Episode The Story of Dan | Week 2
What happens when God’s people worship other things? Find out as we continue exploring the wayward tribe of Jacob’s son Dan with archaeologist Dr. Jonathan Greer.
Chapter 6
In this Discover the Word study, the group continues a series called “The Story of Dan.” Bill Crowder, Daniel Ryan Day, and Elisa Morgan are joined by their friend—professor and archaeologist Dr. Jonathan Greer, as they explore the complicated and sometimes ugly history of the tribe of Dan, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Discover how their story is part of the bigger story the Bible is telling. In this conversation, they talk about the surprising problem with calves and what that shows us about worshipping God today.
Chapter 7
Maybe you’ve seen people build their own religion by picking out things they want to believe about God. Almost like picking out the foods that look good in the cafeteria. We don’t do that, do we? Well, in this conversation on Discover the Word, the group explores an important caution from the story of Dan. Discover the devastating effects of picking and choosing how we want to worship God.
Chapter 8
Can archeology help you better understand the Bible? Don’t miss this Discover the Word conversation as the group explores how archaeology shaped the story of Dan in northern Israel. Their guest, Dr. Jonathan Greer is not only a professor and archaeologist, but he’s also the associate director of the archaeological dig at Tel Dan. Be at the table to discover what the Danites were getting right about worshipping God—and what they got wrong.
Chapter 9
Is there a wrong way to worship God? Join the Discover the Word group as they continue exploring the story of Dan and how that tribe of Israel missed the most important part of worshipping God even though they were doing a lot of it right. Discover what they were lacking, why they couldn’t see it, and how this can help us worship God well today.
Chapter 10
What can we learn from some of the complicated Old Testament stories like the history of the tribe of Dan, one of the twelve tribes of Israel? Join the group as they conclude their series called “The Story of Dan” on Discover the Word, as they discover how this people group appears in the New Testament, and how Jesus restores all things—for them and for us!
About This Episode
- Show Notes
Receive
The Danites focus on God but they distort their worship of Him. By subordinating Him to other things, establishing their own version of religion, and lacking justice, they actually keep themselves from God. While their story reveals some important cautions for us today, we can also be encouraged by God’s promise to restore all things.
Reflect
- Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you?
- Jeroboam worshipped God with calf idols which subordinated God (see 1 Kings 12:26-30). Is there a way you may set out to worship God which could actually subordinate Him to other things?
- Jeroboam divided the religion in northern Israel from the religion in southern Israel for his own purposes (see 1 Kings 12:31-33). What caution can you take away about the danger of distorting God’s ways with personalized religion?
- The northern Israelites got some things wrong in how they worshipped God (see Amos 5:18-24). What is one way that justice can be included as you worship God?
- God’s redemption is described in both the Old Testament (from Amos 9:11-12) and the New Testament (from Acts 15:13-18). How does this give you hope in God’s restoration of all things?
Respond
(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God)
“Jesus, help me to worship You above everything else and prevent me from subordinating You to anything else. Help me to focus on Your ways and prevent me from distorting Your ways with my own ways. Help me see opportunities to include justice as I worship You. And fill me with assurance that you are restoring all things.”
Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources
Mentioned in this episode:
Listen:
Read:
Watch:
This Week's Featured Resource
The Holy Land (Seasons 1 – 4)
Discover how the lands of the Bible help to tell God’s story! In this stunning video series, Bible geographer Jack Back takes you throughout locations from Scripture to help you experience the features, culture, and customs that surround God’s Word.