EASTER SERVICES - SATURDAY: 4 & 5:45pm - SUNDAY: 9 & 10:45am

DAY 11

JOSHUA & THE BATTLE OF JERICHO
 
Be strong and brave. Do not be terrified. Do not lose hope. I am the Lord your God. I will be with you everywhere you go.
-Joshua 1:9

PAUSE
A new leader, named Joshua, was chosen for the Israelites after Moses died. God told Joshua that after 40 years of wandering, the Israelites would leave the desert and enter a new land. But a large city named Jericho stood in their way. God kept telling Joshua to be strong and brave. He told Joshua, “Remember that your name means, ‘The Lord Saves!’ Follow my commands and obey Me, and I will be with you wherever you go.” So Joshua and the Israelites believed God. Jericho heard about all God had done for the Israelites, so they were terrified. They locked their doors and stayed behind their walls to protect themselves. But instead of attacking the big walls of Jericho, God had the people march around the city once a day, for six days. Seven priests with seven trumpets of ram’s horns led the people. But the people were not allowed to say a word to each other until Joshua told them to shout. On the seventh day, God told the people to march around the city seven times, just as they had done before. The seventh time around, the priests sounded the trumpet blast and Joshua said to the people, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city!” So the people shouted as loud as they could and the trumpets blew as loud as they could. They were so loud that the walls of Jericho crumbled to the ground. Then the army of Israel went in and took the city. God used Joshua to lead his people into the Promised Land. And God brought us an even greater leader, Jesus Christ, who will one day lead us all to Heaven where we will be with God forever. But until then, Jesus helps us be brave and strong.

DISCUSSION
In what ways does trusting God look ridiculous to those who do not? 
How does this story encourage you to continue to persevere? 
Why was Joshua able to be strong and courageous? 
Why can we also be strong and courageous?

PRAY
Thank you, God, for giving us the strength and courage to do hard things. Thank you for being with us even when we are scared. Remind us daily that Jesus is with us!

ACTIVITY
Advent tree & ornaments: If you don’t already have an ornament for today, craft or find an ornament that corresponds with today’s content - Moses & The Passover. Then hang your eleventh ornament on the tree.

Family Memories: Have the kids build a city out of blocks. Or, even better, have them build Jericho on the kitchen table out of a fun dessert like Rice Krispie Treats or cookies. Then have them march around the table and reenact the story! Take a video of your kids answering the above questions and putting your 11th ornament on your Advent tree. Then, post your video to the group or tag @summitparkchurch!