “Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.”
Genesis 2:15 “The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.”
Story Summary
Genesis 1–2 tells the story of creation: God speaks the universe into existence, forming light, land, sea, plants, animals, and finally humanity. He creates mankind in His image and breathes life into them, placing them in a garden designed for relationship, purpose, and care. These chapters reveal God's power, intentionality, and deep care for His creation.
New Testament Connections
John 1:1–5
“In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”
Colossians 1:15–17
“Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see... Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
Connection Summary
These New Testament passages affirm that Jesus was present and active in creation. He is not only the agent through whom all things were made, but also the one who sustains them. Through His resurrection, He begins a new creation in believers—restoring what was broken and bringing eternal life.
Overview
Genesis 1–2 introduces us to God as Creator. He speaks, and the world comes into being. He shapes the heavens, the earth, and every living thing. Most importantly, He creates mankind in His image, giving us dignity and purpose. The New Testament reminds us that Jesus was present at creation and that all things were made through Him (John 1:1–3). This means creation is not just about the beginning of the world—it is about the God who continues to sustain life and who brings new life through Christ.
This May Surprise You
In Genesis, God doesn’t just create and then step back. He continues to sustain what He has made. Colossians 1:17 says, “He holds all creation together.” This means every breath we take is a gift from God. Sometimes we think of creation as something that happened long ago, but the Bible teaches that God is still actively involved in keeping the world and our lives in His hands.
Seeds for Thought
God created with purpose (Genesis 1:1–5).
Comment: Creation was not random. God brought light out of darkness and order out of chaos.
Reflection Question: Where do you see God bringing order and purpose in your own life?
God declared His creation “very good” (Genesis 1:31).
Comment: God delights in what He has made, including you. His creation reflects His goodness.
Reflection Question: How does it encourage you to know that God delights in His creation, including you?
God created mankind in His image (Genesis 1:26–27).
Comment: Being made in God’s image means we are created to reflect His character and live in relationship with Him.
Reflection Question: What does it mean for you to reflect God’s image in your daily life?
God rested (Genesis 2:1–3).
Comment: God’s rest shows His work was complete and sets a pattern for us to trust Him rather than strive endlessly.
Reflection Question: How can you practice resting in God’s care this week?
Take-Home Thought
Creation is not just about the beginning of the world—it is about the God who continues to sustain life every moment. The same God who spoke light into darkness is the One who brings new life into our hearts through Jesus Christ. Just as He created the heavens and the earth, He is also creating a new people who live by faith in Him.
When we see God as Creator and Sustainer, we are reminded that our lives are not accidents. We are here on purpose, made in His image, and called to reflect His goodness. This truth gives us confidence to live faithfully, knowing that the God who made the world is the same God who holds our lives together.
Quote
A.W. Tozer: “God is not only the Creator of all things, but the upholder of all things. He did not create and then abandon.”
John Stott: “The God of creation is also the God of redemption. The one who made the world is the one who came to save it.”
Biblical Connections
"All things were made through him" (John 1:3) echoes Genesis 1:1 - both show God/Christ as the source of all creation
"Let us make mankind in our image" (Genesis 1:26) connects to the Trinity revealed more fully in the New Testament
"He is before all things, and in him all things hold together" (Colossians 1:17) shows that God not only created but continues to sustain what He made
"If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come" (2 Corinthians 5:17) connects God's original creation with the new creation He makes in believers' hearts
How does this help me trust God today?
The God who created the entire universe from nothing is the same God taking care of you today. If He can speak stars into existence and set planets in their orbits, He can certainly handle whatever you're facing. When you feel small and unimportant, remember that the Creator of everything chose to make you in His own image. When life feels out of control, remember that God specializes in bringing order from chaos. He's been doing it since the beginning, and He's still doing it now. Your problems are not too big for the Creator of the universe, and you are not too small for His personal attention.
Devotional Thought: The Master Craftsman's Workshop
Think about the most skilled craftsman you've ever known. Maybe your grandfather in his woodworking shop, or a neighbor who could fix anything. Remember how they handled their tools with care and took pride in their finished work.
Now imagine walking into God's workshop at the beginning of time. In Genesis, we see the Master Craftsman at work. With perfect skill, He shapes light from darkness, separates sky from sea, and breathes life into dust. Every detail has purpose.
But here's what sets God apart from any earthly craftsman – He doesn't just build something and walk away. The same hands that formed the mountains still hold them in place. Colossians tells us that in Christ, all things hold together. Right now, at this very moment, Jesus is actively sustaining every heartbeat, every breath, every cell in your body.
When we feel forgotten or wonder if God really cares about our daily struggles, we can remember this truth: the God who spoke galaxies into existence also knits together the tiniest details of our lives. He's not a distant Creator who wound up the world and left it to run down. He's actively involved, constantly caring, always present.
Just as a master craftsman stands back and admires his finished work, God looks at you and says, "It is good."
Culture Connection
In our modern world filled with scientific debates, environmental crises, and questions about human purpose, Genesis 1-2 reminds us that we are not accidents of evolution or products of chance, but intentionally designed beings created in God's image. This foundational truth counters today's cultural messages that life has no ultimate meaning and that we are merely consumers in a material world. Instead, Scripture affirms our inherent dignity and reveals that we have been entrusted as stewards of creation, called to care for the earth and one another as reflections of our Creator's character.
Into Action
This teaching calls us to live as responsible caretakers of God's creation through practical acts of environmental stewardship—recycling, conserving energy, and supporting sustainable practices in our communities. We can also reflect God's creative nature by using our talents to bring beauty, order, and blessing into the world around us. A wonderful example is Wangari Maathai, the Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize winner who founded the Green Belt Movement, mobilizing communities to plant trees and restore their environment while empowering women—demonstrating how caring for creation and caring for people go hand in hand, just as God intended from the beginning.
Session 2: God’s Covenant of Grace — Genesis 12:1–9; 15:1–6
Study Notes — Handout — Audio
Focus — God’s promises to Abraham
Purpose Statement — To understand that God calls people to trust Him, and His promises are the foundation of faith for all generations.
New Testament Connection — Romans 4:18–25; Galatians 3:6–9, 16
Abraham’s faith points forward to the faith we have in Christ. God’s promise to bless all nations through Abraham is fulfilled in Jesus.
What to Look For
Notice how God takes the first step in making promises to Abraham.
Watch how Abraham responds—not with perfection, but with trust.
Look for how these promises extend beyond Abraham to all people through Christ.
Personal Reflection Questions
Have you ever had to step out in faith without knowing how things would turn out?
What does it mean to you that God’s promises are not just for Abraham, but for you as well?
Scripture — Genesis 12:1–9; 15:1–6; Romans 4:18–25; Galatians 3:6–9, 16
Selected Verses (NLT)
Genesis 12:1–3 “The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.’”
Genesis 12:4 “So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran.”
Genesis 15:5–6 “Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, ‘Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!’ And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.”
Story Summary
God calls Abram to leave his homeland and promises to make him a great nation, bless him, and use him to bless all the families of the earth. Despite his age and lack of children, Abram trusts God's word. Later, God reaffirms His promise, and Abram’s faith is credited to him as righteousness. This covenant marks a turning point in God’s plan to redeem humanity.
New Testament Connections
Romans 4:18–21
“Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, ‘That’s how many descendants you will have!’ And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb. Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.”
Romans 4:23–25
“And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.”
Galatians 3:6–9
“In the same way, ‘Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.’ The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God. What’s more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would declare the Gentiles to be righteous because of their faith. God proclaimed this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, ‘All nations will be blessed through you.’ So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith.”
Galatians 3:16
“God gave the promises to Abraham and his child. And notice that the Scripture doesn’t say ‘to his children,’ as if it meant many descendants. Rather, it says ‘to his child’—and that, of course, means Christ.”
Connection Summary
Abraham’s faith becomes the model for all who believe. Paul teaches that righteousness comes by faith, not by works, and that the promise to bless all nations through Abraham finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Those who trust in Christ are counted as Abraham’s spiritual descendants and heirs of God’s promise.
Overview
In Genesis 12, God calls Abraham to leave his home and promises to make him into a great nation, to bless him, and to bless all the families of the earth through him. In Genesis 15, God confirms this covenant, and Abraham believes God’s word. That faith is counted to him as righteousness.
The New Testament shows us that Abraham’s faith is a model for our own. Paul explains in Romans 4 that Abraham believed God’s promise even when it seemed impossible, and that same kind of faith is what makes us right with God through Jesus Christ. God’s covenant of grace with Abraham points forward to the greater covenant fulfilled in Christ, who brings blessing to all nations.
This May Surprise You
Abraham was not chosen because of his strength, wisdom, or goodness. He was an ordinary man whom God called and blessed. The surprising truth is that God’s covenant is based on His grace, not on human achievement. This means that our relationship with God is not built on what we can do for Him, but on what He has promised and accomplished for us through Christ.
Seeds for Thought
God calls Abraham (Genesis 12:1).
Comment: God often calls us to trust Him without giving us the full picture. Faith means stepping forward even when we cannot see the end.
Reflection Question: Where might God be asking you to trust Him without knowing all the details?
God promises blessing (Genesis 12:2–3).
Comment: God’s covenant is not just about Abraham’s family, but about blessing the whole world.
Reflection Question: How does it encourage you to know that God’s plan has always included people from every nation?
Abraham believes God (Genesis 15:6).
Comment: Abraham’s faith, not his works, was counted as righteousness. This is the foundation of salvation by faith.
Reflection Question: How does Abraham’s example help you understand what it means to trust God today?
God’s promise fulfilled in Christ (Galatians 3:16).
Comment: The “offspring” promised to Abraham is ultimately Christ, through whom all nations are blessed.
Reflection Question: How does knowing Christ is the fulfillment of God’s promise strengthen your faith?
Take-Home Thought
God’s covenant with Abraham shows us that He is a God who makes promises and keeps them. Abraham’s story reminds us that faith is not about having all the answers, but about trusting the One who does. Just as Abraham believed God’s word and was counted righteous, we too are made right with God by trusting in Jesus Christ.
This covenant of grace is not just ancient history—it is the foundation of our faith today. God’s promises are sure, His blessings are wide, and His grace is greater than our failures. Our task is to trust Him, walk in obedience, and share His blessing with others.
Quote
Charles Spurgeon: “Faith is the hand which takes what God freely gives.”
John Calvin: “Faith is not a distant view, but a warm embrace of Christ.”
Biblical Connections
Genesis 15:6 — echoed in Romans 4:3 and Galatians 3:6, showing Abraham’s faith as the model of righteousness.
Blessing to all nations (Genesis 12:3) — fulfilled in Christ (Galatians 3:8, 16).
Leaving home in faith (Genesis 12:1) — echoed in Hebrews 11:8–10, where Abraham is praised for his obedience.
How does this help me trust God today?
Abraham’s story reminds us that God’s promises are bigger than our circumstances. Even when the future looks uncertain, God’s word is sure. Just as Abraham trusted God to do the impossible, we can trust Him to keep His promises in Christ. This gives us confidence to live by faith, knowing that God’s covenant of grace extends to us and to all who believe.
Devotional Thought: The Promise Keeper
Remember when your children were small and you promised them something special? Maybe a trip to the park or their favorite meal for dinner. Even if storms came or plans had to change, you found a way to keep your word because that's what loving parents do.
Abraham faced a much bigger promise. God asked him to leave everything familiar – his home, his family, his security – and go to a place he'd never seen. The promise? God would make him into a great nation and bless all the world through him. There was just one problem: Abraham was 75 years old and had no children.
From a human perspective, this promise looked impossible. Yet Abraham packed up and left, trusting God's word. Years passed. Still no child. When doubt crept in, God took Abraham outside and said, "Count the stars if you can. That's how many descendants you'll have." Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.
Here's the beautiful truth: the same God who kept His promise to Abraham keeps His promises to us. Just as Abraham couldn't earn God's blessing by being perfect, we can't earn our salvation by good works. It comes through faith – trusting that God means what He says.
When life feels uncertain and God's promises seem far away, remember Abraham looking up at those countless stars, choosing to believe the Promise Keeper.
Culture Connection
In our age of broken promises—from failed marriages to corporate scandals to political dishonesty—Abraham's story reminds us that God's character stands in stark contrast to human unreliability. While our culture often promotes self-reliance and "believing in yourself," Scripture calls us to place our trust in the One who cannot lie and whose promises span generations. In a world where people struggle with anxiety about the future and seek security in retirement accounts, insurance policies, and government programs, Abraham's example challenges us to find our ultimate security in God's unchanging faithfulness, even when His timeline doesn't match our expectations.
Into Action
This teaching encourages us to step out in faith when God calls us to serve others, even when the outcome seems uncertain—perhaps volunteering at a homeless shelter, supporting missionaries, or starting a neighborhood Bible study despite our fears. We can also practice covenant faithfulness in our own relationships, keeping our word even when it's difficult. A powerful modern example is George Müller, the 19th-century orphanage director who cared for over 10,000 orphans throughout his lifetime, never asking for donations but simply trusting God to provide through prayer—demonstrating the same radical faith that led Abraham to leave everything familiar and trust God's promises for an unseen future.
Session 3: God Who Delivers — Exodus 3:1–12; 14:13–31
Study Notes — Handout — Audio
Focus — God’s power to rescue His people
Purpose Statement — To see that God hears the cries of His people and delivers them, pointing us to His saving work for all mankind.
New Testament Connection — John 8:34–36; 1 Corinthians 10:1–4
Just as God delivered Israel from Egypt, Jesus delivers us from sin and death. The Exodus becomes a picture of the greater salvation found in Christ.
What to Look For
Notice how God hears the cries of His people and responds with compassion.
Watch how God’s power is displayed in the deliverance at the Red Sea.
Look for how this story points forward to the greater deliverance we have in Christ.
Personal Reflection Questions
Can you remember a time when you felt “stuck” and God made a way forward?
What does it mean to you that God not only saves us once, but continues to walk with us?
Scripture — Exodus 3:1–12; 14:13–31; John 8:34–36; 1 Corinthians 10:1–4
Selected Verses (NLT)
Exodus 3:7–8 “Then the Lord told him, ‘I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land.’”
Exodus 3:11–12 “But Moses protested to God, ‘Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?’ God answered, ‘I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain.’”
Exodus 14:13–14 “But Moses told the people, ‘Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.’”
Exodus 14:21–22 “Then Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the Lord opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind. The wind blew all that night, turning the seabed into dry land. So the people of Israel walked through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side!”
Story Summary
God calls Moses to lead His people out of slavery in Egypt. He assures Moses of His presence and power. Later, when the Israelites are trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea, God miraculously parts the waters, allowing them to escape. This dramatic rescue shows God’s faithfulness and strength in delivering His people when all hope seems lost.
New Testament Connections
John 8:34–36
“Jesus replied, ‘I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.’”
1 Corinthians 10:1–4
“I don’t want you to forget, dear brothers and sisters, about our ancestors in the wilderness long ago. All of them were guided by a cloud that moved ahead of them, and all of them walked through the sea on dry ground. In the cloud and in the sea, all of them were baptized as followers of Moses. All of them ate the same spiritual food, and all of them drank the same spiritual water. For they drank from the spiritual rock that traveled with them—and that rock was Christ.”
Connection Summary
The Exodus is more than history—it’s a spiritual symbol of God’s ultimate deliverance. Just as God freed Israel from bondage in Egypt, Jesus frees us from the bondage of sin. Paul reminds us that Christ was present even in the wilderness, sustaining and guiding His people. Through Him, we experience true freedom and new life.
Overview
The story of the Exodus is one of the clearest pictures of God’s power to save. God calls Moses at the burning bush, promising to be with him as he leads Israel out of slavery. Later, at the Red Sea, God shows His mighty hand by parting the waters and delivering His people from Pharaoh’s army.
This deliverance is more than history—it is a picture of salvation. In the New Testament, Jesus explains that everyone who sins is a slave to sin, but He came to set us free (John 8:34–36). Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10 that the Exodus story points us to Christ, who is our true Deliverer.
This May Surprise You
The Israelites did not escape Egypt because of their strength or cleverness. They were trapped, with the sea in front of them and Pharaoh’s army behind them. Their only hope was God’s intervention. This reminds us that salvation is never something we achieve—it is always God’s work. Just as Israel could not save themselves, we cannot save ourselves from sin. Deliverance is God’s gift of grace.
Seeds for Thought
God hears the cries of His people (Exodus 3:7).
Comment: God is not distant. He listens and responds to the suffering of His people.
Reflection Question: How does it comfort you to know that God hears your prayers, even when you feel forgotten?
God promises His presence (Exodus 3:12).
Comment: God does not send Moses alone. His presence is the guarantee of success.
Reflection Question: Where in your life do you need to be reminded that God is with you?
God delivers through His power (Exodus 14:21–22).
Comment: The parting of the Red Sea shows that God alone has the power to save.
Reflection Question: How does this miracle encourage you to trust God with what seems impossible?
God’s deliverance points to Christ (1 Corinthians 10:1–4).
Comment: The Exodus is a picture of the greater salvation we have in Jesus, who rescues us from sin and death.
Reflection Question: How does remembering Christ’s deliverance give you hope today?
Take-Home Thought
The Exodus reminds us that God is a Deliverer. He hears, He acts, and He saves. Israel’s rescue from Egypt was not just about freedom from slavery—it was about God showing His power and faithfulness to His people.
In the same way, Jesus delivers us from the slavery of sin. Just as the Israelites walked through the waters into freedom, we walk in new life because of Christ’s death and resurrection. God’s deliverance is not only for the past—it is for today and forever.
Quote
Charles Spurgeon: “The God who brought Israel out of Egypt will bring His people out of all their trials.”
N.T. Wright: “The Exodus was the great act of redemption in the Old Testament, and Jesus’ death and resurrection are the great act of redemption in the New.”
Biblical Connections
Exodus 3:7 — echoed in Psalm 34:17, “The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.”
Exodus 14:21–22 — echoed in Isaiah 51:10, remembering God’s power to part the sea.
Deliverance from slavery — echoed in John 8:34–36, where Jesus says He sets us free from sin.
Passing through the sea — echoed in 1 Corinthians 10:1–4, where Paul connects the Exodus to Christ.
How does this help me trust God today?
The Exodus teaches us that God is not only powerful but also personal. He hears our cries and delivers us in His timing and His way. Just as He made a way through the sea, He makes a way for us through Christ. Trusting God today means remembering that no situation is too hard for Him, and no bondage is too strong for His saving hand.
Devotional Thought: The Great Rescue
Think about the most helpless situation you've ever faced. Maybe it was a serious illness, a financial crisis, or watching a loved one suffer. You felt trapped with no way out, no solution in sight. That's exactly where the Israelites found themselves in Egypt – slaves for 400 years with no hope of freedom.
Then God showed up at a burning bush and called Moses to lead the greatest rescue mission in history. But when they finally left Egypt, they hit another impossible wall – the Red Sea in front of them and Pharaoh's army charging from behind. Talk about being trapped.
Moses told the terrified people, "Don't be afraid. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord." Then God did what only God could do. He opened a path through the sea. The same water that became a wall of protection for His people became a grave for their enemies.
Here's what strikes me about this story: God didn't just hear their cries and feel sorry for them. He acted. He came down. He delivered them completely.
That same delivering God sees you today. Whatever has you trapped – fear, guilt, loneliness, or despair – He specializes in impossible rescues. Just as the Red Sea couldn't stop God's plan for Israel, nothing can stop His love for you. The God who made a way through the sea has already made a way through the cross.
Culture Connection
In today's world where people feel trapped by addiction, debt, toxic relationships, mental health struggles, and societal injustices, the Exodus story speaks powerfully to our human longing for freedom and deliverance. While our culture often promotes self-help solutions and personal empowerment as the path to liberation, Scripture reveals that true deliverance comes from God who hears our cries and acts on our behalf. This ancient story resonates with modern movements for justice and freedom, reminding us that God sides with the oppressed and marginalized, and that He still works through ordinary people like Moses to bring about extraordinary change in seemingly impossible situations.
Into Action
This teaching compels us to be God's instruments of deliverance in our world—supporting organizations that fight human trafficking, helping people escape cycles of poverty or addiction, or simply being present with those who feel trapped by their circumstances. We can also trust God's delivering power in our own lives, crying out to Him in prayer during difficult seasons rather than trying to save ourselves. A remarkable contemporary example is International Justice Mission's Gary Haugen, who left a comfortable law career to rescue victims of slavery and violence worldwide, demonstrating how God still calls ordinary people to be part of His delivering work—just as He used Moses to lead the Israelites from bondage to freedom.
Session 4: God’s Presence with His People — Exodus 19:1–6; 25:8–22
Study Notes — Handout — Audio
Focus — God dwelling among His people
Purpose Statement — To recognize that God desires to be near His people, guiding and shaping them to be His own.
New Testament Connection — John 1:14; Matthew 28:20
God’s presence in the tabernacle points to Jesus, who “became flesh and made His home among us.” Through the Spirit, God is still with His people today.
What to Look For
Notice how God chooses to dwell among His people, not far away.
Watch how His presence shapes Israel’s identity as His treasured possession.
Look for how this points forward to Jesus and the Spirit’s presence with us today.
Personal Reflection Questions
When have you felt God’s presence most clearly in your life?
How does knowing God is with you change the way you face challenges?
Scripture — Exodus 19:1–6; 25:8–22; John 1:14; Matthew 28:20
Selected Verses (NLT)
Exodus 19:5–6 “Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.”
Exodus 25:8–9 “Have the people of Israel build me a holy sanctuary so I can live among them. You must build this Tabernacle and its furnishings exactly according to the pattern I will show you.”
Exodus 25:21–22 “Place inside the Ark the tablets of the Covenant law, which I will give to you. Then put the atonement cover on top of the Ark. I will meet with you there and talk to you from above the atonement cover, between the gold cherubim that hover over the Ark of the Covenant. From there I will give you my commands for the people of Israel.”
Story Summary
At Mount Sinai, God calls Israel to be His treasured people and invites them into covenant relationship. Later, He instructs them to build a tabernacle—a sacred space where His presence will dwell among them. The Ark of the Covenant becomes the meeting place between God and His people, symbolizing His nearness and desire to guide them.
New Testament Connections
John 1:14
“So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.”
Matthew 28:20
“Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Connection Summary
The tabernacle was a temporary dwelling for God’s presence, but in Jesus, God came to live among us permanently. John declares that the Word became flesh and “made His home among us,” echoing the tabernacle imagery. After His resurrection, Jesus promises to be with His followers always. Through the Holy Spirit, God continues to dwell within and among His people, guiding and shaping them into His own.
Overview
At Mount Sinai, God tells Israel that they will be His treasured possession, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. Later, He commands them to build the tabernacle so that He might dwell among them. This is a powerful truth: the God who created the universe chooses to live with His people.
In the New Testament, this promise is fulfilled in Jesus. John 1:14 says, “So the Word became human and made his home among us.” And after His resurrection, Jesus promises, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). God’s presence is not limited to a tent or a temple—it is now with us through Christ and the Holy Spirit.
This May Surprise You
God’s presence was not just a comfort; it was also a challenge. His holiness meant that Israel had to live differently. The tabernacle was a reminder that God was near, but also that His people needed to be holy to live in fellowship with Him. In the same way, God’s presence with us today is both a comfort and a call to live lives that reflect His holiness.
Seeds for Thought
God calls His people His treasured possession (Exodus 19:5).
Comment: God’s presence is not just about location—it’s about relationship. He delights in His people.
Reflection Question: How does it encourage you to know that God treasures you?
God commands a dwelling place (Exodus 25:8).
Comment: The tabernacle was a visible sign that God was with His people.
Reflection Question: What are some ways you are reminded of God’s presence in your daily life?
God’s presence above the mercy seat (Exodus 25:22).
Comment: God met with His people at the ark, showing that His presence was central to their worship.
Reflection Question: How does knowing God meets with us through Christ shape your worship?
God’s presence fulfilled in Christ (John 1:14; Matthew 28:20).
Comment: Jesus is “God with us,” and through the Spirit, His presence continues today.
Reflection Question: How does this truth give you confidence in your walk with God?
Take-Home Thought
From the beginning, God’s desire has been to dwell with His people. The tabernacle was a sign of His nearness, but it pointed forward to something greater—Jesus Christ, who came to live among us. Today, through the Spirit, God’s presence is not confined to a building but lives within every believer.
This truth changes everything. We are never alone. God is with us in our joys and in our struggles. His presence shapes us, comforts us, and calls us to live as His holy people. The God who dwelt in the tabernacle now dwells in us, making us His dwelling place.
Quote
J.I. Packer: “The supreme mystery with which the gospel confronts us… is the mystery of God becoming man.”
Charles Spurgeon: “Nearness to God brings likeness to God. The more you see God, the more of God will be seen in you.”
Biblical Connections
Exodus 19:5–6 — echoed in 1 Peter 2:9, where believers are called a chosen people and a royal priesthood.
Exodus 25:8 — fulfilled in John 1:14, where Jesus “made his home among us.”
God’s presence with His people — echoed in Revelation 21:3, “Look, God’s home is now among his people!”
How does this help me trust God today?
Knowing that God is present with us gives us courage and peace. We do not walk through life alone—He is with us in every step. His presence is not just a comfort but a promise: He will never leave us or forsake us. Trusting God today means living with the confidence that the Creator of the universe is near, guiding, shaping, and sustaining us.
Devotional Thought: Moving In Next Door
Remember when your children were young and wanted to be wherever you were? They'd follow you from room to room, wanting to help with whatever you were doing. Even when they made more work than help, you treasured those moments because love wants to be close.
That's the heart behind God's request to build the tabernacle. He could have stayed on Mount Sinai, speaking only through Moses. He could have ruled from a distant heaven. Instead, He said, "Let them make Me a sanctuary, so that I may dwell among them." The God of the universe wanted to move into the neighborhood.
The tabernacle wasn't just a tent – it was God's way of saying, "I want to be close to you." Every morning when the Israelites woke up, they saw that beautiful structure in the center of their camp, reminding them that God was right there with them. When they packed up and moved, God moved too.
But here's the amazing part: what the tabernacle pictured, Jesus fulfilled perfectly. John tells us the Word became flesh and "tabernacled" among us. God didn't just visit earth – He moved in permanently through His Son.
Today, through His Spirit, God still lives among His people. You don't have to travel to a special building to find Him. He's made His home in you. The same God who once filled the tabernacle now fills your heart.
Culture Connection
In our digital age of virtual connections and social media relationships, many people experience profound loneliness despite being constantly "connected." Our culture promotes independence and self-sufficiency, yet deep down we crave authentic presence and belonging. The tabernacle reminds us that God intentionally designed humanity for relationship with Him—not distant worship, but intimate presence. While our society often treats spirituality as a private, individualistic pursuit, Scripture reveals that God desires to dwell among His people as a community, transforming us from the inside out through His holy presence rather than leaving us to navigate life's challenges alone.
Into Action
This teaching calls us to create spaces in our daily lives for God's presence through regular prayer, Bible reading, and worship, while also cultivating Christian community where His presence can be experienced together. We can practice hospitality that reflects God's welcoming nature, making our homes places where others encounter His love and grace. A beautiful example is Jean Vanier, who founded L'Arche communities where people with and without intellectual disabilities live together in covenant relationships, creating sacred spaces where God's presence is tangibly experienced through mutual care and acceptance—demonstrating that God still chooses to dwell among His people when we make room for Him in our everyday lives.
Session 5: God Who Provides and Guides — Exodus 16:1–18; Numbers 9:15–23
Study Notes — Handout — Audio
Focus — God’s daily provision and direction
Purpose Statement — To learn that God provides for our needs and leads us step by step, teaching us to depend on Him.
New Testament Connection — John 6:32–35; Philippians 4:19
Jesus is the Bread of Life, the true manna from heaven. God still provides for His people, both physically and spiritually, through Christ.
What to Look For
Notice how God provides daily bread for His people in the wilderness.
Watch how God’s presence leads Israel step by step with the cloud and fire.
Look for how these truths point to Jesus as the Bread of Life and God’s ongoing provision today.
Personal Reflection Questions
Have you ever experienced God providing for you in an unexpected way?
What does it mean to you that God leads us one step at a time, not all at once?
Scripture — Exodus 16:1–18; Numbers 9:15–23; John 6:32–35; Philippians 4:19
Selected Verses (NLT)
Exodus 16:4 “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Look, I’m going to rain down food from heaven for you. Each day the people can go out and pick up as much food as they need for that day. I will test them in this to see whether or not they will follow my instructions.’”
Exodus 16:15 “The Israelites were puzzled when they saw it. ‘What is it?’ they asked. They had no idea what it was. And Moses told them, ‘It is the food the Lord has given you to eat.’”
Numbers 9:17–18 “Whenever the cloud lifted from over the sacred tent, the people of Israel would break camp and follow it. And wherever the cloud settled, the people of Israel would set up camp. In this way, they traveled and camped at the Lord’s command wherever he told them to go.”
Story Summary
In the wilderness, the Israelites faced hunger and uncertainty. God responded by sending manna—bread from heaven—each morning, teaching them to trust His daily provision. He also guided them with a cloud by day and fire by night, showing them when to move and when to stay. These acts revealed God’s care, discipline, and desire for His people to depend on Him step by step.
New Testament Connections
John 6:32–35
“Jesus said, ‘I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’ ‘Sir,’ they said, ‘give us that bread every day.’ Jesus replied, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’”
Philippians 4:19
“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”
Connection Summary
Jesus identifies Himself as the true bread from heaven—spiritual nourishment that satisfies eternally. Just as God provided manna in the wilderness, He provides for our physical and spiritual needs through Christ. Paul affirms that God continues to meet our needs, not just in survival, but in abundance through His grace.
Overview
When Israel wandered in the wilderness, they faced hunger and uncertainty. God responded by sending manna from heaven each morning and quail in the evening. He also guided them with His presence—by a cloud during the day and fire at night. These daily provisions taught Israel to depend on God, not on themselves.
In the New Testament, Jesus declares that He is the true Bread of Life (John 6:32–35). Just as manna sustained Israel physically, Jesus sustains us spiritually. Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:19 that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in Christ. God’s provision and guidance are not just for the past—they are for us today.
This May Surprise You
The manna God provided could not be stored up for the future, except on the Sabbath. If the people tried to hoard it, it spoiled. This was God’s way of teaching them to trust Him daily. In the same way, God often provides for us one day at a time, so that we learn to depend on Him instead of relying on our own resources.
Seeds for Thought
God provides daily bread (Exodus 16:4).
Comment: God’s provision was fresh every morning, reminding His people to trust Him each day.
Reflection Question: How can you practice trusting God for today’s needs without worrying about tomorrow?
God provides enough for everyone (Exodus 16:17–18).
Comment: No one had too much or too little. God’s provision was perfectly suited to each family.
Reflection Question: How does this truth encourage you to trust God’s fairness and care?
God guides step by step (Numbers 9:15–23).
Comment: Israel moved only when the cloud lifted. Their journey depended on God’s timing.
Reflection Question: Where in your life do you need to slow down and wait for God’s direction?
Jesus is the Bread of Life (John 6:35).
Comment: Just as manna gave physical life, Jesus gives eternal life to all who believe in Him.
Reflection Question: How does Jesus satisfy your deepest hunger?
Take-Home Thought
God’s provision in the wilderness shows us that He is faithful to meet our needs. He gives us what we need when we need it, and He leads us step by step. His provision is not about storing up for ourselves but about learning to trust Him daily.
In Christ, this truth is fulfilled. Jesus is the Bread of Life, the one who satisfies our deepest hunger and sustains us forever. God’s promise in Philippians 4:19 assures us that He will provide for every need—not always what we want, but always what is best. Our task is to trust His timing, His wisdom, and His care.
Quote
George Müller: “The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety.”
Matthew Henry: “Those that trust God with their provision shall never want a supply.”
Biblical Connections
Exodus 16:4 — echoed in Matthew 6:11, “Give us today the food we need.”
Manna from heaven — fulfilled in John 6:32–35, where Jesus calls Himself the Bread of Life.
God’s guidance by cloud and fire (Numbers 9:15–23) — echoed in Psalm 78:14, “He guided them with a cloud by day and with light from the fire all night.”
God’s provision for needs — echoed in Philippians 4:19, “And this same God… will supply all your needs.”
How does this help me trust God today?
This lesson reminds us that God is not only the God of yesterday—He is the God of today. He provides for our needs one day at a time and leads us step by step. Trusting Him means letting go of worry, believing that He knows what we need, and resting in His care. Just as He fed Israel in the wilderness, He feeds us with the Bread of Life, Jesus Christ, who satisfies our deepest needs forever.
Devotional Thought: Daily Bread and Step-by-Step Directions
Picture yourself on a long road trip with your grandchildren. They ask every few minutes, "Are we there yet? Where are we going? Do we have enough gas? What's for lunch?" You patiently reassure them that you know the way and have planned for their needs. You don't give them a week's worth of snacks at once because they'd eat it all in an hour. Instead, you provide what they need when they need it.
That's exactly how God cared for Israel in the wilderness. Every morning, fresh manna covered the ground – enough for that day, no more. When they tried to hoard extra, it spoiled. God was teaching them a powerful lesson: "Trust Me for today. I'll take care of tomorrow when it comes."
He also gave them a cloud by day and fire by night to show them when to move and when to stay. Sometimes they camped for days, sometimes for months. They learned to watch for God's signal, not make their own travel plans.
We're still on that same journey today. We want to stockpile security and map out our entire future. But God says, "Give us this day our daily bread." He provides what we need when we need it – strength for today's troubles, grace for this moment's challenges.
Like those Israelites, we're learning to live one day at a time, trusting the God who never runs out of provision or loses His way.
Culture Connection
In our consumer-driven society where people stockpile possessions, hoard resources out of fear, and constantly worry about having "enough" for retirement or emergencies, the daily provision of manna challenges our scarcity mindset. While our culture promotes financial independence and self-sufficiency as the ultimate security, Scripture teaches radical dependence on God's daily faithfulness. The wilderness experience also speaks to our GPS-dependent generation that wants to see the entire route mapped out in advance—yet God often leads us one step at a time, requiring trust when we can't see around the next bend in our careers, relationships, or health challenges.
Into Action
This teaching encourages us to practice gratitude for daily provisions we often take for granted—food, shelter, health, and relationships—while also learning to share generously with others, trusting that God will continue to provide. We can cultivate dependence on God through daily prayer for our needs rather than anxious planning, and by taking obedient next steps even when we can't see the full picture. A powerful modern example is Corrie ten Boom, who survived Nazi concentration camps by trusting God's daily provision of strength, courage, and even miraculous supplies, then spent her later years traveling the world with only a small suitcase, demonstrating complete dependence on God's guidance and provision—proving that He is still faithful to provide and direct those who follow His leading.
Session 6: God’s Holiness and Our Calling — Leviticus 19:1–4; Deuteronomy 6:1–9
Study Notes — Handout — Audio
Focus — God’s holiness and His call to obedience
Purpose Statement — To see that God is holy and calls His people to reflect His character in their daily lives.
New Testament Connection — 1 Peter 1:15–16; Matthew 22:37–40
God’s call to holiness continues in Christ. Jesus sums up the law in love for God and neighbor, and the Spirit empowers us to live holy lives.
What to Look For
Notice how God’s holiness sets Him apart from all others.
Watch how God calls His people to reflect His holiness in everyday life.
Look for how Jesus and the apostles carry this same call into the New Testament.
Personal Reflection Questions
When you hear the word “holy,” what comes to mind—perfection, distance, or something else?
How might living a holy life influence the people around you, especially family and friends?
Scripture — Leviticus 19:1–4; Deuteronomy 6:1–9; 1 Peter 1:15–16; Matthew 22:37–40
Selected Verses (NLT)
Leviticus 19:1–2 “The Lord also said to Moses, ‘Give the following instructions to the entire community of Israel: You must be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.’”
Leviticus 19:3–4 “Each of you must show great respect for your mother and father, and you must always observe my Sabbath days of rest. I am the Lord your God. Do not put your trust in idols or make metal images of gods for yourselves. I am the Lord your God.”
Deuteronomy 6:4–5 “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.”
Deuteronomy 6:6–7 “And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.”
Story Summary
God calls His people to be holy, set apart for Him, reflecting His character in how they live. In Leviticus, holiness is tied to obedience, reverence, and rejecting idolatry. In Deuteronomy, Moses urges Israel to love God fully and teach His commands diligently to the next generation. Holiness is not just ritual—it’s relational and rooted in love and daily devotion.
New Testament Connections
1 Peter 1:15–16
“But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, ‘You must be holy because I am holy.’”
Matthew 22:37–40
“Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
Connection Summary
Peter echoes the call to holiness, reminding believers that it remains central to life in Christ. Jesus distills the law into two commands—love God and love neighbor—showing that holiness is expressed through love. The Spirit empowers believers to live this out, shaping their hearts and actions to reflect God’s character in everyday life.
Overview
Leviticus 19 begins with God’s command: “You must be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.” Holiness means being set apart, different from the world, and reflecting God’s character. Deuteronomy 6 reminds Israel to love God with all their heart, soul, and strength, and to pass this love on to the next generation.
In the New Testament, Peter repeats this call: “Be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy” (1 Peter 1:15). Jesus sums up the law with two commands: love God and love your neighbor (Matthew 22:37–40). Holiness is not about following rules for their own sake—it is about living in love and obedience to God, empowered by His Spirit.
This May Surprise You
Holiness is not just about avoiding sin—it is about reflecting God’s character in positive ways. In Leviticus 19, holiness includes honoring parents, caring for the poor, and showing kindness to strangers. Holiness is practical. It touches how we treat others, how we worship, and how we live each day.
Seeds for Thought
God is holy (Leviticus 19:2).
Comment: God’s holiness is the foundation for our calling. We are to reflect His character in our lives.
Reflection Question: How does remembering God’s holiness shape the way you live?
Holiness in daily life (Leviticus 19:3–4).
Comment: Holiness is not just about worship—it includes respect for family and faithfulness to God alone.
Reflection Question: What are some everyday ways you can reflect God’s holiness?
Love God fully (Deuteronomy 6:5).
Comment: Loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength is the center of holiness.
Reflection Question: What does it look like for you to love God with your whole life?
Pass it on (Deuteronomy 6:6–9).
Comment: God’s Word is to be taught to children and remembered daily. Holiness is lived out in community and family.
Reflection Question: How can your faith and example encourage others to follow God?
Take-Home Thought
God’s holiness is not meant to push us away—it is meant to draw us closer. He calls us to be holy because He wants us to reflect His character in the world. Holiness is not about perfection but about direction: living in love, obedience, and devotion to God.
Through Christ, this call continues. Jesus shows us that holiness is summed up in love for God and neighbor. The Spirit empowers us to live this out, not in our own strength but in God’s. When we live holy lives, we not only honor God but also bless those around us, leaving a legacy of faith for future generations.
Quote
John Wesley: “Holiness is not something we are to do, but something we are to be.”
A.W. Tozer: “The holiness of God is the most difficult of all God’s attributes to explain, yet it is the one that colors all the others.”
Biblical Connections
Leviticus 19:2 — echoed in 1 Peter 1:15–16, “Be holy, because I am holy.”
Deuteronomy 6:5 — quoted by Jesus in Matthew 22:37 as the greatest commandment.
Passing on God’s Word (Deuteronomy 6:6–9) — echoed in 2 Timothy 1:5, where faith is passed down through generations.
How does this help me trust God today?
God’s holiness shows us that He is pure, faithful, and trustworthy. When He calls us to holiness, He is inviting us to live in a way that reflects His goodness. Trusting God today means believing that His way is best, even when it is hard. It also means knowing that He gives us His Spirit to help us live holy lives. We can trust that as we walk in obedience, God will use our lives to bless others and point them to Him.
Devotional Thought: The Family Resemblance
Have you ever noticed how children naturally copy their parents? They use the same phrases, adopt the same mannerisms, even walk the same way. It's not forced or fake – it just happens when you live closely with someone you love and admire.
When God said, "Be holy, for I am holy," He wasn't setting up an impossible test. He was calling His people to develop the family resemblance. Just like children reflect their parents, God's children should reflect their heavenly Father's character.
But what does holiness actually look like in daily life? Deuteronomy gives us practical answers: Love God with all your heart, soul, and strength. Talk about His ways when you sit at home, walk along the road, lie down, and get up. In other words, let God's character shape how you treat your spouse, how you handle your money, how you respond to difficult neighbors.
Holiness isn't about following a long list of rules to earn God's approval. It's about becoming like the One who already loves us completely. When we spend time with God – in His Word, in prayer, in worship – His character gradually becomes ours.
Think of it this way: the more time you spend with someone, the more you become like them. God invites us to spend so much time with Him that people begin to see the family resemblance in how we love, forgive, and serve others.
Culture Connection
In today's relativistic society where "your truth" and "my truth" can contradict each other, and where moral standards are often dismissed as outdated or judgmental, God's call to holiness stands as a countercultural beacon. While our culture promotes tolerance of all lifestyles and behaviors as equally valid, Scripture maintains that God's character provides an absolute standard for right living. This doesn't mean harsh legalism, but rather that true freedom comes from aligning our lives with our Creator's design. In an age of moral confusion where people struggle to find meaning and purpose, God's call to holiness offers clarity—we are created to reflect His character of love, justice, mercy, and truth in tangible ways.
Into Action
This teaching challenges us to examine our daily choices—how we treat family members, conduct business, use our money, and speak about others—asking whether these reflect God's holy character. We can practice holiness through simple acts of integrity, kindness, and faithfulness that set us apart from cultural norms of selfishness and dishonesty. A remarkable contemporary example is Desmond Tutu, the South African archbishop who demonstrated holy living by courageously fighting apartheid while refusing to harbor hatred toward his oppressors, showing radical forgiveness and reconciliation that reflected God's character—proving that holiness isn't about religious rules but about embodying God's love and justice in ways that transform communities and heal broken relationships.
Session 7: God the Faithful King — 1 Samuel 8:1–9; 2 Samuel 7:8–16
Study Notes — Handout — Audio
Focus — God’s rule and His promise of a lasting kingdom
Purpose Statement — To understand that while human leaders fail, God remains faithful and points us to His eternal King.
New Testament Connection — Luke 1:31–33; Revelation 11:15
God’s promise of a forever king is fulfilled in Jesus, the Son of David, whose kingdom will never end.
What to Look For
Notice Israel’s desire for a human king and God’s warning about misplaced trust.
Watch how God makes a covenant with David, promising a kingdom that will last forever.
Look for how this promise is fulfilled in Jesus, the eternal King.
Personal Reflection Questions
Have you ever put too much trust in human leaders, only to be disappointed?
What does it mean to you that Jesus is a King whose reign will never end?
Scripture — 1 Samuel 8:1–9; 2 Samuel 7:8–16; Luke 1:31–33; Revelation 11:15
Selected Verses (NLT)
1 Samuel 8:6–7 “Samuel was displeased with their request and went to the Lord for guidance. ‘Do everything they say to you,’ the Lord replied, ‘for they are rejecting me, not you. They don’t want me to be their king any longer.’”
2 Samuel 7:8–9 “Now go and say to my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has declared: I took you from tending sheep in the pasture and selected you to be the leader of my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies before your eyes.’”
2 Samuel 7:12–13 “For when you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong. He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for my name. And I will secure his royal throne forever.”
2 Samuel 7:16 “Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.”
Story Summary
Israel’s demand for a human king marks a turning point—they reject God’s direct rule. Yet God remains faithful, choosing David and promising that his lineage will carry an everlasting kingdom. This covenant is not just about political leadership—it points forward to a divine King who will rule with justice and peace forever.
New Testament Connections
Luke 1:31–33
“You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”
Revelation 11:15
“Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices shouting in heaven: ‘The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.’”
Connection Summary
God’s promise to David finds its fulfillment in Jesus, the Son of David, whose kingdom is eternal. The angel’s announcement to Mary confirms this divine plan, and Revelation celebrates its completion. While earthly rulers falter, Jesus reigns faithfully and forever, offering hope and stability to all who trust in Him.
Overview
Israel wanted a king “like the nations around them” (1 Samuel 8). God allowed it, but He warned them that human kings would fail and take advantage of them. Yet God also made a covenant with David, promising that his throne would be established forever (2 Samuel 7). This covenant was not about David’s greatness but about God’s faithfulness.
In the New Testament, the angel Gabriel tells Mary that her son Jesus will be given the throne of David and that His kingdom will never end (Luke 1:31–33). Revelation 11:15 declares that “the kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.” God’s promise of a faithful King is fulfilled in Jesus.
This May Surprise You
God’s covenant with David was unconditional. Even though David and his descendants would sin and fail, God’s promise of a lasting kingdom would not be broken. This shows us that God’s faithfulness does not depend on human perfection. His plan to bring an eternal King was certain, and it points us to Christ, who reigns in righteousness forever.
Seeds for Thought
Israel’s request for a king (1 Samuel 8:5).
Comment: Israel wanted to be like other nations, forgetting that God was already their King.
Reflection Question: Where are you tempted to look to human solutions instead of trusting God’s rule?
God’s warning about kings (1 Samuel 8:9).
Comment: Human leaders often fail, but God’s leadership is perfect.
Reflection Question: How does remembering God’s faithfulness help you when leaders disappoint you?
God’s covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:16).
Comment: God promised David a kingdom that would last forever, pointing to Christ.
Reflection Question: How does this promise strengthen your confidence in God’s plan?
Jesus, the eternal King (Luke 1:31–33; Revelation 11:15).
Comment: Jesus is the Son of David, the King whose reign will never end.
Reflection Question: How does knowing Jesus is King give you hope in uncertain times?
Take-Home Thought
Human leaders rise and fall, but God’s kingdom stands forever. Israel’s desire for a human king reminds us of our own tendency to place trust in people instead of God. Yet God’s covenant with David shows His faithfulness to provide a King who will never fail.
That King is Jesus. His reign is eternal, His justice is perfect, and His love is unshakable. When we trust Him as King, we find security that no earthly power can provide. Our hope is not in human rulers but in Christ, the faithful King who reigns forever.
Quote
Augustine: “Christ is not valued at all unless He is valued above all.”
Charles Spurgeon: “Jesus is the King of kings. He reigns not by force, but by love.”
Biblical Connections
1 Samuel 8:5 — echoed in Hosea 13:10–11, where God reminds Israel of their request for a king.
2 Samuel 7:16 — echoed in Psalm 89:3–4, affirming God’s covenant with David.
Luke 1:31–33 — fulfillment of God’s promise to David, echoed again in Acts 2:30–36.
Revelation 11:15 — echoes Daniel 7:14, where the Son of Man is given an everlasting kingdom.
How does this help me trust God today?
This lesson reminds us that God’s promises never fail. While human leaders may disappoint us, God’s plan is secure. Jesus is the eternal King, and His reign is marked by justice, mercy, and truth. Trusting God today means resting in the certainty that Christ is on the throne and His kingdom will never end.
Devotional Thought: The King Who Never Fails
Remember the disappointment of watching a leader you trusted let you down? Maybe it was a politician who broke campaign promises, a boss who played favorites, or even a church leader who failed morally. We've all experienced the sting of human leadership that starts strong but eventually disappoints us.
That's exactly what happened to Israel. They looked around at other nations with their impressive kings and said, "We want a king like everyone else has." God warned them through Samuel: "Your kings will disappoint you. They'll take your sons for their armies, your daughters for their service, and your best fields for themselves." But the people insisted.
So God gave them what they wanted – a long line of kings. Some were good, most were failures, and even the best had serious flaws. King after king proved that human leadership, no matter how promising at first, eventually falls short.
But in the middle of this cycle of disappointment, God made David a stunning promise: "Your kingdom will endure forever. Your throne will never end." This wasn't about David's human descendants, who came and went like all the others.
God was pointing ahead to Jesus – the King who would never fail, never compromise, never disappoint. Unlike every earthly leader, He rules with perfect justice and unfailing love. His kingdom has no term limits, no corruption, no broken promises. The King we've always needed has already come.
Culture Connection
In our era of political polarization, government scandals, and widespread distrust of leaders at every level—from corporate executives to elected officials—the story of Israel's demand for a human king resonates deeply. While our culture places enormous hope in political solutions and charismatic leaders to solve society's problems, Scripture reveals the limitations of human authority and the danger of expecting earthly rulers to provide what only God can give. Today's 24/7 news cycle constantly exposes the failures and corruption of those in power, reminding us that no political party, president, or movement can establish the justice, peace, and security that our hearts truly seek—only God's eternal kingdom offers that hope.
Into Action
This teaching calls us to be faithful citizens who participate responsibly in democratic processes while keeping our ultimate allegiance to God's kingdom, praying for leaders even when we disagree with them, and working for justice and mercy in our communities regardless of who holds office. We can demonstrate kingdom values by treating political opponents with respect, choosing integrity over partisan loyalty, and serving the common good. A powerful example is Václav Havel, the playwright who became Czechoslovakia's president after decades of communist oppression, demonstrating servant leadership rooted in moral conviction rather than political ambition—showing how those who recognize God as the true King can lead with humility, truth, and genuine care for their people rather than seeking power for personal gain.
Session 8: God the Shepherd of His People — Psalm 23; Psalm 100
Study Notes — Handout — Audio
Focus — God’s care and guidance
Purpose Statement — To rest in the truth that God is our Shepherd, providing, protecting, and leading us with love.
New Testament Connection — John 10:11–15; Hebrews 13:20
Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep and continues to guide and protect His people.
What to Look For
Notice how God’s care is pictured in the language of a shepherd with his sheep.
Watch how the psalmist describes God’s provision, protection, and presence.
Look for how Jesus fulfills this picture as the Good Shepherd.
Personal Reflection Questions
When you think of God as your Shepherd, what feelings or images come to mind?
How has God guided or protected you in ways you only recognized later?
Scripture — Psalm 23; Psalm 100; John 10:11–15; Hebrews 13:20
Selected Verses (NLT)
Psalm 23:1–3 “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.”
Psalm 23:4 “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”
Psalm 100:3 “Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.”
Summary
Psalm 23 paints a deeply personal picture of God as a shepherd who provides rest, guidance, protection, and comfort—even in life’s darkest moments. Psalm 100 calls us to joyful worship, reminding us that we belong to God and are cared for like sheep in His pasture. These psalms invite us to trust in God's loving leadership.
New Testament Connections
John 10:11–15
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will abandon the sheep because they don’t belong to him and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. The hired hand runs away because he’s working only for the money and doesn’t really care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.”
Hebrews 13:20
“Now may the God of peace—who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood— may he equip you with all you need for doing his will.”
Connection Summary
Jesus fulfills the image of the shepherd by laying down His life for His sheep. Unlike a hired hand, He knows and loves His people intimately. Through His resurrection, He continues to guide, protect, and equip us. The Shepherd who walked with David now walks with us, offering peace, provision, and purpose.
Overview
Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved passages in Scripture because it paints a picture of God’s personal care. He provides green pastures, still waters, and restores the soul. Even in the valley of the shadow of death, His presence brings comfort. Psalm 100 echoes this theme, reminding us that we are His people, the sheep of His pasture, and that His love endures forever.
In the New Testament, Jesus declares, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Hebrews 13:20 calls Him the “great Shepherd of the sheep.” The God who guided Israel as a shepherd is the same God who came in Christ to lay down His life and continues to lead His people today.
This May Surprise You
In ancient times, shepherds lived with their sheep, often sleeping at the entrance of the sheepfold to protect them from danger. When Jesus says He is the Good Shepherd, He is not describing a distant overseer but a protector who is willing to give His life for His sheep. This shows us the depth of God’s love and commitment to His people.
Seeds for Thought
The Lord is my Shepherd (Psalm 23:1).
Comment: God’s care is personal—He is not just a shepherd, but my Shepherd.
Reflection Question: How does it change your perspective to know God cares for you personally?
God provides and restores (Psalm 23:2–3).
Comment: God gives rest, refreshment, and renewal for the soul.
Reflection Question: Where do you need God’s restoring presence in your life right now?
God protects in the valley (Psalm 23:4).
Comment: Even in dark and fearful times, God’s presence brings comfort.
Reflection Question: How has God’s presence carried you through difficult seasons?
We are His sheep (Psalm 100:3).
Comment: Belonging to God means we are under His care and guidance.
Reflection Question: How does belonging to God give you security and peace?
Jesus, the Good Shepherd (John 10:11–15).
Comment: Jesus not only guides but lays down His life for His sheep.
Reflection Question: How does Jesus’ sacrifice deepen your trust in His leadership?
Take-Home Thought
The image of God as Shepherd reminds us that we are never alone. He provides for our needs, protects us in danger, and leads us in the right paths. His care is not distant but deeply personal.
In Christ, this picture is fulfilled. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who gave His life for us and continues to guide us through His Spirit. When we rest in His care, we find peace, security, and hope. Our Shepherd is faithful, and His love endures forever.
Quote
Charles Spurgeon: “The Lord is my Shepherd; not was, not may be, nor will be. He is my Shepherd now.”
F.B. Meyer: “The Shepherd’s care is continuous, minute, and personal. He knows each sheep by name.”
Biblical Connections
Psalm 23:1 — echoed in John 10:11, where Jesus declares Himself the Good Shepherd.
Psalm 100:3 — echoed in Ezekiel 34:31, “You are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture.”
Shepherd imagery — carried into Hebrews 13:20, calling Jesus the “great Shepherd of the sheep.”
God’s guiding presence — echoed in Revelation 7:17, where the Lamb becomes the Shepherd who leads His people to living water.
How does this help me trust God today?
Knowing God as our Shepherd helps us rest in His care. We can trust Him to provide what we need, to protect us in danger, and to guide us in the right way. Even when life feels uncertain, we can be confident that our Shepherd is with us, leading us with love. Trusting Him today means following His voice and resting in His faithful care.
Devotional Thought: The Shepherd's Heart
If you've ever watched a good shepherd with his flock, you know they have an amazing relationship. The sheep know his voice and follow him anywhere. He knows each one by name, notices when one is missing, and will leave the whole flock to find a single lost lamb. The sheep don't have to worry about finding food or water – that's the shepherd's job.
David knew this picture well from his years tending his father's sheep, which is why Psalm 23 rings so true. "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." Notice he doesn't say, "I shall not have troubles." He says, "I shall not want" – meaning I won't lack anything I truly need.
Think about what a good shepherd provides: green pastures for nourishment, still waters for refreshment, guidance along safe paths, protection from predators, comfort during frightening times. Even when walking through death's dark valley, the sheep isn't afraid because the shepherd is right there with his rod and staff.
Here's what moves me most about this picture: sheep are not very bright animals. They wander off, get lost easily, and can't protect themselves. Yet the shepherd loves them anyway and never stops caring for them.
That's us with God. We're prone to wander, we make poor choices, we get frightened easily. But our Shepherd never gives up on us. His voice still calls us back, His presence still comforts us, and His love never fails.
Culture Connection
In our fast-paced, stress-filled world where anxiety disorders are at an all-time high and people constantly feel overwhelmed by information overload, financial pressures, and uncertain futures, Psalm 23's peaceful imagery of green pastures and still waters offers profound comfort. While our culture promotes aggressive self-advocacy, climbing corporate ladders, and fighting for personal rights, the shepherd metaphor calls us to a different way of living—trusting in God's gentle guidance rather than forcing our own path. In a society where people feel like faceless numbers in large institutions, Scripture reminds us that our God knows each of us personally, calls us by name, and cares about every detail of our lives with the tenderness of a shepherd who knows each sheep individually.
Into Action
This teaching encourages us to slow down and listen for God's voice through prayer and Scripture reading, trusting His timing rather than rushing ahead with our own plans, and finding rest in His presence during life's storms. We can also shepherd others by showing the same patient care God shows us—mentoring younger believers, caring for elderly neighbors, or simply being present with those who are hurting. A beautiful example is Fred Rogers of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," who spent decades shepherding children through television with gentle wisdom, unconditional acceptance, and patient guidance, demonstrating the same qualities we see in Jesus the Good Shepherd—proving that God still uses ordinary people to reflect His shepherding heart in a world desperately needing gentle, faithful care.
Session 9: God Speaks Through His Prophets — Isaiah 6:1–8; Jeremiah 31:31–34
Study Notes — Handout — Audio
Focus — God’s call to repentance and His promise of a new covenant
Purpose Statement — To see that God speaks clearly to His people, calling them back to Himself and pointing to His plan of redemption.
New Testament Connection — Hebrews 1:1–2; Luke 22:20
God spoke through the prophets, but now He has spoken fully through His Son. The new covenant promised in Jeremiah is fulfilled in Jesus’ blood.
What to Look For
Notice how Isaiah responds to God’s holiness with humility and willingness.
Watch how Jeremiah points forward to a new covenant written on the heart.
Look for how Jesus fulfills these promises as God’s final Word and Redeemer.
Personal Reflection Questions
When has God’s Word convicted you and called you to change direction in life?
How does it encourage you that God’s promises are not only for the past but fulfilled in Christ for you today?
Scripture — Isaiah 6:1–8; Jeremiah 31:31–34; Hebrews 1:1–2; Luke 22:20
Selected Verses (NLT)
Isaiah 6:1, 5–8 “It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple.” “Then I said, ‘It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.’” “Then I heard the Lord asking, ‘Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?’ I said, ‘Here I am. Send me.’”
Jeremiah 31:31–33 “The day is coming,” says the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors... But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day,” says the Lord. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
Jeremiah 31:34 “And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already,” says the Lord. “And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.”
Summary
Isaiah’s vision reveals God’s holiness and the prophet’s own unworthiness, yet God cleanses and calls him to speak. Jeremiah delivers a message of hope: a new covenant where God’s law is written on hearts, not tablets, and forgiveness is complete. These passages show that God speaks to call His people back and prepare them for redemption.
New Testament Connections
Hebrews 1:1–2
“Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe.”
Luke 22:20
“After supper he took another cup of wine and said, ‘This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you.’”
Connection Summary
God’s voice through the prophets culminates in the voice of His Son. Jesus not only speaks God’s truth—He embodies it. At the Last Supper, He declares that His sacrifice seals the new covenant promised in Jeremiah. Through Christ, God’s plan of redemption is fulfilled, and His Spirit writes His truth on our hearts.
Overview
The prophets were God’s messengers, calling His people back when they strayed. In Isaiah 6, the prophet sees God’s holiness and responds, “Here I am. Send me.” Jeremiah looks ahead to a day when God will make a new covenant, not written on stone but written on hearts.
The New Testament shows us that these promises are fulfilled in Jesus. Hebrews 1:1–2 tells us that while God spoke through the prophets in the past, He has now spoken fully through His Son. At the Last Supper, Jesus declared that His blood established the new covenant Jeremiah foretold (Luke 22:20). God’s Word through the prophets points us to Christ, the ultimate revelation of God’s plan of redemption.
This May Surprise You
The prophets were often unpopular and rejected because their message called people to repentance. Yet God still sent them, showing His patience and desire for His people to return to Him. This reminds us that God’s warnings are not meant to harm us but to bring us back to life and blessing. His call to repentance is always an act of love.
Seeds for Thought
Isaiah’s vision of God’s holiness (Isaiah 6:1–5).
Comment: God’s holiness reveals our sin and need for cleansing.
Reflection Question: How does seeing God’s holiness help you understand your need for His grace?
Isaiah’s response (Isaiah 6:8).
Comment: Isaiah responds to God’s call with willingness, even without knowing all the details.
Reflection Question: How can you say “Here I am, send me” in your own life today?
The promise of a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31–34).
Comment: God promises forgiveness and a new relationship, written on the heart.
Reflection Question: How does this promise give you hope in your walk with God?
Fulfillment in Christ (Hebrews 1:1–2; Luke 22:20).
Comment: Jesus is God’s final Word and the mediator of the new covenant through His blood.
Reflection Question: How does knowing Jesus fulfills the prophets’ message strengthen your faith?
Take-Home Thought
God has always spoken to His people. Through the prophets, He called Israel to repentance and pointed them toward His plan of redemption. Their words were not just for their time—they were preparing the way for Christ.
In Jesus, God’s message is complete. He is the Word made flesh, the one who brings the new covenant of forgiveness and transformation. Today, God still speaks through His Word and Spirit, calling us to repentance, faith, and obedience. His voice is clear, and His promises are sure.
Quote
John Stott: “God’s Word is not just information but transformation. He speaks to change us.”
F.F. Bruce: “In Christ, the Word of God has reached its climax; there is no fuller revelation beyond Him.”
Biblical Connections
Isaiah 6:3 — echoed in Revelation 4:8, where heavenly beings cry, “Holy, holy, holy.”
Jeremiah 31:31–34 — quoted directly in Hebrews 8:8–12, showing its fulfillment in Christ.
Hebrews 1:1–2 — connects to John 1:14, where the Word became flesh.
Luke 22:20 — echoes Exodus 24:8, where Moses sealed the old covenant with blood, now fulfilled in Jesus’ sacrifice.
How does this help me trust God today?
This lesson reminds us that God is not silent. He speaks clearly, calling us back to Himself and pointing us to Christ. We can trust Him because His promises are fulfilled, His Word is true, and His covenant is everlasting. Trusting God today means listening to His voice, responding with faith, and resting in the new covenant secured by Jesus’ blood.
Devotional Thought: The Doctor's Diagnosis
Imagine going to the doctor for a routine checkup, and he discovers something serious that you can't see or feel. A good doctor doesn't sugarcoat the bad news, but he also doesn't leave you without hope. He explains exactly what's wrong, what will happen if it's left untreated, and what treatment options are available.
That's exactly what God's prophets did for His people. When Israel drifted away from God, thinking everything was fine, the prophets delivered the hard diagnosis: "You're spiritually sick, and it's getting worse." They didn't speak these difficult words to be mean – they spoke them because God loved His people too much to let them destroy themselves.
Isaiah saw God's holiness and immediately realized his own sinfulness: "Woe is me, for I am a man of unclean lips!" But God didn't leave him in despair. He cleansed Isaiah and gave him a mission to carry His message to others.
Jeremiah delivered perhaps the most hopeful diagnosis of all: "Yes, you're broken, but I'm going to make a new covenant with you. I'll write My laws on your hearts instead of stone tablets. I'll be your God, and you'll be My people."
The prophets were like doctors delivering both bad news and good news. The bad news: sin is deadly serious. The good news: God has a cure. Every prophet pointed forward to the Great Physician who would come to heal what was broken and make all things new.
Culture Connection
In our age of information overload where countless voices compete for our attention through social media, news cycles, and entertainment, discerning God's voice requires intentional listening amid the noise. While our culture often dismisses moral absolutes and prophetic calls for repentance as "judgment" or "intolerance," Scripture reveals that God's corrections come from love—like a parent warning a child about danger. Today's society celebrates personal autonomy and rejects outside authority, yet people still hunger for authentic truth and moral clarity. The prophetic message that God offers forgiveness and transformation through a new covenant speaks powerfully to a generation struggling with guilt, shame, and the emptiness that comes from living without divine purpose and direction.
Into Action
This teaching calls us to be modern prophets who courageously speak God's truth in love—whether confronting injustice, calling people to repentance, or proclaiming hope in Christ's redemption. We can practice prophetic living by addressing sin with grace, standing up for the marginalized, and pointing others toward God's forgiveness and transformation. A powerful contemporary example is Shane Claiborne, who has spent decades living among the poor in Philadelphia, speaking prophetically against wealth inequality and violence while demonstrating God's love through practical service—showing how modern prophets don't just speak God's message but embody it through lives of radical compassion and justice, proving that God still calls ordinary people to be His voice in a world that desperately needs to hear His message of both judgment and grace.
Session 10: God’s Justice and Mercy — Micah 6:6–8; Jonah 3:1–10
Study Notes — Handout — Audio
Focus — God’s heart for justice, mercy, and repentance
Purpose Statement — To understand that God calls His people to live with justice and compassion, reflecting His own mercy.
New Testament Connection — Matthew 23:23; Luke 6:36
Jesus calls His followers to practice justice, mercy, and faithfulness. God’s mercy shown to Nineveh is the same mercy offered to all through Christ.
What to Look For
Notice how Micah sums up what God truly desires from His people.
Watch how Nineveh responds to Jonah’s message and how God shows mercy.
Look for how Jesus continues this call to justice, mercy, and compassion.
Personal Reflection Questions
When you think about living justly and showing mercy, what practical examples come to mind in your daily life?
How does God’s mercy toward Nineveh encourage you about His mercy toward you?
Scripture — Micah 6:6–8; Jonah 3:1–10; Matthew 23:23; Luke 6:36
Selected Verses (NLT)
Micah 6:6–8 “What can we bring to the Lord? Should we bring him burnt offerings? Should we bow before God Most High with offerings of yearling calves? Should we offer him thousands of rams and ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Should we sacrifice our firstborn children to pay for our sins? No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Jonah 3:4–5 “On the day Jonah entered the city, he shouted to the crowds: ‘Forty days from now Nineveh will be destroyed!’ The people of Nineveh believed God’s message, and from the greatest to the least, they declared a fast and put on burlap to show their sorrow.”
Jonah 3:10 “When God saw what they had done and how they had put a stop to their evil ways, he changed his mind and did not carry out the destruction he had threatened.”
Summary
Micah reminds God’s people that true worship is not about extravagant offerings but about living justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly. Jonah’s story shows God’s mercy in action: when Nineveh repents, God relents. These passages reveal that God desires transformed hearts and lives, not empty rituals.
New Testament Connections
Matthew 23:23
“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.”
Luke 6:36
“You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.”
Connection Summary
Jesus echoes the prophets, calling His followers to prioritize justice, mercy, and faithfulness over outward religious performance. His rebuke of the Pharisees in Matthew and His call to compassion in Luke show that God’s heart has not changed. The mercy extended to Nineveh is the same mercy offered to all through Christ—inviting us to live as reflections of His grace.
Overview
Micah 6:6–8 is one of the clearest statements in Scripture about what God requires: “to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” God is not impressed with empty rituals—He desires lives shaped by justice, mercy, and humility.
The story of Jonah shows this truth in action. When Jonah preached to Nineveh, the people repented, and God showed mercy instead of judgment. This reveals God’s heart: He delights in forgiveness when people turn back to Him.
In the New Testament, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). He also calls His followers to be merciful, just as their Father is merciful (Luke 6:36). God’s justice and mercy meet perfectly in Christ, who bore our judgment and gave us His mercy.
This May Surprise You
Nineveh was Israel’s enemy, known for cruelty and violence. Yet when they repented, God forgave them. This shows that God’s mercy is not limited to “good people” or even to Israel—it extends to all who turn to Him. That same mercy is available to us today, no matter our past.
Seeds for Thought
What God requires (Micah 6:8).
Comment: God desires justice, mercy, and humility—not empty religious acts.
Reflection Question: How can you live out justice, mercy, and humility in your relationships this week?
Nineveh’s repentance (Jonah 3:5).
Comment: Even a wicked city turned to God when they heard His word.
Reflection Question: What does Nineveh’s response teach you about the power of repentance?
God’s mercy (Jonah 3:10).
Comment: God relented from judgment because of their repentance, showing His compassion.
Reflection Question: How does God’s mercy toward Nineveh give you hope for yourself and others?
Jesus’ call to mercy (Matthew 23:23; Luke 6:36).
Comment: Jesus reminds us that mercy and justice are at the heart of true faith.
Reflection Question: How can you reflect God’s mercy in practical ways today?
Take-Home Thought
God’s justice and mercy are not opposites—they work together. He calls His people to live justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him. The story of Nineveh shows us that God’s mercy is greater than our sin and that He delights in forgiveness when people repent.
In Christ, we see the fullest picture of justice and mercy. At the cross, God’s justice against sin was satisfied, and His mercy was poured out on all who believe. As His people, we are called to reflect that same justice and mercy in our lives, showing the world what God is like.
Quote
John Stott: “The essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting Himself for man.”
Timothy Keller: “God’s justice and mercy are not at odds. They meet at the cross, where Jesus satisfied justice and offered mercy.”
Biblical Connections
Micah 6:8 — echoed in James 1:27, where true religion is caring for orphans and widows and keeping oneself unstained by the world.
Jonah 3:10 — echoed in Joel 2:13, “He is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.”
Matthew 23:23 — connects to Hosea 6:6, “I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices.”
Luke 6:36 — echoes Exodus 34:6, where God reveals Himself as merciful and gracious.
How does this help me trust God today?
This lesson reminds us that God is both just and merciful. He does not ignore sin, but He also delights in forgiveness when we repent. We can trust Him because His justice is fair and His mercy is abundant. Trusting God today means living out His character—seeking justice, showing mercy, and walking humbly with Him—knowing that His mercy covers us and His Spirit empowers us.
Devotional Thought: The Judge Who Wants to Pardon
Picture the wisest judge you can imagine – someone who sees through every excuse, knows all the facts, and never makes a mistake. Now imagine that same judge hoping desperately that every defendant will accept his offer of mercy instead of demanding the punishment they deserve.
That's the heart of our God, perfectly displayed in the story of Jonah and Nineveh. God sent Jonah to announce judgment on that wicked city: "Forty days and Nineveh will be destroyed!" But here's what's remarkable – God was hoping they would repent so He wouldn't have to follow through.
When the people of Nineveh heard God's message, they believed. From the king down to the common people, they fasted, put on sackcloth, and cried out to God for mercy. And God, in His great compassion, relented from the disaster He had planned.
Jonah got angry about this. He wanted justice, not mercy. But God gently reminded him, "Should I not be concerned about this great city with more than 120,000 people?"
Micah captures God's heart perfectly: "What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God." Notice the order – justice comes first because God cares deeply about right and wrong. But mercy follows closely behind because God's heart breaks for people caught in their sin.
This is the God we serve – perfectly just, yet yearning to show mercy to anyone who turns to Him.
Culture Connection
In our polarized society where people often demand justice without mercy or extend mercy without accountability, God's character perfectly balances both virtues in ways that challenge our either-or thinking. While our culture swings between harsh cancel culture that offers no redemption and permissive tolerance that ignores real harm, Scripture calls us to "act justly and love mercy"—holding people accountable while offering genuine paths to restoration. Today's heated debates about criminal justice reform, corporate responsibility, and social equality reveal our deep hunger for both fairness and compassion, yet without God's perspective we struggle to know how to pursue justice that heals rather than divides, and mercy that transforms rather than enables continued wrongdoing.
Into Action
This teaching compels us to work for justice by supporting fair wages, advocating for the vulnerable, and addressing systemic inequalities, while also practicing mercy by forgiving those who wrong us, offering second chances, and helping people rebuild their lives after failure. We can embody both virtues through volunteer work with ex-offenders, supporting restorative justice programs, or simply treating difficult people with both honesty and grace. An inspiring example is Bryan Stevenson of the Equal Justice Initiative, who has spent his career defending death row prisoners and fighting racial injustice while also showing profound mercy to victims' families and even to perpetrators—demonstrating that true justice and mercy aren't opposites but partners that work together to bring healing and transformation to broken people and communities.
Session 11: God’s Faithfulness in Exile — Daniel 3:13–30; Lamentations 3:19–26
Study Notes — Handout — Audio
Focus — God’s presence in suffering and hope in hard times
Purpose Statement — To see that even in trials and exile, God remains faithful and gives His people hope.
New Testament Connection — 2 Corinthians 4:7–10; Romans 8:35–39
Just as God was with His people in exile, He is with us in suffering. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
What to Look For
Notice how God’s presence is with His people even in the fire.
Watch how hope rises in the middle of lament and sorrow.
Look for how the New Testament assures us of God’s unshakable love in Christ.
Personal Reflection Questions
When have you experienced God’s presence most clearly during a difficult season?
How does the promise that “nothing can separate us from the love of God” give you courage today?
Scripture — Daniel 3:13–30; Lamentations 3:19–26; 2 Corinthians 4:7–10; Romans 8:35–39
Selected Verses (NLT)
Daniel 3:16–18 “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you... we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.’”
Daniel 3:24–25 “But suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed... ‘Didn’t we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?... Look! I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!’”
Lamentations 3:21–23 “Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.”
Lamentations 3:25–26 “The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him. So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord.”
Summary
In Daniel, three men face death for refusing to worship a false god. Their faith is unwavering, and God’s presence meets them in the fire. In Lamentations, written during exile and sorrow, the prophet clings to hope in God’s unfailing love and daily mercy. These passages show that even in suffering, God is near and faithful.
New Testament Connections
2 Corinthians 4:7–10
“We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.”
Romans 8:38–39
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow— not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Connection Summary
Paul reminds us that suffering is not a sign of abandonment. Like the exiles, we may feel pressed and perplexed, but God’s power sustains us. And nothing—no trial, no exile, no fear—can separate us from His love in Christ. The same God who walked in the fire walks with us today.
Overview
The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3 shows God’s faithfulness in exile. Even when they refused to bow to the king’s idol and were thrown into the fiery furnace, God was with them. They emerged unharmed, a testimony to His power and presence.
Lamentations, written in the midst of Jerusalem’s destruction, also points to God’s faithfulness. In the middle of grief, the writer declares, “Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning” (Lamentations 3:23).
The New Testament echoes this truth. Paul reminds us that though we are pressed on every side, we are not crushed (2 Corinthians 4:7–10). Romans 8 assures us that nothing—not hardship, persecution, or even death—can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
This May Surprise You
God did not keep Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego out of the furnace—He met them in it. Sometimes God does not remove us from trials but shows His faithfulness by walking with us through them. His presence in suffering is just as powerful a testimony as His deliverance from suffering.
Seeds for Thought
Faith in the fire (Daniel 3:17–18).
Comment: The three men trusted God whether He delivered them or not.
Reflection Question: How can you show trust in God even when you don’t know the outcome?
God’s presence in the furnace (Daniel 3:25).
Comment: A fourth figure appeared with them, showing God’s nearness in trial.
Reflection Question: How does this picture of God’s presence encourage you in your struggles?
Hope in lament (Lamentations 3:21–23).
Comment: Even in sorrow, the writer clings to God’s mercy and faithfulness.
Reflection Question: What promises of God give you hope in hard times?
Strength in weakness (2 Corinthians 4:7–10).
Comment: Our weakness shows God’s power at work in us.
Reflection Question: How has God’s strength carried you when you felt weak?
Unbreakable love (Romans 8:38–39).
Comment: Nothing in all creation can separate us from God’s love in Christ.
Reflection Question: How does this truth give you peace today?
Take-Home Thought
Exile and suffering remind us that life is not always easy, but God is always faithful. He does not abandon His people. Whether in the fire of Babylon or the ruins of Jerusalem, His presence and mercy remain.
In Christ, this promise is even greater. He is with us in every trial, and His love cannot be broken. Our hope is not in escaping hardship but in knowing that God’s faithfulness will carry us through it. His mercies are new every morning, and His love endures forever.
Quote
Charles Spurgeon: “When you go through a trial, the sovereignty of God is the pillow upon which you lay your head.”
Corrie ten Boom: “There is no pit so deep, that God’s love is not deeper still.”
Biblical Connections
Daniel 3:25 — echoed in Isaiah 43:2, “When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned.”
Lamentations 3:22–23 — echoed in Psalm 30:5, “Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.”
2 Corinthians 4:7–10 — connects to Philippians 4:13, “I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
Romans 8:38–39 — echoes John 10:28–29, where Jesus promises no one can snatch His sheep from His hand.
How does this help me trust God today?
This lesson reminds us that God’s faithfulness is not limited by our circumstances. He is with us in the fire, in the exile, and in the darkest valleys. We can trust Him because His mercies never end and His love never fails. Trusting God today means resting in His presence, clinging to His promises, and knowing that nothing can separate us from His love in Christ Jesus.
Devotional Thought: They Were Not Alone
Imagine an old oak tree standing alone in a wide field. Storms have come and gone—lightning, wind, even drought—but the tree still stands. Its bark is worn, its branches a little bent, but its roots run deep. That’s what faith looks like in exile. That’s what hope looks like in suffering.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego didn’t escape the fire. They were thrown in. But they weren’t alone. God didn’t pull them out right away—He stepped in with them. That’s the kind of faithfulness we see in Daniel 3. And in Lamentations, even after Jerusalem was torn apart, Jeremiah still says, “The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.”
We may feel like we’re in exile too—cut off from the life we once knew, from health, from loved ones, from the world outside. But God hasn’t left. He’s in the fire with us. He’s in the quiet moments, the long days, the aching nights. And He’s not going anywhere.
Paul reminds us that nothing—no trouble, no sickness, not even death—can separate us from God’s love. Like that oak tree, we may be weathered, but we’re still standing. Not because we’re strong, but because He is.
Culture Connection
In our modern world where many Christians feel increasingly marginalized—facing discrimination for their beliefs in workplaces, universities, and public spaces—the experience of exile resonates deeply with believers who feel like strangers in their own culture. While our society promotes comfort, convenience, and the avoidance of suffering as life's highest goals, Scripture reveals that God's people have always been called to live as faithful witnesses even in hostile environments. Today's pandemic losses, economic uncertainties, chronic illnesses, and family breakdowns leave many feeling displaced from the life they expected, yet the exile narratives remind us that God's faithfulness isn't dependent on our circumstances—He remains present and purposeful even when our world feels turned upside down.
Into Action
This teaching encourages us to remain faithful in our convictions even when it costs us professionally or socially, while also showing Christ's love to those who oppose us, trusting that God can use our witness in difficult circumstances. We can practice exile faithfulness by maintaining hope during extended trials, supporting others who are suffering, and finding ways to serve God's purposes even in limiting situations. A remarkable example is Joni Eareckson Tada, who has spent over 50 years as a quadriplegic turning her physical "exile" from normal life into a powerful ministry of hope, demonstrating through decades of chronic pain and disability that God's faithfulness transcends our circumstances—proving that He still uses those who trust Him in the fiery furnaces of life to display His glory and encourage others who face seemingly impossible situations.
Session 12: God’s Promise of Restoration — Ezekiel 36:22–28; Isaiah 65:17–25
Study Notes — Handout — Audio
Focus — God’s promise of renewal and a future hope
Purpose Statement — To look forward to God’s plan to restore His people and renew creation, pointing us to His eternal kingdom.
New Testament Connection — Revelation 21:1–5; 2 Corinthians 5:17
The promise of a new heart and a new creation is fulfilled in Christ. God will one day make all things new, dwelling with His people forever.
What to Look For
Notice how God promises to cleanse and give His people new hearts.
Watch how Isaiah describes a vision of peace, joy, and renewal.
Look for how the New Testament shows this promise fulfilled in Christ and completed in eternity.
Personal Reflection Questions
When you think of God making “all things new,” what comes to mind first?
How does the promise of restoration give you hope in the struggles of today?
Scripture — Ezekiel 36:22–28; Isaiah 65:17–25; Revelation 21:1–5; 2 Corinthians 5:17
Selected Verses (NLT)
Ezekiel 36:26–27 “And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.”
Ezekiel 36:28 “You will live in Israel, the land I gave your ancestors long ago. You will be my people, and I will be your God.”
Isaiah 65:17 “Look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth, and no one will even think about the old ones anymore.”
Isaiah 65:19 “I will rejoice over Jerusalem and delight in my people. And the sound of weeping and crying will be heard in it no more.”
Summary
God promises to restore His people by giving them new hearts and placing His Spirit within them. Ezekiel speaks of inward transformation and renewed relationship, while Isaiah envisions a future of peace, joy, and a new creation where sorrow is gone. These promises point forward to a time when God’s people will live in harmony with Him and with one another.
New Testament Connections
Revelation 21:1–5
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared... I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, ‘Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.’ And the one sitting on the throne said, ‘Look, I am making everything new!’”
2 Corinthians 5:17
“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
Connection Summary
The restoration promised through the prophets finds its fulfillment in Christ. Through Him, we receive new hearts and become new creations. Revelation assures us that God will one day renew all things—heaven and earth—and dwell with His people forever. This is the ultimate hope: not just personal renewal, but cosmic restoration.
Overview
Ezekiel 36 promises that God will cleanse His people, give them new hearts, and put His Spirit within them. This is not just about returning from exile—it is about God’s power to transform lives. Isaiah 65 paints a picture of a renewed creation where peace and joy replace sorrow and conflict.
The New Testament shows us that this promise begins in Christ. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” Revelation 21 gives us the ultimate vision: a new heaven and a new earth, where God dwells with His people forever and wipes away every tear.
This May Surprise You
Restoration is not only about the future—it begins now. When God gives us a new heart and His Spirit, He starts His work of renewal in our lives today. The full picture will come when Christ returns, but even now we are living as signs of His new creation in the world.
Seeds for Thought
A new heart and Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26–27).
Comment: God promises inner transformation, not just outward change.
Reflection Question: How have you experienced God changing your heart over time?
A vision of peace and joy (Isaiah 65:17–19).
Comment: God promises a future where sorrow and weeping are no more.
Reflection Question: How does this vision encourage you when life feels heavy?
A renewed creation (Isaiah 65:25).
Comment: Even creation itself will be restored to harmony.
Reflection Question: What does it mean to you that God cares not only for people but for all creation?
New life in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Comment: In Christ, the promise of renewal begins now—we are already new creations.
Reflection Question: How does knowing you are a “new creation” affect the way you live today?
All things made new (Revelation 21:5).
Comment: God’s final promise is to make everything new and dwell with His people forever.
Reflection Question: How does this promise give you hope for the future?
Take-Home Thought
God’s promise of restoration is both present and future. He gives us new hearts and His Spirit now, beginning His work of renewal in us. But the ultimate fulfillment is still to come—a new heaven and a new earth where God dwells with His people forever.
This hope changes how we live today. We do not despair in the face of brokenness, because we know God is making all things new. Our lives, renewed by Christ, are a testimony to the world of the restoration that is coming. We live in hope, looking forward to the day when sorrow will end, joy will be complete, and God’s kingdom will be fully revealed.
Quote
N.T. Wright: “The resurrection of Jesus is the beginning of God’s new world being born right in the middle of this one.”
J.I. Packer: “The Christian’s hope is not wishful thinking but confident expectation of a new heaven and a new earth.”
Biblical Connections
Ezekiel 36:26–27 — echoed in John 3:5–6, where Jesus speaks of being born of water and Spirit.
Isaiah 65:17 — echoed in Revelation 21:1, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 — connects to Galatians 6:15, “What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation.”
Revelation 21:3–4 — echoes Leviticus 26:11–12, where God promises to dwell among His people.
How does this help me trust God today?
This lesson reminds us that God is not finished with us or with the world. He is already at work renewing hearts and lives, and He promises a future where all things will be restored. We can trust Him because His promises are sure, His Spirit is within us, and His kingdom is coming. Trusting God today means living with hope, knowing that the brokenness we see is not the end—God’s restoration is on the way.
Devotional Thought: The Master Restorer
Have you ever watched someone restore an old piece of furniture? They see past the scratches, the worn finish, and the broken parts to envision what it could become. With careful hands and patient love, they strip away the damage, repair what's broken, and bring back the original beauty – sometimes making it even more beautiful than it was before.
That's the heart of God's promise through Ezekiel. When His people were broken and scattered, their hearts hardened by sin, God looked at them and said, "I'm not finished with you yet." He promised to give them new hearts – not just cleaned-up versions of their old ones, but completely new hearts that would naturally love and follow Him.
Isaiah painted an even bigger picture: "I will create new heavens and a new earth." God wasn't just planning to fix His people; He was planning to restore everything. A world where the wolf and lamb would feed together, where no one would hurt or destroy, where people would live in peace and joy.
To those living in exile, watching their world fall apart, these promises must have seemed impossible. But God was saying, "Trust Me. I'm the Master Restorer. I can make beautiful what seems beyond repair."
We're still waiting for that final restoration when God makes all things new. But even now, He's at work in our hearts, stripping away the old, repairing what's broken, making us into the people He always intended us to be.
Culture Connection
In our environmentally conscious age where climate change, species extinction, and pollution create widespread anxiety about Earth's future, God's promise to renew creation offers ultimate hope beyond human solutions. While our culture swings between paralyzing despair about global problems and naive optimism in technology to fix everything, Scripture provides a realistic yet hopeful perspective—acknowledging that this world is broken but promising divine restoration. Today's epidemic of depression, broken families, and societal divisions leave many people wondering if anything can truly be healed, yet God's promise of new hearts and renewed relationships speaks to our deepest longings for transformation that goes beyond surface-level change to address the root causes of human brokenness.
Into Action
This teaching motivates us to work for restoration in small ways now—healing relationships through forgiveness, caring for creation through environmental stewardship, and participating in community renewal projects—while maintaining eternal perspective about God's ultimate plan. We can practice restoration by reconciling with estranged family members, supporting addiction recovery programs, or helping restore damaged neighborhoods. A beautiful example is John Perkins, the civil rights leader and Christian community developer who has spent decades restoring racially divided communities in Mississippi and beyond, demonstrating that God's promise of restoration isn't just about the future but calls us to be agents of healing and renewal today—proving that those who believe in God's ultimate restoration are equipped with hope and motivation to work for justice, reconciliation, and healing in a broken world while we wait for His perfect kingdom.