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REREAD the big story
JOSHUA 11 (Previous bedtime story: THE KING OF HAZOR) Characters: YAHWEH, Joshua, The King of Hazor, the Canaanite Kings
REVIEW the context
Joshua and the Israelites were warned by God to not make friends with the Canaanites. This wasn’t because God was mean. Rather, God wanted to Caleb overtook the infamous giants of Anak – the very same giants that the Israelites feared forty years previous. He recaptured the ancient city of Hebron, and with it, the burial grounds of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. It had taken hundreds of years. The road was filled with many costly mistakes, and decades of slavery, and exile. Many Hebrews died along the way. There were triumph and failure. But God’s faithfulness to His promised endured. The Israelites had become a nation.
REENTER through the 2nd story
a REIMAGINING of Joshua 15
Caleb stood overlooking a lush green valley. The sinking sun cast a wash of golden light over the hills below. Below Caleb was a series of wide plateaus, brimming with rows of dotted purple and rich blue vines for as far as the eye could see. Not a patch of brown to be found. Life sprung up from every surface. Olive trees, flower blossoms, berries, and grapevines. A clear river flowed at the valley bottom and the freshly scented air told a story of abundant life, richness, and plenty. It was a land flowing with milk and honey. But the valley was not unoccupied. Mixed among the songs of bird-calls and crickets were the rumbles of war. Low-speaking men, clanking metal, and stomping feet. An army was assembling. Peace had been disturbed.
Caleb’s wrinkled eyes stared at his foe. ‘Below you are the giants of Anak!’ Caleb pointed. Caleb was not alone. Surrounding the aged fighter were hundreds of others. Caleb’s own sons and daughters. His people. His kin. The clan of the tribe of Judah, and its warriors. ‘Look at them!’ Caleb said. ‘So-called-giants are big enough, to be sure. But they are not too big to feel the point of my spear!’ The clan hooped and hollered. ‘Agreed! Agreed!’ they laughed.
‘Today!’ Caleb continued. ‘Today I fulfill my calling. Forty-five years ago I set out as a spy for Moses to this very spot. I stood on this very mound. I watched these same giants occupy the Lord’s land. And I have waited these years for this moment. Today – oh, sons of Judah, and daughters of the lion – we shall taste our long-awaited victory! The Lord stands beside you! Look upon the city of Hebron, the prized-jewel. It is as old as I am! It is where our forefathers and foremothers are buried. Today – it shall be our home!’
Caleb reached into his worn and weathered satchel and pulled out his ram’s horn. ‘Today I call you to fight alongside me! Today I call you to believe and know that God fights with you! Today, I blow this horn one final time – and finish what Yahweh started! The Lord is with you!’ Caleb shouted. ‘Charge! And do not be afraid!’ He breathed in and blew hard. His wrinkled cheeks stretched out round and red. The blast bellowed across the land and the tribe of Judah raised a single thunderous roar. Spear in hand, Caleb sprang from the hillside and rushed towards the enemy, his warriors followed like a pack of hungry lions.
RETHINK in sacred sharing
Spend some time in sacred reflection, conversation, and listening. Use the following questions as a guide.
Q: What are you afraid of?
Q: Is there a difference between fear and dread? Or between fear and anxiety?
Q: What is the difference between fear and faith?
Q: KIDS: How many years did Caleb wait to enter the Promised Land? Why did it take so long?
Q: Have you ever made a mistake that altered the course of your life?
Q: Caleb’s life represented a ‘full circle’ of God’s activity in the world. Where have you Jesus complete a ‘full circle’ in your life?
RECREATE in sacred play
Spend some time in sacred play and slay the giants of Anak! Set up a space (indoors or outdoors) to resemble the Hebron valley and city. Below are a list of props ideas, characters, costumes, and a general flow-of-the-story. Remember – play is spontaneous and child-led! Use the scriptures as a reference but let the children lead!
Spend some time in sacred play and slay the giants of Anak! Set up a space (indoors or outdoors) to resemble the Hebron valley and city. Below are a list of props ideas, characters, costumes, and a general flow-of-the-story. Remember – play is spontaneous and child-led! Use the scriptures as a reference but let the children lead!
COSTUMES/PROPS: Blunt-spears (*see ‘Crafty Time – episode 7); pillows as grape clusters; cardboard shields and swords; stuffies for the bones of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; ram’s horn.
CHARACTERS: Divide the group. Adults can be the giants of Anak, and the children can be Caleb and the warriors of the tribe of Judah.
SPACE: Choose a safe spot where a battle can ensue. Clear away all breakables. Set up the city of Hebron, and hide the bones of the forefathers in the city.
FLOW: The tribe of Judah waits on the hillside, overlooking the valley and the city of Hebron. The giants of Anak walk around unawares. When Caleb is ready, he/she blows the ram’s horn, and the warriors of Judah attack the giants.
COSTUMES/PROPS: Blunt-spears (*see ‘Crafty Time – episode 7); pillows as grape clusters; cardboard shields and swords; stuffies for the bones of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; ram’s horn.
CHARACTERS: Divide the group. Adults can be the giants of Anak, and the children can be Caleb and the warriors of the tribe of Judah.
SPACE: Choose a safe spot where a battle can ensue. Clear away all breakables. Set up the city of Hebron, and hide the bones of the forefathers in the city.
FLOW: The tribe of Judah waits on the hillside, overlooking the valley and the city of Hebron. The giants of Anak walk around unawares. When Caleb is ready, he/she blows the ram’s horn, and the warriors of Judah attack the giants.
REMAKE in a sacred meal
Joshua’s mighty acts of valour in battle had brought the Canaanites to their knees. Kings were defeated. Kingdoms were vanquished. The blessing of Yahweh possessed the land. In total, 31 kingdoms were conquered!
CHALLENGE: Have a feast of treats to celebrate God’s victories in your life! Bake cookies! Make a special drink! But whatever you do – be sure to add 31 special ingredients into the mix (i.e., 31 gummy bears, 31 chocolate chips/cookies, 31 sprinkles, etc.).
RESPOND in sacred prayer
At 85 years old, Caleb corrected a mistake that the Israelites made decades before. But he never denied that giants existed. He didn’t play down the risks. He knew, and likely felt, the fear of attacking such a foe. The difference in Caleb was that his faith conquered his fear. He knew that God was with him.
Find a restful spot outside. Sit and close your eyes. Name aloud any fears in you heart. Do not ignore how you may feel. Wait. Listen. Allow the Peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, to wash over in the warmth of the sun. Do not be afraid. Live by faith. God is with you.