Opening Prayer Led by Group Facilitator

Deuteronomy 32 - The Song of Moses

Pray the Song of Moses together aloud, alternating verses between two sides.  When finished, share reflections as a group

35  Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly.

36  For the Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants, when he sees that their power is gone, and there is none remaining, bond or free.

37 Then he will say, ‘Where are their gods, the rock in which they took refuge,

38  who ate the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offering? Let them rise up and help you, let them be your protection!

39 “‘See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand.

40  For I lift up my hand to heaven, and swear, As I live for ever,

41  if I whet my glittering sword, and my hand takes hold on judgment, I will take vengeance on my adversaries, and will requite those who hate me.

42  I will make my arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh— with the blood of the slain and the captives, from the long-haired heads of the enemy.’

43  “Praise his people, O you nations; for he avenges the blood of his servants, and takes vengeance on his adversaries,  and makes expiation for the land of his people.”

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Moses Prepares Israel for Battle

Unifying the Sons of Israel
Numbers 32:1-32

1.       What is the strategic purpose the tribes of Reuben and Gad seek in stopping short of the Promised Land?  When have you departed ways with loved ones for a strategic purpose?  Did your loved ones understand or support you?  How can a Patriarch support his children before & after they depart for a strategic purpose?

2.       What is Moses’ appeal to the tribes of Reuben & Gad to convince them to fight for their brethren?  What are some experiences you’ve had of “fighting for a sibling” or vice versa?  What are some ways your children fight for each other?  How is Moses’ appeal a model for you in encouraging your children to fight for each other?

The Lord's Battle Plan
Numbers 33:50-56

3.       Why are the Israelite’s commanded to drive out all of the inhabitants of the Land?  How are Christ’s words in Matthew 18:8-9 the ultimate fulfillment of this concept?  What literal actions can you employ and teach to your children in regards to driving negative influences out of their life?

4.       The Lord commands that large families who need more will receive more.  What are the different needs within your own family?  Which children need more from you right now and which children need less?  How do you balance giving more to certain children without leaving the rest feeling jealous?

Moses’ Successor
Deuteronomy 31:1-8

5.       Joshua becomes Moses’ successor publicly in the sight of all Israel.   How will this public succession be a blessing to Joshua in the future?  How can you arrange your children to succeed you in a way that will provide a blessing to them long into the future?

6.       Before Moses relinquishes his final authority to Joshua, he recounts great works of the Lord.  Why does Moses do this?  Are your children aware of the great works of the Lord in scripture?  Before your children depart on their own, what great works of the Lord in your own life should they be aware of?

Resolutions

Choose a resolution for this week from the suggestions below or make your own.  Tap on a resolution to email it to yourself:

1.    I will call or write to a family member who I have a damaged relationship with because of a departure.
2.    I will tell my children a story of a time that one of my siblings fought for me.
3.    I will ask my children at dinner to describe a time where they were proud of one of their siblings.
4.    I will undertake a penance (cold showers, fasting, no internet apart from work, etc.) for the grace to find freedom from a specific sin.
5.    I will undertake the Exodus 90 challenge  - www.exodus90.com - and will pray about inviting one or more of my children to join me. 
6.    I will plan a special activity with one of my children who has recently been overlooked because other children have needed more of my attention.
7.    I will write a letter to one of my children who will soon be leaving my home explaining the “great works” of the Lord in my own life.  
8.    I will give greater authority and responsibility to one or more of my children and I will hold a family meeting to announce and explain what this means.
9.    I will read a different miracle story from the life of Christ with my family each night this week.

Previous Resolutions - Numbers 27

Prayer Partners

Discuss with your prayer partner the success/failure of your previous resolution & offer a vocal prayer for one another.