When we arrived at Mr S’s neighborhood, we left the car on the paved road. After I put a raincoat on Nilson, I took my hearing aid and cochlear implant off and put them in Loaise’s purse. We got out of the car, together with Mr S, and started walking uphill, about a quarter-mile. I carried Nilson, as it was raining and a muddy river was flowing down at our feet.
When we arrived at the house, Everyone took their shoes off and made themselves at home. I asked for a towel to dry my hair, so I could put my hearing aid and CI back on. I am deaf without them. Mr S gave me one of his shirts to wear,and I put mine on the line to dry a bit.
This was our third meeting his family. Our first meeting had featured the parable of the sower. Last week was the wise and foolish builder. We have been modeling for the family how to have an inductive Bible study with mutual accountability. (A way to help one another obey scripture).
Last week, Mr S and his family made a commitment to having their own weekly family Bible reading. They had chosen John 3 as their passage and read it together during the week. They did not understand a certain part of the passage and prayed for help. God certainly answered their prayers.
The passage I’d chosen for the day was the Bronze Serpent. First, everyone shared things for which they are grateful to God and needs they have. After that each one shared with how we obeyed the scripture last week. I had Mr S read verses 14-16 of John 3. Someone else read the passage from Numbers. Then I told the passage in my own words.
What followed was a great discussion, with each person having some input and participation. As they discovered God’s justice and mercy in providing a way to escape death with a bronze snake, they noticed how much better it was than just removing the snakes.
When we finished and re-read John 3:14-16, each one in the family shared that they believe that we must look to Jesus, just as the Israelites looked at the bronze serpent. Faith is growing quickly in this family.
