Week One

The Eternal Rock

Our readings this week draw us into the heart and character of God. While we can never fully understand the purposes of God, the scriptures teach us that God has created us out of love and he has the capacity to risk creating a creation in which his love becomes the redeeming birth and completion of his creation. He is the God who shelters us, shields us, inspires us and shapes us.

SEEDS TO SOW: What does the word ‘shield’ mean to you?

Read Isaiah 51: 1-6

What is the difference between the rock and the quarry?

Is there something revealing in this passage about the culture we live in and the faith by which we are shaped?

Read Exodus 33: 12-23

Are there times when God would be too much for us? Times when we begin to understand that God shields us from his power?

Read Psalm 40: 1-3

What effect does sharing a personal testimony of God’s provision have on us and also on the person listening? Should we encourage more personal testimonials?

* SEEDS TO SOW: These are open-ended and optional prompts and are designed for people wanting to develop their own resources in response to the themes. Perhaps if you are using this material as a group you could use these prompts to inspire a time of prayer, or drawing, or creative writing? They are a short and sweet, simply a starting off place for you and your imagination. Tailor and develop as suits your group.