JOSHUA AND CALEB
Leader Bible Study
When asked the purpose of the Christian life, theologian R.C. Sproul responded with one Latin phrase, coram Deo. The words literally mean "before the face of God." Sproul explained that coram Deo means living all of life "in the presence of God, under the authority of God, to the glory of God." The believer, aware of the nearness of God, lives a life of obedience and worship.
Moses understood the nearness of God. Exodus 33-34 reveals a mountaintop conversation between Moses and God. In desperation and weariness over the Israelites' rebellion, Moses begs to see God's glory. God expresses His pleasure at Moses' continued obedience and agrees to reveal Himself. Hidden in the safety of the rock, Moses sees a limited view of God's glory as he hears God's voice proclaim compassion, love, forgiveness, and judgment. Moses immediately falls to the ground in worship.
Facing yet another crisis moment, Moses draws on this experience in Numbers 14. Again Moses begs God to act. He pleads for God's mercy over the rebellious Israelites. He reminds God of the promises He made on the mountain. The Lord holds His judgment and honors the faithfulness of Joshua and Caleb. Moses, as well as Joshua and Caleb, lived coram Deo. They recognized God's hand in Israel's journey. They chose to submit to God's authority and obeyed, even in the face of adversity. They glorified God through their obedience.
Take a moment today and read Exodus 33-34. Grab a notebook. Write coram Deo at the top of the page. Then create three columns labeled Presence of God, Authority of God, and Glory of God. In the first column, make a list of ways you are practicing the presence of God in your life. Are you spending time in prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers? Next, think about how you're submitting to God's authority. How are you obeying God? What areas do you need to submit to the lordship of Christ? Write those responses in column two. As you pray this week, write words that describe God's glory in column three. Pray those words back to God in adoration and praise. Commit to live coram Deo, before the face of the God who loves you.
Introductory Activity
Finger Play
Tune : "Walking, Walking"
Walking, walking, (Walk fingers on palm.)
Walking through the land. (Continue walking fingers.)
Looking, looking, (Shade eyes.)
God's good land! (Smile and open arms.)
Listen, obey, (Point to ears, then up.)
Every day! (Clap.)
Bible Story
JOSHUA AND CALEB
-Based on Numbers 13–14
Moses chose Joshua, Caleb, and 10 more men to go look at the promised land from God.
The land had much food and many people.
Joshua and Caleb said that God was with them, and they should go into the land. The other men said not to go.
The Israelites chose to listen to the other men and not obey God.
Bible Story (Ones / Older Variant)
JOSHUA AND CALEB
-Based on Numbers 13–14
Joshua, Caleb, and 10 other men went to look at the land that God was giving the Israelites.
The men came back home. They told Moses and the Israelites that the land was full of good food such as grapes and tall, strong people.
The 10 men said they were afraid to go into the new land.
Joshua and Caleb said, "Do not be afraid. God will take care of us." The people were too afraid.
They chose not to trust
Encourage children to use an ink pad to make 10 thumbprints to create a bunch of grapes. Help them count each fingerprint aloud as they press: "1, 2, 3..." until they reach 10. Say, "Moses sent 10 men to explore the land and saw it was full of good food, like grapes. Thank You, God, for providing food for us!"
Use painters tape to make a road on the floor, have toy cars for them to move along the road , provide instructions on how to move vehicles , slowly, quickly, backward and so on. Celebrate as children obey the instructions you gave them. Say " Joshua and Caleb obeyed God we can obey him too"
Provide babies with a paper bag and Ones with a small suitcase, along with a few items to pack. (ex.clothing, cup, play food) Show children how to place the items inside, then encourage them to try on their own. Say, "Joshua and Caleb went to explore the land God promised His people. They listened and obeyed God. We can listen to and obey God too!"
Fill a large tub with smooth rocks, large leaves, artificial flowers, and play food. Invite babies to touch, hold, and explore the different items. Talk about the colors, textures, and objects they discover. Say, "Joshua and Caleb explored the land God promised. They saw beautiful plants and good food. God gave His people a good land!"
Set out one big basket and one small basket with a mix of large playground balls and small ball-pit balls. Encourage babies to place the large balls in the big basket. Say, "The men saw big men in the new land!" Then help them place the small balls in the small basket. Lift your hands high and say, "But Joshua and Caleb knew God is the biggest of all!"