Jesus is on the shore to pray. He sends his disciples onto the dark lake. Early the next morning, they are a long way offshore when the wind and waves come up. Jesus appears walking on water. The disciples are scared that he might be a ghost. Jesus tells them not to be afraid, and calls Peter. Peter walks out, but then panics and starts to sink. Jesus saves him. The disciples recognise that Jesus is the son of God.
God appears to Moses in the form of a burning bush. God identifies himself as “I Am” (Yahweh), the God of Moses’ ancestors. God outlines the rescue plan to free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and invites Moses to lead them into freedom.
Moses doubts his ability to achieve God’s mission so God shows Moses his power in a simple act of obedience. Moses throws his staff on the ground and it turns into a snake, then when he picks it up it transforms back into a staff. Moses trusts God’s plan and agrees to lead the rescue mission.
God sent Moses to Pharaoh to command him to set God’s people free. Pharaoh opposed God’s request and so God sent 10 plagues of increasing severity to convince Pharaoh. The plagues were: water turning to blood, frogs, lice, flies, livestock pestilence, boils, hail, locusts, darkness and the killing of the firstborn sons of every household. It is only after the last plague that Pharaoh agrees to set the Israelites free. During the final plague, God gave the Israelites very specific instructions about what they needed to do so that the angel of death would ‘pass over’ their houses and their babies wouldn’t die. Ever since, the Jewish people have celebrated the Passover, when the blood of a lamb smeared on their doors saved them from death. After this Pharoah releases the Israelites and an estimated two million men, women and children cross the Red Sea into the Sinai Peninsula.
The Israelites were in conflict with the Philistines, and the towering Philistine champion Goliath challenged the Israelites to send out a warrior for a one-on-one battle. Despite their fear, young shepherd David stepped forward, armed with only a sling and stones. With unwavering faith in God, he skillfully aimed a stone at Goliath’s forehead, defeating the giant. This astonishing victory transformed David into a hero, symbolising that faith and determination can conquer seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Nebuchadnezzar erected a colossal statue, covered in gold, for the people to worship. Everyone was ordered to bow down and worship this image. Anyone who refused would be eliminated as a traitor and potential rival to the king.
When the king found out that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were not bowing to the image he offered them another chance. They refused, confessing their faith and confidence in their all-powerful God. They trusted God could save them, but even if he did not rescue them, they still would not worship any god but him. They are thrown into the furnace, but instead of dying they are seen in the furnace with another person protecting them. When they came out of the furnace completely unharmed, the king had to admit defeat and recognise God’s superior power. Their courageous witness led a heathen king to honour their God.