Moses’ life was about to end. Under God’s guidance, he was handing over the leadership of Israel in conquering the promised land to Joshua. Before departing he called for an assembly, here is part of his instructions (Deut. 31:12-13, CSB):
Gather the people—men, women, dependents, and the resident aliens within your city gates—so that they may listen and learn to fear the Lord your God and be careful to follow all the words of this law. Then their children who do not know the law will listen and learn to fear the Lord your God as long as you live in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.
Moses’ words have much to teach us about Sunday School. These two verses would could be the text for a great sermon. Here the command and four results:
The Command: Gather the people
Gather all of them. Members and guests. Young and old. Church and community.
First Result: That they may listen
Hearing God’s Word changes lives. Hearing it together is encouraging and helpful.
Second Result: That they may…learn to fear the Lord your God
Recognizing God’s awesomeness is a natural response to His presence and His voice. Open God’s Word, and He speaks. When He speaks, we recognize our need for a response.
Third Result: That they may…be careful to follow all the words of this law
Adjusting our lives to His expectations come as we listen and respond to an awesome God.
Fourth Result: Then their children who do not know the law will listen and learn to fear the Lord your God
Gathering the people, hearing God’s Word together, and recognizing that God is speaking greatly influences our children and grandchildren.
Can you see how this message is a great one related to our work of Sunday School? Make disciples. Be revolutionary!
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