January 8, 2008

Well, we didn't have class yesterday due to the nasty roads, so we picked up this morning beginning in the book of Deuteronomy. We focused on chapters 1-6. As we began class we played hangman to figure out what the most important word in the dictionary is: that word is REMEMBER. The students all contributed what their earliest memory was, and they also discussed what they would say - their last piece of advice if they knew they were going to pass away today.
Pivoting from this conversation, we discussed the history of the book of Deuteronomy. Moses was speaking to the Israelites just before they entered the promised land. He knew that he would die (be translated) and would not be going with them. Additionally, all of the original Israelites (led out of Egypt) who had been 20 or old had all died, excepting Joshua (the new prophet) and Caleb (who was steadfast, faithful and immovable). Therefore, many of these Israelites may not have known or completely remembered the whole history of this people who had been wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. As a result, we find Moses' discourse to these people just before they enter the promised land.
We decided to focus on promises which are found in these beginning chapters of Deuteronomy. The students read the following scriptures and then listed and discussed each principle which is taught, along with it's accompanying promise.
Here are the scriptures we used:
Deuteronomy 4:29-31
Deuteronomy 4:40
Deuteronomy 5:29
Deuteronomy 5:32-33
Deuteronomy 6:1-2
Deuteronomy 6:3
Deuteronomy 6:17-18
Deuteronomy 6:24-25

After we went through all of these, we discussed the main theme and message of all of these promises- and we really looked at v. 30 of Deut 4, which also applies to the Latter Days (us!).
Finally, we had two volunteers at the beginning of class who were wearing makeshift phylacteries - we discussed what they were, and why they wore them - once again stressing the importance of remembering and obedience - which is the greatest test of life.

The reading assignment for tomorrow is Deuteronomy 7-17
The scripture mastery is Proverbs 3:5-6