call:
The Lord be with you.
response:
And also with you.
call:
Today’s symbol is the shofar, a special kind of musical horn. God brought the people into the Promised Land, and fought for them when they blew the shofar outside Jericho.
response:
Thanks be to God!
Scripture reading : Joshua 6:1-5 and 6:10-17
God brought the people of Israel out of Egypt and through the wilderness. They were ready to enter the Promised Land! They camped by the Jordan River and got ready to cross it. But on the other side was the city of Jericho, with its tall walls and strong soldiers. So Joshua sent two men across as scouts.
A woman named Rahab welcomed them, and protected them. She told the men that everyone in Jericho was afraid, because they knew that Israel’s God was mighty and would ght for them. And she asked them to protect her and her family when they came into the city.
Sure enough, God did ght for Israel. Israel marched around Jericho’s thick walls, and when they blew their shofars, God’s power made the walls crumble to the ground. The two men went to nd Rahab, and they welcomed her into their camp. Rahab trusted God and became a part of God’s family. In fact, she is a very special part of God’s family: she is one of only three women listed in Jesus’ family tree!
pray:
Mighty God, you fought for your people at Jericho. Help us to trust in your strength, like Joshua and like Rahab. Thank you that we do not have to ght for ourselves or save ourselves, because you are our strength and our shield. Amen.