Opening Music: Living Waters
Opening Prayer
Discussion
Shiphrah and Puah
Questions 1a, b, 2a-f
3 Breakout Groups for 10 minutes
Questions
1c: in what ways have Israelites and Christians been persecuted in the Bible?
3a: which other people in the Bible stood against authority?
3c how do we discern?
In large group
Miriam Part 1
Exodus 15:19-21
19 When Pharaoh’s horses, chariots and horsemen[a] went into the sea, the Lord brought the waters of the sea back over them, but the Israelites walked through the sea on dry ground. 20 Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her, with timbrels and dancing. 21 Miriam sang to them:
“Sing to the Lord,
for he is highly exalted.
Both horse and driver
he has hurled into the sea.”
Definition of ‘Prophet’
In those times ‘prophecy’ meant making known the will of God; a prophet was God’s spokesman.
This definition of a prophet was well illustrated in the case of Aaron, who was Moses’ prophet, or spokesman.
Moses was the leader of Israel, but Aaron was the person who announced Moses’ instructions to the people. In the same way the prophet announced God’s will to the people of his time.
A true prophet could be appointed only by God. He was therefore known as a man of God, a messenger of God, or a servant of God.
Questions 6a, b, c
In Large Group
Miriam Part 2
Questions 7-8a
3 Breakout Groups 10 minutes
Closing Prayer
Lord God, you know us, and know our hearts. Thank you for these gifts – these people whom we love; the work that gives our life purpose; the things that hold special memories; the things which contribute to our safety. These gifts are from you, the giver of all good gifts, and we are grateful.
Please take these gifts, and use them for your purpose. Put your hedge of protection around those whom we love, strengthen the things that give us safety, give us the wisdom to be wise stewards.
We know that we can trust you, because we know that our greatest gift is you, Lord – our true safety is in your protection, our strength is our dependence on you, you are with us always, and you are the one who knows us best and loves us best.
Thank you for your faithfulness.
Amen