This month's discussion will focus on Joshua 1-14. If you have a chance, sit and read these chapters and think about what the lesson could be before responding to the discussion.
In Joshua 5, the passage uses the concept of circumcision to remind Israelites that they are different than others, and God made them that way. Circumcision was used as a permanent reminder to the men of Israel of the covenant between God and God's people. Of course, this is a very powerful act, and because Joshua circumcises the entire tribe of Israel, the name of the place has become "hill of foreskins". Kinda gross. This reminder is definitely an effective one, and keeps God's people in check. Based on the ideology of circumcision, what do you use as an effective, if not permanent, reminder of the covenant between you and God?
Joshua 7 reminds us that sin affects those around us. In the 21st century, many of us consider sin as something that is individual and personal - the consequences only affect ourselves. The story of Achan's sin is troubling but eye-opening. Because of his decision to steal treasures from Jericho, 36 men died, and all of his family and livestock were stoned and burned. This story reminds Israelites that sins affect a whole body of people, and that they must not be selfish. Why would God allow such harsh punishment to those around Achan who had nothing to do with Achan's decision to sin? Have you ever known about sins or mistakes in which you felt had nothing to do with you, but were affected by?
Joshua 10-14 is a complicated passage that shows us what happens when people of God blindly follows his promises. Israelites took over several pieces of land that had belonged to other groups of people. Even though God had promised this land to the Israelites - going all the way back to the time of Abraham - but the result looks like a genocide; but is this a victory in combat, or a complete destruction of an entire nation? Throughout the centuries, scriptures like this have been used to justify great sins of the church and of politicians. During the Crusades, thousands of Arabs were slaughtered by Christian knights in an effort to do what Joshua did: purify the promised land. During the Spanish Inquisition, Christians killed countless Jews and Muslins to 'purify' Spain. Most wars have been fought in the name of God and various scriptures. When South Africa was struggling with Apartheid and violence was erupting in the streets, Methodist Bishop Peter Storey said, "God help us to say to each other each day: 'We need not, we should not, we dare not, shed each others' blood. It has happened already, Jesus did it for us. Whatever blood was needed for the mending of all our wrongs has been shed already.'" What wars or acts of violence have taken place in your lifetime that have been justified with the reason, "God wants us to do this"? When, if ever, does God call us to use violence?
Please discuss these scriptures, answer the questions, and/or discuss other parts of the scripture that I did not cover. Sorry if it's really long! All of this is covered this whole month by the Youth Group, going through it week by week. The next update will be emailed and posted the beginning of October.
Thanks for reading and God bless!
