The History of Israel, Part 1 / The Old Testament from 30,000 Feet

Weekend Service for May 12 Scripture Reading: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel When I was in high school, our youth group often visited Saranac Lake in the Adirondacks. One of our favorite activities was hiking up Mount Ampersand. The trail is challenging but rewarding, offering a beautiful view from the summit. This experience is akin to studying the Old Testament from a high vantage point. Just as a drone can provide a comprehensive view of a mountain trail, our 10-week series aims to give you a broad understanding of the Old Testament. This overview will help you navigate the individual stories and understand the overarching narrative of God's relationship with humanity. We began our journey with the leadership transition from Moses to Joshua. Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt but was not allowed to enter the Promised Land. Joshua, trained by Moses, took over and led the Israelites into the Promised Land. Joshua 1:9-18 sets the stage for his leadership, emphasizing faith and courage. Joshua commanded the officers to prepare the people to cross the Jordan River and take possession of the land God had promised them. The people responded with obedience and faith, ready to follow Joshua as they had followed Moses. The story of Israel is a cycle of faith and disobedience. When the Israelites placed their faith in God, things went well. However, when they strayed and adopted the practices of surrounding nations, things spiraled out of control. This pattern is evident in the book of Judges, where Israel repeatedly falls into sin, faces oppression, cries out to God, and is delivered by judges. These judges, like Gideon and Samson, were flawed individuals, yet God used them to deliver Israel. As we moved into the book of Samuel, we saw Israel's desire for a king to be like other nations. Despite God's warning through Samuel that a king would bring hardships, the people insisted. God allowed them to have a king, starting with Saul, followed by David. This period highlights the tension between human desires and God's will. Even though the people often made poor choices, God's love and faithfulness remained constant. The overarching message of the Old Testament is to believe in God and obey His word. When the Israelites did this, they experienced success and blessings. Joshua's final words to the people encapsulate this message: "Choose today whom you will serve... But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15). This call to faithfulness is timeless and relevant for us today. In conclusion, the Old Testament is a rich tapestry of stories that reveal God's character and His relationship with humanity. It teaches us about faith, obedience, and the consequences of straying from God's path. As we continue our study, let us place our faith in God and strive to live according to His word.