Date: September 22, 2024
Key Scriptures: Joshua 20, Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah 22:22, Matthew 28:18, Isaiah 46:4, Isaiah 26:3

Facilitator Questions:
Theme:  The need for refuge: Shechem
Start thinking:  Ask a question to get your group thinking.

• Shechem was in the territory of Ephraim. It was named originally for the son of a Hivite chieftain who lived in Canaan, near where Jacob and his family were staying. After Shechem raped and married Jacob’s daughter Dinah, her brothers treacherously killed all the men and captured their wives, children and possessions (Genesis 34). It was where Joshua assembled the children of Israel, made a covenant with them, gave them statutes to live by, and parceled out the land. Joseph’s bones were buried there. Why do you think God would make a place like Shechem, which had such important history, a city of refuge? What did He want people to remember?
• The word “Shechem” means “shoulder” or “back”. Since all the names of the cities of refuge have spiritual applications, what might be the significance of this name?
• Bible commentators often relate the shoulder to the concepts of government and authority, based on verses like Isaiah 9:6 and 22:22. Discuss the truth that Jesus is the king who has been given all authority (Matthew 28:18). What are the implications, with respect to the city of refuge and the wider truth of the heavenly kingdom?
• Scriptures repeatedly make references to the shoulder as the way things are carried. Read Isaiah 46:4. How does Jesus carry His followers?

Start sharing:  Choose a question to create openness.

• The shoulder can represent both strength and trust. Whose shoulder would you put your head on? Who in your life demonstrates strength you can rely on? Whom do you trust?
• How you find Jesus to be trustworthy and a source of strength to you personally? Give examples.
• How does knowing that Jesus has all authority in heaven and earth affect the way you live?
• Isaiah 26:3 says, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” What does this tell you about worry? Are there things you worry about, which steal the peace that is promised here? How can the concept of the city of refuge help you deal with worry?

Start praying:  Be bold and pray with power.

• Thank God for being our refuge, fortress and strength. Praise Him for His great love and power to defend His people.
• Tell Him you put your trust in Him, and give up to Him any areas of worry or distrust in your heart. Ask Him to be your strength and to come through for you in these areas.
• Confess that Jesus is your King, and pray for whatever you need to be His faithful servant.
• Pray for the members of the Body of Christ to edify each other, so the Church will be strengthened in Him.

Start doing:  Commit to a step and live it out this week.

• Consider people you know who need to be strengthened. Pray for them, and ask God to use you to strengthen them. Follow through on His leading.
• Practice surrendering worry to Jesus whenever