Zion Lutheran Sioux Falls

Second Sunday in Lent

Our Bible Reading of the Day is Joshua 5:13–6:27. Confident in their wall, the people of Jericho shut themselves up inside the city. Following God’s unusual battle plan, Joshua gathers the priests, trumpets, ark of the covenant, and people. Six days they march once around the city, then seven times on the seventh day, giving a shout at the conclusion of the last circuit. The city walls come tumbling down, and the Israelites wipe out the citizens and livestock while plundering precious metals for the tabernacle. Yet Rahab and her family are spared. Christ, the greater Joshua, though He has the power to judge us for our sins also has the power to save. By the cross, He has forgiven God’s children their sins and has promised us deliverance from eternal death.

First Sunday in Lent

Our Bible Reading of the Day is Joshua 2. As they prepare to enter the Promised Land, Joshua sends two spies to explore Jericho. Rahab, a prostitute, first hides the spies from the authorities, and later she helps them escape out her window in the city wall. Because of her faithfulness, the spies promise to spare Rahab and her family when the Israelites come to occupy the city. God saved His spies in Jericho through the unlikely and unexpected Rahab. God has saved us, His people today, through the unexpected and undeserved sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

The Transfiguration of Our Lord

Our Bible Reading of the Day is Numbers 13:1–2, 25–14:24. Moses chooses one man from each of the twelve tribes and sends them to spy on the land God has promised. The spies report a land of great plenty but occupied by mighty, fearsome people. Despite Caleb and Joshua’s pleas to seize the land promised to them, the people rebel. Moses pleads for mercy, and God promises to care for His people. At the same time, He condemns the Israelites to forty years of wandering in the wilderness. Of all the adults, only Joshua and Caleb will live to enter the Promised Land.

Fifth Sunday After Epiphany

Our Bible Reading of the Day is Exodus 25:1–19; 40:1–8, 34–38. Moses begins the process of building a portable house for the Lord by gathering offerings from the Israelites. God provides detailed instruction for the creation of the ark of the covenant as well as the other fixtures of the tabernacle. When the tabernacle is finally assembled, the glory of the Lord descends on the tabernacle in the form of a cloud. As long as the presence remains, the people remain in that place.

Fourth Sunday After Epiphany

Our Bible Reading of the Day is Exodus 31:18–32:35. Atop Mount Sinai, Moses receives the Law from God. Meanwhile, the Israelites grow impatient and convince Aaron to create a golden idol. When God sends Moses down from the mountain, Moses sees the people’s wan-ton worship and smashes the stone tablets. The people are punished for their idolatry. Moses returns to Sinai to plead God’s mercy for the people. Moses interceded for God’s people at Sinai. Jesus interceded for all people on the cross, bearing the punishment for our sins.