During the confusing and contentious wilderness wanderings, the Israelites faced a leadership crisis. God's power was demonstrated through a simple piece of wood, and a generational memory [passed down to us] was formed to inspire and challenge those who would come later. 

Numbers 17:1-7

Questions to consider—

Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?

What makes this night different from all other nights? This is the question posed by observant Jews regarding the celebration of the Passover in Exodus and Deuteronomy. This is the celebration of God's action that calls us [now in Christ] to depart from oppression, fear, and anxiety on our way to freedom and true rest in God. 

Deuteronomy 16: 1-8

Questions to consider—

Backward [Roots]: What personal stories, Biblical narratives, or church traditions are being drawn to my mind in this Gathering?

Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

God desires to communicate with humans in ways we can understand. The Day of Atonement highlights three pathways through which God speaks and avenues we can use to orient our lives toward thriving. 

Leviticus 23:26-32

Questions to consider—

Upward [Celebration]: Which attributes of God am I noticing and delighting in throughout the Gathering?

Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

Could it be that out of the fire of judgment upon these two Levitical priests, God is calling people to a new relationship? To stay in the long game of following Jesus?

Leviticus 10: 1-3

Questions to consider—

Upward [Celebration]: Which attributes of God am I noticing and delighting in throughout the Gathering?

Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

This seminal story highlights many human tendencies throughout history. In particular, this teaching looks at the difficulties and complications of waiting by imaginatively asking Aaron a series of curious questions. 

Exodus 32:1-14

Questions to consider—

Withward [Community]: How is my understanding of and engagement with the church being formed during this Gathering?

Inward: [Wholeness]: How might the Holy Spirit be encouraging transformation in me?

More than just laws or even commands, these 10 words from God serve as relational promises. Encounter these gifts in a fresh way as we look at Exodus 20 in its context. 

Exodus 20: 1-4

Questions to consider—

Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

Outward [Service]: Who or where might God be calling me to care about more deeply and tangibly?

How do we respond in the face of a divine interruption? Moses' dialogue with God in Exodus 3 and 4 might provide an example of a healthy and honest way to discern one's next steps of obedience when God comes calling.

Exodus 3:1-10

Questions to consider—

Upward [Celebration]: Which attributes of God am I noticing and delighting in throughout the Gathering?

Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

Genesis 22:1-5

We were made to partner with God in the stewarding and flourishing of creation: Being truly human, we recognize that we are not God and are certainly no less than human. Hear the call to surrender and true freedom. 

Genesis 1:26-2:3

Questions to consider—

Backward [Roots]: What personal stories, Biblical narratives, or church traditions are being drawn to my mind in this Gathering?

Forward [Journey]: What is a practical next step I can take in my journey of following the way of Jesus?

Isaiah 65:1-5