Living by the Book/Living by the Book Workbook Set (94 page)

The impact of the parable of the prodigal son is powerful, even as a “stand-alone” story. But it becomes even more poignant as the result of moving from the lesser to the greater. In its context within Luke 15, do you see how Jesus placed extra emphasis on it? Why do you think He did so?

TODAY’S PASSAGE:

Joshua 1

TIME COMMITMENT:

30 minutes

“There’s probably no tool of teaching more powerful than repetition. If I want to make sure that you catch on to what I have to say, I’ll repeat it over and over, again and again, time after time. Repetition reinforces” (p. 152).

S
uppose you’ve been chosen to replace a beloved leader who has served faithfully for decades. You’re a good person, but you’ve got some big shoes to fill. Your own record is a little sparse, and you might have a few doubts about yourself: Will the people accept me? Can I take over a huge responsibility without wrecking the organization? Will I become as popular as my predecessor?

Would you have any other concerns?

What kinds of affirmation would you desire if you found yourself in this situation?

Read Joshua 1. This passage records what God told Joshua when He called him to replace Moses. Ahead of him lay Jericho and numerous other fortified cities that the Israelites had to get through to possess the Promised Land. Many of us would be shaking in our sandals.

What phrase can you find that is repeated in this chapter?

Why do you think such repetition was used?

From whom did Joshua hear this phrase? (You should find two answers.)