This lesson is filled with troubles and trials. The people continue to murmur against Moses and Aaron concerning a lack of water and the death of their brethren. It is also in this chapter where we find that Miriam and Aaron die and Moses rebels against the Lord. In the midst of all this, we find a wonderful picture of the Lord Jesus and His grace toward us.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
God had promised the Israelites that He had reserved a land of milk and honey for them (Exodus 3:8; Exodus 13:5; Leviticus 20:24). He had even “espied” the land Himself for them (Ezekiel 20:5-6), but they had to see for themselves (see Deuteronomy 1:22-23). They could not take God’s word that He would give them the land. They had to determine for themselves whether or not they could take it. As a result, God removed His blessings and allowed them to walk in their own counsels (Psalm 81:10-12). He let them wander for forty years in the wilderness (Ezekiel 20:13-17).<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
From Genesis to Revelation, Satan has attempted to destroy the people of God and the godly seed. This chapter records one of many such attempts. Yet, God blesses His people despite the opposition of the enemy. And, He uses affliction to bring His people to even greater good.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
The story is ending. The last of the founding patriarchs are dying. This is a story of burials and not of births. Yet, hope remains. It remains in the hearts. It remains in the last request of Joseph to carry his bones back to the land of Canaan when God visits His people.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
This lesson grandly illustrates God’s providential preservation of and provision for His people. The brothers’ act of hatred in selling Joseph into slavery becomes the way by which God preserves His people in famine (Genesis 45:4-8).<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
Several approaches are possible with this lesson. You may want to emphasize the doctrinal approach in which the offering of Isaac is a wonderful type of the sacrifice of God’s only Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross. Or, you might approach the lesson from the standpoint of Abraham and his faith in the Lord. You might even go back over his life and review the growth of his faith through the years. A third approach, especially good for teaching children, would be to consider the viewpoint of Isaac. He obviously submitted to his father and trusted him. Isaac is certainly an example of an obedient child. Yet, all of these approaches emphasize surrender and sacrifice. You might do well to consider what it means to be truly surrendered to the Lord.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
The five cities of the plain were ancient cities of renown (Genesis 10:19). They had a large population, plenty of water and an excellent climate (Genesis 13:10). Yet, four of these cities were destroyed during the lifetime of Abraham (Deuteronomy 29:23). In the midst of one of these cities was the nephew of Abraham. Lot was not the evil man that many perceive him to be. In the scriptures, he is called a righteous and a just man (2 Peter 2:6-8). Yet, Lot certainly failed. Why and how did he do so?<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
