Rhythms are the grooves in the record that allow the music of our lives to find expression. The record begins to skip when the rhythm is disrupted, but we can find ways to fix the vinyl. We are in a season where society as a collective has found their well worn grooves skipping. Sometimes the disruption is a good thing, it creates space for us to make grooves and to rediscover old ones. One of the rhythms that we have at FōS is SOAP, a daily plan for reading the Bible and journaling our reflections. SOAP is an acronym that stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. If you want to join us in our rhythm of SOAP, you can find more information here (fos.church/soapdaily-readings). Our series over the next few weeks is called “The SOAP Sessions,” and will consist of messages pulled from our daily reflections. 

This week we will be exploring the idea of courage and community formation in a time of fear. 

Scripture:

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

—Joshua 1:7-9(NIV)

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

—Matthew 28:18-20(NIV)

Observation:

Many stories in the Bible find echoes of each other. The two narratives connected to these verses are examples of this. First, you have the account of Joshua leading the people of Israel into a new future. Second, you have Jesus commissioning his disciples to invite people into the kingdom of God. 

Application:

When we are on the precipice of a new reality, it can be daunting and overwhelming. The good news is that God is calling us and promises to be with us as we go. 

Prayer: 

Lord, lead us and give us courage as we form community in these uncertain times. In the name of Jesus, we pray, Amen …

Formational Learning:

(Head)

• As we move from the notion of fear to courage, what does courageous vulnerability look like when the community needs us to not rush into danger, and instead needs us to restrain ourselves? What does courageous vulnerability look like for us as a community moving forward?

(Heart)

• How does COVID-19 affect the way you understand your faith as we try to honor the need for self-isolating and social-distancing?

• What is your biggest fear amid the COVID-19 situation?

(Hands)

• What is a practical way that we can courageously create community in this time of fear and isolation?