Time For a New Leader.

Prayer with Worship Leaders (10:45)

Light Reflective Music

Bible Enters (Organ)

Welcome / Intimation (Rev. Bosch)

I greet you in the Name of God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe - in the care of Christ Jesus.May it be that we receive mercy, peace and love.

Intimations, Funerals, Baptisms (remember to share this before Sunday Worship)

16th July, Wednesday, 19:00, Reflective Service in the Church Hall

I am very pleased to be with you today worshipping God. We had a wonderful time of rest, although I was sick we made the best of the two weeks.

Camping… One night was enought…

Testomony (Try to identify someone.)

Call to Worship: (Psalm 32)

Minister: Blessed is the one...

All: who is forgiven.

Minister: Blessed is the one…

All: in whose spirit their is no deceit.

Let us worship God!

Hymn: CH 125 Lord of all being , throned afar

Declaration:

Blessed be the name of the Lord now and evermore.From the rising of the sun to its setting, the Lord’s name be praised. Let us pray:

Prayer of Approach and Confession (Rev. Bosch)

Holy God, we seek your silence in this sacred space. Grant us rest from the burdens we carry. Give us clear guidance to follow Your path. Let us experience forgiveness through Your boundless grace. Bless us as we gather to honor You. Help us find our honor in Christ alone. We boast in you, our Savior and hope. Teach us to accept your no with humble trust. Help us embrace your yes with joyful faith. Open our eyes to see Your truth and love. Encourage us to live boldly for Your kingdom. Strengthen us to serve with steadfast hearts. Fill us with Your Spirit to worship in truth. Guide our thoughts and actions to reflect Your glory. In the name of Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Hymn: SoF 441 - Only by Grace

(Children enter.)

Children’s Address: “No!”

Hymn: As for me and my house

(Children exit.)

Reading: Deuteronomy 3: 21-29

21 And I commanded Joshua at that time, ‘Your eyes have seen all that the LORD your God has done to these two kings. So will the LORD do to all the kingdoms into which you are crossing. 22 You shall not fear them, for it is the LORD your God who fights for you.’ Moses Forbidden to Enter the Land 23 “And I pleaded with the LORD at that time, saying, 24 ‘O Lord GOD, you have only begun to show your servant your greatness and your mighty hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do such works and mighty acts as yours? 25 Please let me go over and see the good land beyond the Jordan, that good hill country and Lebanon.’ 26 But the LORD was angry with me because of you and would not listen to me. And the LORD said to me, ‘Enough from you; do not speak to me of this matter again. 27 Go up to the top of Pisgah and lift up your eyes westward and northward and southward and eastward, and look at it with your eyes, for you shall not go over this Jordan. 28 But charge Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he shall go over at the head of this people, and he shall put them in possession of the land that you shall see.’ 29 So we remained in the valley opposite Beth-peor.

Sermon: (Rev. Bosch)

Yes! No! Yes, you may proceed. No, you may not enter. Both these statements will determine the course of action. In our reading today, Joshua receive’s a “yes” from God, whereas, Moses got a “no”. The “yes” that Joshua received made it possible for him to enter the promise land. Moses on the other hand was not alowed to enter the new land. He was on the receiving end of a “no”.

The two words “yes” and “no” can bring all types of emostion to the fore. It can even determine how we respond to a situation. If a “yes” or a “no” is misunderstood it could lead to a wrong reaction, therefore, understanding the context and reason for a “yes” or a “no” is important.

This reminds me of a story of a lady that was diagnosed with HIV/Aids. The doctor had to inform her about this bad news. He went to her to tell her she was HIV positive. To the doctor’s surprise she rejoiced, because she though she did not have the virues. Her understanding was that HIV positive was positive news in that she was negitive (Did not have the virus). We can only imagine how the docter had to retrease his words to explain to her that positive is infact negative. The doctor had to strategicly use the words “yes” and “no” to explain to her the true prediciment of her situation.

In our reading today, the situation is not so complex. The “yes” and the “no” is very clear. “Yes” Joshua may enter the new land, and “No” Moses should stay behind.

The situation that we find, in our reading, is of a young and new leader taking over from Moses. A way to understand this reading is to say that a new situation requiers a new and fresh prespective. Joshua was called to undertake this new role in a new situation. The reading is clear that such a young leader has to know who God is. In other words, he should be confident in the actions of God. A firm identity in God is vital as he goes into a new environment. The reading states: “It is the LORD your God who fights for you”. In other words, the young leader may be confident that he is not a lone. He is not taking on the hugh responsibility as one person. Rather, God is with Him. The reading states: “It is the LORD your God who fights for you”.

This is reasuring theology for us, espessially going into difficult situations. The theology states that God will fight for us when we are down and in a corner.

It was exciting and entimidating time for the young leader, whereas, the old Leader found himself in a difficult spot. Moses was not allowed to go into the promise land. His time has ended. Moses understood God and he tried to perswide God through his understanding. Yet, his excilent theology was unable to convice God other wise. He pushed against God’s boundries by saying:

24 ‘O Lord GOD, you have only begun to show your servant your greatness and your mighty hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do such works and mighty acts as yours?

God responded by saying “Enough from you; do not speak to me of this matter again.”

Yes, God is great. Yes, God has a mighty hand. Yes, God does do mighty acts.

Yet, still, no Moses you may not enter. No, Moses your time is passed. No, Moses you have to give over the leadership.

The “no” of God was firm and clear. The response of God was not hidden in mist and fog. The beautiful part in this reading is that God’s “No” was not cold and blunt. Rather, with the “no” the grace and mercy of God becomes clear. God directed Moses to a high point from where he could see the new Land. The no that Moses received was not God acting in a crule way, but rather God giving the opportunity for a new leader to take the lead. The “no” of God to Moses was the “yes” for Joshua to fifull his calling. In this sense, God gave Moses a “yes” and a “no”. No, you may not enter. Yes, you may have a look and see the new lands.

It becomes clear then, that God requiered of Moses to fullfull a new role. The role is not to be the leader any more, but rather to empower the new leader. We can say that God wanted Moses to transfer his wisdom and experience to the youthfull leader. It could have been that Moses was inspired to encourage Joshua after seeing the new land.

The reflection, thus far, tells us how Joshua and Moses reacted to God’s “yes” or “no”. It makes us think about our own response to God’s “yes” or “no”.

It might be that a answer is vague, making it difficult to know the clear truth.

It could be that we are in a situation like the poor lady who misunderstood her HIV/AID diagnoses.

It could even be that we have heard the clear anwer from GOd. We might know it is a yes or a no. Yet, the clarity of God’s decition makes us uncomfortable and not willing to proceed.

Some of us could related to Joshua who was at the brink of a new adventure, with God’s clear “yes” behind you.

Some of us could related to Moses at the end of a journey, with God’s clear “no” written on the wall.

If the answer is clear, then kicking and pushing against God’s will be futile.

The reading tells us that if receiving a “yes” God will be there fighting our corner. In a situation, where God draws the line saying “no”, in those situation God will give another option.

The alternitive direction might be another type of calling, like Moses encouraging a younger leader.

When God says “yes”. He will be with you.

When God says “no”, it is not without grace. God will create another path, direction and reason.

The pastoral message is that God will never let us hang High and Dry. He will not leave us aimless, but rather give direction - after saying no.

I think a appropriate prayer then is to ask God for clarity. For example praying the following: “God is this now a “yes” or a “no” from you? Do you want me to enter the new venture like Joshua, or do you want me to stop and call it a day like Moses?

The fact that God is clear in the reading, gives us the theological undersing of God having a clear and precise charicter. God is precise and clear. If situations are not clear or precise, it could be a warning sign to tread carefully. Rather, be extra causes to make sure it is a “yes” or a “no” from God rather than dwindeling off into the abise.

God is a God of clarity, may we prayerfully listen to God’s “yes” or “no”.

Amen.

Hymn: CH 467 Beautiful Saviour

Prayer for Others (Eckhardt):

Heavenly Father,

We come before you with hearts full of compassion, lifting up those whose spirits are in turmoil.

Soothe their restless souls with your boundless peace, calming the storms of anxiety that overwhelm them.

For those wandering aimlessly, feeling lost and without direction, guide their steps toward your divine purpose.

Open the hearts of those who have never experienced your love and forgiveness, that they may know your mercy.

Humble those who seek self-honour, teaching them to find true worth in your grace and truth.

Soften the hearts of those battling against your no, helping them trust in your perfect will.

Strengthen and encourage those who need uplifting after receiving your yes, affirming their path forward.

For those living life with closed eyes, awaken them to see your light and embrace your presence.

Surround each one today with your love, providing comfort in our struggles and clarity in our confusion.

Grant your people courage to face challenges and to have faith in your promises.

May your Holy Spirit work within our town, transforming doubt into hope and turmoil into peace.

We thank you for your endless compassion, which never fails to restore and redeem. Amen.

Offering (The person at door duty brings the plate to the table.)

Prayer of Thanks

Hymn: CH 167 - Guide me, O thou great Jehovah

Rethink and Blessing (Rev. Bosch)

Go knowing that God will give direction. He will make clear his “yes” and “no”.

In the presence of the Holy Spirit, may the peace of God, 

which is beyond all understanding, 

guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Amen

Sing/Play Amen (Organ)

Bible Exits (Organ)