Anchor My Faith

God’s Deliverance, Promise, and Praise

Old Testament Reading

Numbers 21:1–22:20 — Victory, Judgment, and Balaam’s Calling

Overview:
During Israel’s journey to the Promised Land, the Lord grants victory over the Canaanite king of Arad but later disciplines Israel when they complain against Him and Moses. God sends fiery serpents among the people, yet provides mercy through the bronze serpent, which becomes a symbol of healing through faith. Israel continues its journey, defeating Sihon king of the Amorites and Og king of Bashan, demonstrating God’s power to give His people victory over their enemies. As Israel encamps near Moab, Balak king of Moab fears them and summons Balaam to curse Israel. Though tempted by reward, Balaam ultimately acknowledges that he can only speak what God commands.

Theological Themes:
• God’s judgment and mercy toward His people
• Faith in God’s provision for salvation
• God’s sovereignty over nations and prophets

Key Verse:
Numbers 21:8 – “And the LORD said to Moses, ‘Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.’”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why did God send fiery serpents among the Israelites?
   Answer:
   The serpents were sent as discipline because the people complained against God and Moses, expressing ingratitude and unbelief (Numbers 21:5). Their complaint revealed a lack of trust in God’s provision. The judgment served to awaken repentance and remind them that rebellion against God has consequences.
2. What does the bronze serpent teach about God’s provision for salvation?
   Answer:
   Those who looked at the bronze serpent in faith were healed from the deadly bites. This demonstrates that God provides a way of salvation through faith in His provision rather than human effort. Jesus later referenced this event in John 3:14–15, showing that just as the serpent was lifted up, He would be lifted up so that all who believe in Him may have eternal life.
3. What lesson is revealed through Balaam’s interaction with Balak?
   Answer:
   Balaam acknowledges that he cannot curse whom God has blessed. This highlights God’s sovereign protection over His people. Even when enemies attempt to oppose God’s purposes, the Lord controls the outcome and ensures that His promises to His people remain secure.

New Testament Reading

Luke 1:26–56 — The Announcement of Jesus’ Birth and Mary’s Praise

The angel Gabriel appears to Mary in Nazareth and announces that she will conceive by the Holy Spirit and give birth to Jesus, the Son of the Most High, who will reign on David’s throne forever. Though initially troubled, Mary humbly submits to God’s will. She visits Elizabeth, whose unborn child, John the Baptist, leaps for joy at the presence of the Messiah. Elizabeth blesses Mary for believing God’s promise. Mary responds with a song of praise—often called the Magnificat—celebrating God’s mercy, faithfulness, and His work in exalting the humble and fulfilling His promises to Israel.

Theological Themes:
• The incarnation of Jesus Christ
• God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises
• Humility and obedience in responding to God’s call

Key Verse:
Luke 1:38 – “And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.’”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why is the angel’s announcement to Mary significant?
   Answer:
   The announcement reveals that Jesus’ birth would be supernatural, conceived by the Holy Spirit, confirming that He is both fully divine and fully human. It also fulfills Old Testament promises concerning the Messiah, especially the promise that a descendant of David would reign forever (2 Samuel 7:12–16).
2. What does Mary’s response teach about faith and obedience?
   Answer:
   Mary’s humble acceptance of God’s plan demonstrates trust and submission to His will. Despite the personal cost and uncertainty, she might face, she chooses to believe God’s promise. Her response models faithful obedience for believers.
3. What is the main message of Mary’s song of praise?
   Answer:
   Mary praises God for His mercy, power, and faithfulness. Her song celebrates how God reverses human expectations, lifting up the humble and bringing down the proud. It also affirms that God is fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham and Israel through the coming Messiah.

Psalms Reading

Psalm 57:1–11 — Trusting God in Times of Trouble

Psalm 57 is a prayer of David while he was hiding from Saul in a cave. David begins by pleading for God’s mercy and protection, trusting that God will deliver him from danger. Even while surrounded by enemies, David expresses confidence that God will send His steadfast love and faithfulness. The psalm transitions from lament to praise as David resolves to sing and glorify God among the nations. His confidence rests not in changed circumstances but in God’s unchanging character.

Theological Themes:
• Trust in God during adversity
• God’s steadfast love and faithfulness
• Praise as a response to God’s deliverance

Key Verse:
Psalm 57:10 – “For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What does David ask God to do in this psalm?
   Answer:
   David asks God for mercy and protection from his enemies. He seeks refuge under the “shadow of God’s wings,” a metaphor expressing trust in God’s protective care during times of danger.
2. How does David demonstrate faith despite his circumstances?
   Answer:
   Even while in hiding, David expresses confidence that God will accomplish His purposes for him. Instead of focusing on fear, he chooses to praise God and trust in His steadfast love and faithfulness.
3. What can believers learn from David’s response to hardship?
   Answer:
   Believers are reminded that praise and trust should not depend on favorable circumstances. Even in trials, God remains faithful. Like David, we can seek refuge in Him and worship Him with confidence in His character.

Proverbs Reading

Proverbs 11:9–11 — The Influence of Righteousness and Wickedness

Overview:
These proverbs contrast the destructive influence of the wicked with the life-giving impact of the righteous. The godless person harms others through deceitful speech, while the righteous are preserved through knowledge and wisdom. A community flourishes when righteous people live within it, but it suffers when the wicked dominate. The passage emphasizes that the character and speech of individuals can either build up or destroy those around them.

Theological Themes:
• The moral power of words
• The blessing of righteousness in society
• The contrast between wisdom and wickedness

Key Verse:
Proverbs 11:11 – “By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. How does the godless person harm others according to this passage?
   Answer:
   The godless person destroys others through deceitful and harmful speech. Words have the power to mislead, damage reputations, and spread corruption. This highlights the moral responsibility believers have in how they speak.
2. What protects the righteous from harm?
   Answer:
   The passage teaches that knowledge, wisdom rooted in understanding God’s truth, delivers the righteous. By living according to God’s wisdom, believers avoid the traps and destructive patterns of the wicked.
3. How can righteousness influence a community?
   Answer:
   When upright people live faithfully, their integrity and blessings positively influence those around them. Their presence promotes justice, stability, and flourishing within a society. Conversely, wickedness leads to decay and destruction.