YE3L.1 · Activity Page
1 Samuel 1:1-28
Psalm 15:4
Psalm 98:1-9
Psalm 109:13-16
Psalm 146:6-8
Ecclesiastes 5:2
Ecclesiastes 5:1-6
Titus 2:14
Hebrews 6:17-20
Revelation 19:7-11
INCONSOLABLE - not able to be comforted or to feel better
VOW - promise, your word
PURIFY - to make clean
HASTY - too quickly, without thinking through the consequences
UTTER - to speak, to say something
Jonathan and Christopher love to play outside together. But they often have trouble deciding what they are going to play first. Jonathan loves baseball. Christopher loves riding bikes, but baseball isn't very high on his list of things he likes to do. The other day the boys were outside. It was one of those very nice days in late fall - like a last chance to play before snow covered the ground. Jonathan wanted to play baseball so badly. The Cardinals had just won the World Series. He wanted to relive the whole experience in his own make-believe game. Christopher didn't. Finally, Jonathan said, "If you play baseball with me, I promise I'lI bike ride with you when the game is over." Christopher agreed. After playing for about 45 minutes, the boys headed for their bicycles - just as Mom called them inside. Christopher was inconsolable. He had played baseball! Jonathan had promised they would ride bikes! Now they couldn't because they had to go inside!
There's a story in 1 Samuel 1 of someone else who was inconsolable. Hannah wanted a baby. She had been married to Elkanah for many years, but she had never had a baby. What was worse, Elkanah was also married to Peninnah, and Peninnah had children! Every year when Elkanah would go up to Shiloh to sacrifice to God, he would give portions of the meat to his family. Because he loved Hannah, he would give her a double portion of the meat. But Peninnah would make fun of Hannah until she cried and couldn’t eat. Then Elkanah would ask Hannah why she was crying and was so upset. "Don't I mean more to you than ten sons?" he would ask.
One year when they all were at the Tabernacle, Hannah was so upset that she cried and prayed to God. She promised that if God would give her a son, she would give him to the Lord all the days of his life and, like Samson, a razor would never be used on his head. This was a vow that the baby would be in a special relationship with God all the days of his life. As Hannah prayed, her lips were moving because she was so intent on her prayer and promise to God. Eli, the priest, thought she was drunk and he told her to quit getting drunk and to get rid of her wine.
Hannah told Eli that she wasn't drunk. She told him she was deeply troubled, and was praying to God out of her anguish and grief. Then Eli told her to go in peace. He said, "May the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him." Hannah left the Tabernacle with hope. When she and her family returned home, God remembered her. Hannah became pregnant. When the baby was born, she named him Samuel, and said, "Because I asked the Lord for him." Samuel sounds like Hebrew for "heard of God."
For a few years after Samuel was born, Hannah did not go up to Shiloh to worship with the rest of the family. She told Elkanah that she would take Samuel to the Tabernacle, present him before the Lord, and leave him there - but she wanted to wean him first. Elkanah told her that was okay, but he cautioned her that she had to fulfill her vow to God.
When Hannah had weaned Samuel, she took him along with an offering to God to Shiloh. She brought a very young Samuel to Eli, and told Eli the whole story. She told him that because God had given her what she had asked, she was now giving Samuel to the Lord for his whole life. And she left him at the Tabernacle with Eli.
It would be a very difficult thing to want a baby so badly and then have to give the baby up. But Hannah had promised God that was exactly what she would do. Do you think Hannah didn't love Samuel? Hannah did love Samuel, but she had made a promise and she had to keep it, even though it cost her son.
Does God really expect us to keep our promises? Yes, He does. Ecclesiastes 5:4-6 says, "When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, ‘My vow was a mistake.' Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands?" Why would God be angry when we do not keep our promises? First of all, God always keeps His promises. Psalm 146:6 says that the LORD "remains faithful forever." In fact, because it is impossible for God the Father and Jesus Christ to lie (Hebrews 6:18), one of the names of Jesus Christ is "Faithful and True" (Revelation 19:11). And that's what God wants from His people too. Our holy and righteous and good God is preparing a place for His people to live with Him forever. The good news is that God sent His Son, "Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us, to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good" (Titus 2:14). God is working in your life to teach you how to be like Him. Keeping your promises is one way to be like God.
It is sin to make a promise and then not keep it! So, think before you speak. And think very carefully before you promise anything. "Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few."
Teaching the Lesson:
Legacy Lesson: Student book/Teacher book - Teaching Time: 25 mins.
Lesson Prep - Teacher book - Time: 20 mins.
Activity (Teacher book): 20 mins.
Song: "I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord Forever" - page 17 of Kids Classics Collection - Time: 5 mins.
Activity (Student book): God Keeps His Word - Time: 20-25 mins.
Extending the Lesson - REACH Activities:
*Back to the Bible: The Rest of the Story
*Journal Jot: Keeping Your Promises
*Word Study: words - dâbâr
*Just Toolin’ Around: Ramah
*Did you Know? Childless
*Stretch It Out: Praising God
*Music Notes: In My Heart There Rings a Melody
*Questions? - Writing Prompt - 10 mins.
Dear Father,
Help me to think carefully before I speak. Help me to be especially careful about what I promise - because I know I must keep my promises.
In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Sunday - Ecclesiastes 5:1-3
Monday - Psalm 15:4
Tuesday - Psalm 146:6-8
Wednesday - Hebrews 6:17-20
Thursday - Psalm 98:1-9
Friday - Revelation 19:7-11
Saturday - Psalm 109:13-16
1 Samuel 3:1-21
Matthew 4:18-22
Mark 1:16-20
John 15:6
Acts 13:22
Romans 1:1-6
1 Corinthians 1:2-9
2 Thessalonians 2:13-14
Hebrews 12:1-2
PERSEVERANCE - to keep going even when things get tough
SUBMIT - to do what someone else wants when it's not what you want
ATTESTED - to state without doubt to be true or genuine
Patti watched as the puppies fell all over themselves as they played. They were so cute. But she was going to have to start working with them soon. She was going to have to teach them all sorts of things. Patti filled their water bowls and food dishes. Then she called the puppies. They ignored her. But Lady, the puppies' mother, came. When the puppies saw their mother get up, they followed. Patti knew it wouldn't be long before the puppies would learn to come when she called.
Samuel was growing up at the Tabernacle, serving God under the priest, Eli's, direction. If you remember, Samuel had been given back to God by his mother, Hannah, because Hannah had asked for a baby. God had answered Hannah. So Hannah kept her promise to the Lord. In those days, there were not many messages from God directly to his prophets and priests.
Very early one morning, Samuel was sleeping in the Tabernacle as usual, when God called to him. Samuel got up, ran to Eli, and said, "Here I am." Eli told Samuel he hadn't called him. Then he told Samuel to go lay down again. A second time, God called Samuel. Again, Samuel went to Eli, saying, "Here I am. You called me." Eli told him again that he hadn't called and that Samuel should go lay down. The third time God called Samuel, he went to Eli, saying, "Here I am; you called me.” This time Eli realized that God was calling Samuel. So he told Samuel that if He called again, Samuel was to say, "Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening." So Samuel did that. The Lord came and stood there, calling, "Samuel, Samuel." Samuel answered, “Speak, for your servant is listening.." Samuel was ready to listen to God.
What about you? Are you ready to listen to God? Before you answer yes or no, think about how you answer your parents. When your mom calls you in for supper, do you Come A-Runnin’? When your dad says, "Wash up. It's bedtime," do you obey immediately? Most children don’t. Many children are so busy doing whatever they are doing, they wait until they are ready to obey. What about at school? When the recess bell rings to go outside, you run, right? But what about when it rings to tell you recess is over? Do you run to get back to your classroom? Or do you walk as slowly as you can?
Think about what Samuel did. It was very early in the morning when God called him. He must have been sound asleep. But what did he do? He ran to Eli to see what he wanted. And he didn't go just once, he went three times!
If you are in the habit of obeying your parents and your teachers immediately, then there's a good chance you're ready to listen to God and to obey Him too. If you can't obey your parents and teachers, the people you can see, then there's not much chance you're going to obey God, who you can't see.
Okay. So what's the big deal about obeying immediately? It shows that you are completely willing to do what you are told. It is called submitting your will. If you practice submitting your will to your parents, then you will have a much easier time submitting your will to God. And God wants each one of His people to learn to submit to His will. He wants us to want to do things His way.
It is not easy to learn to submit your will to God's will. But it will be easier for you to learn to submit to God if you can submit to your parents now. Practice every day. When your parents ask you to take out the trash, do it. When your parents ask you to dry the dishes, do it. And, when you obey, do it without complaining!
Pretty soon, you'll find that you are obeying them before they even have to ask. You're ready to dry dishes after supper, before your Mom asks. And you surprise her by helping to clear the table too. You take out the trash before your Dad asks you to. You make your bed before you come to breakfast. Can you imagine the surprise and joy on your parents' faces? It is fun to please your parents.
It's a lot of fun to please your Heavenly Parent too. God is well pleased when we obey His commandments immediately. When we are willing to do as He says, He can use us in so many ways! Look at Samuel. Even though Eli was getting old and his sons were very wicked, Samuel continued to listen to God and follow God's ways. 1 Samuel 3:19-21 says “The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba recognized that Samuel was attested as a prophet of the LORD. The LORD continued to appear at Shiloh, and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word."
In fact, Samuel was one of the greatest judges Israel ever had. Because he had the willingness to Come A-Runnin' when God called, he became a great leader for Israel.
What about you? Do you have willingness to Come A-Runnin' when your parents call? When God calls? If you do, you too could be a great leader in service to God.
Teaching the Lesson:
Legacy Lesson: Student book/Teacher book - Teaching Time: 25 mins.
Lesson Prep - Teacher book - Time: 30 mins.
Activity (Teacher book): Discussion - 20 mins.
Song: "Jesus Wants Me For a Sunbeam" - page 21 of Kids Classics Collection - Time: 5 mins.
Activity (Student book): God Calls - 20-25 mins.
Extending the Lesson - REACH Activities:
*Back to the Bible: Come
*Journal Jot: Test of Relationship
*Word Study: race - agōn
*Just Toolin’ Around: Come
*Did you Know? Timing
*Stretch It Out: Scorecard
*Music Notes: Here I Am, Lord
*Questions? - Writing Prompt - 10 mins.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Help me learn to obey my parents immediately and cheerfully. I want to learn to serve You too.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
Sunday - Romans 1:1-6
Monday - John 15:6
Tuesday - Matthew 4:18-22
Wednesday - Mark 1:16-20
Thursday - 1 Corinthians 1:2-9
Friday - 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14
Saturday - Acts 13:22
Joshua 24:15
1 Samuel 8:1-22
1 Samuel 9:1-27
1 Samuel 10:1-27
Job 34:4
Psalm 7:15-16
BRIBES - money given to affect an action or decision
PERVERTED JUSTICE - to not give a truthful, good, or right decision
CONSEQUENCES - what comes after any behavior or decision, the result
CALAMITIES - bad things that happen, disasters
Kyle and Kristen burst into the house after school, eager to tell their mom about Steve's room. Steve was the twins' best friend and next door neighbor. He had just had a birthday and, for his birthday, his parents bought a new computer and a TV - just for him! Kristen thought the computer was the coolest thing. Imagine being able to do your homework on the computer in your room, whenever you wanted to--and not having to share it with anyone. Kyle was equally impressed with the TV. He could imagine going to his room and watching all the baseball he wanted--not having to change the channel when someone else had a show on. The twins thought perhaps they could convince their parents to buy them a TV or a computer for their very own too.
Mrs. Cooper, the twins' mom, listened to their excited description while she sliced a couple of apples and poured two glasses of milk. Then she told the children to sit down and eat their snacks while she talked with them about Steve’s new things. "Although it might seem really nice to have a TV in your room that you could watch whenever you wanted to," Mrs. Cooper said, “it would be really easy to turn it on before you finished your homework, just to see what was on. It would be really easy to turn it on when you were getting ready for bed, and end up watching a movie that would, at best, keep you from getting to sleep or, at worst, give you nightmares.”
"But we wouldn't do that," the twins protested.
"It could work the same way with the computer," Mrs. Cooper continued. "It's so easy to start doing research online, and then find out that you've wasted your whole hour looking for something - without even finding it. Computers can be great time savers, but they can also be great time wasters. Just because someone else has something that looks good, it doesn't mean it really is. You have to consider carefully if that’s what is going to be good for you. It could end up being something bad. Let me tell you a story about the Israelites in the days when Samuel was judge." Then Mrs. Cooper told them about how Saul became king of Israel.
Samuel was getting old. And his sons were not like him. They took bribes and they perverted justice. So the elders of Israel came to Samuel and told him to appoint a king over Israel to lead them, just as the nations around them had. Samuel didn't like this, so he prayed to the Lord.
God told him that the people were rejecting God, not Samuel, just as they had done ever since He'd brought them out of Egypt. God told Samuel to listen to the people. But He also told Samuel to warn the people what the king would do. Samuel told the people that the king would take their sons and daughters to be his servants, cooks, bakers, commanders in the army, farmers, and whatever else he needed. The king would take the best livestock and produce for himself. And eventually, the people themselves would become slaves of the king.
But the people didn't listen to Samuel. They still wanted a king like the nations around them, one who would go out to fight their battles. So God told Samuel to do as the people said.
So Samuel summoned all of the people and told them, "But you have now rejected your God, who saves you out of all your calamities and distresses. And you have said, 'No, set a king over us,' So now present yourselves before the LORD by your tribes and clans."
God chose Saul to be Israel's first king. He was a tall, very impressive young man. Then Samuel presented him before the people and said, "Do you see the man the LORD has chosen? There is no one like him among all the people." And the people shouted, "Long live the king!"
Even though wanting a king like the nations around them was wrong, God let the people have a king. In fact, he gave them a humble, impressive young man to lead them. It looked very promising for the people of Israel. They would have a good king to save them from their enemies. But God had warned them through Samuel that something which looks good can really be very bad. Choosing a man as your leader instead of God is a bad decision. Wanting to be like the pagan nations around you, instead of being special because you belong to God, is a bad choice.
We all want to fit in and to belong. That's normal. But choose carefully who you want to belong to. Choose carefully your king. What is most important to you? Having a possession that makes you cool with your friends? Doing something that makes your friends happy? Or choosing God first? If you make God the King of your life, then the things you have and the things you do will honor Him. Your friends, if they are true friends, will respect you because you stand up for what is right. Choose carefully who you will serve. Choose to serve the King of kings.
Teaching the Lesson:
Legacy Lesson: Student book/Teacher book - Teaching Time: 25 mins.
Lesson Prep - Teacher book - Time: 1 hour
Activity (Teacher book): Appearances Can Be Deceiving - Time: 20 mins.
Song: "My God is So Big" - page 14 of Kids Classics Collection -Time: 5 mins.
Activity (Student book): God’s Way vs. the World’s Way - Time: 10-15 mins.
Extending the Lesson - REACH Activities:
*Back to the Bible: Saul - Israel’s First King
*Journal Jot: So Much Fun
*Word Study: choose - bâkar
*Just Toolin’ Around: Three Reasons
*Did you Know? Theocracy
*Stretch It Out: Pros and Cons
*Music Notes: I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord
*Questions? - Writing Prompt - 10 mins.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Help me learn to put You first in everything.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
Sunday - 1 Samuel 8:4-9
Monday - 1 Samuel 8:10-18
Tuesday - 1 Samuel 9:2
Wednesday - 1 Samuel 10:24
Thursday - Joshua 24:15
Friday - Job 34:4
Saturday - Psalm 7:15-16
1 Samuel 13:1-23
1 Samuel 14:1-52
2 Samuel 22:29
1 Chronicles 28:9
Psalm 5:8
Psalm 23:1-3
Psalm 27:11
Proverbs 3:5-6
Isaiah 55:8-9
CISTERN - a large, underground container for water
CURSE - to call upon supernatural power to harm someone
TAKEN BY LOT - to be chosen, sometimes by drawing straws
ACKNOWLEDGE - to recognize the rights, authority, position, and power of something
Sarah and Michael were making birthday cards for their friend, Jared. Their mom told them to wait for just a minute before they started. She wanted to go get some other materials to use in decorating. When she got back, Michael was sitting, waiting for her. But Sarah had already written "Happy Birthday" across the top of the card. When her mom walked in, Sarah said, "I wanted to surprise you. See what I did?"
Her mom said, "But I asked you to wait. Now you'll have to start all over again because you've made a big mistake."
Sarah grumbled, "But you were taking so long. And I know how to spell 'Happy Birthday’."
Sarah's mom said, "It's not Happy Birthday' that is wrong." Then her mom showed her how she had written on the back of the card so that it would open the wrong way.
Saul also made several mistakes when he was king. Those mistakes were big enough that God took the kingdom away from him. What could be so bad?
Saul and the Israelite army were fighting the Philistines. When the Philistines gathered a large army to fight against them, the Israelites hid themselves in thickets, caves, rocks, pits, and cisterns. Now, Samuel had told Saul to wait for seven days until Samuel could come and make the burnt offering and fellowship offerings to God. Saul did wait seven days.That was so hard on his army. As each day passed, they became more and more afraid of what the Philistines would do to them. So Saul decided to offer the offerings himself — in order to gain God's favor against the Philistines. He felt as if he had to make the offering. He couldn't wait for Samuel any longer.
Just as Saul finished making the offerings, Samuel arrived. When he asked Saul what he had done, Saul gave him all the reasons. Samuel told Saul that he had acted foolishly. "You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time" (1 Samuel 13:13). Because Saul had not done what God told him to do, he was going to lose the kingdom.
This isn't about making one mistake. It's about his attitude towards God and his unwillingness to change and let God lead. And this is just one of many mistakes that Saul made. The next chapter tells about Jonathan attacking the Philistines with his armor-bearer. Because Jonathan trusted God, by himself he killed 20 Philistines in one battle. Then God sent a panic. When Saul saw the Philistines' panic, he first wanted to ask God, to see if God wanted him to pursue the Philistines. But before the priest could ask God and get an answer, Saul saw the Philistines were in such confusion that he wanted to take advantage of it. He decided he couldn't take the time to ask God what His will was before he attacked.
Before the battle, Saul ordered the army not to eat anything until evening. Saul cursed anyone who ate before he had gotten the victory against the Philistines. The whole army was suffering. It's hard enough to fast all day without fighting your enemies while you are fasting! But the men wouldn't eat because of the curse Saul had put on them. Jonathan, however, had not heard his father’s curse. When he saw some honey in the woods, he ate it. Then the men told Jonathan what his father had said.
That evening, the men were slaughtering animals to eat without first draining out the blood first. God said you must not eat the blood. So Saul built an altar to God, telling the men to bring the animals to him to slaughter so they wouldn't eat the blood and sin against God. It was the first time Saul had built an altar to God.
As the men were eating, Saul decided to continue the attack against the Philistines that night. The men told him to do what he thought was best, but the priest wanted him to first ask God. When Saul asked God, God would not answer him. Saul knew that someone had sinned. They drew lots. The men were cleared, but Jonathan was taken by lot. So Saul wanted to know what Jonathan had done. Jonathan told him about the honey. So Saul said that Jonathan must die. But the men pointed out that it was Jonathan who had gotten the victory that day against the Philistines with God's help. So they rescued Jonathan from being put to death.
Over and over, Saul made the decisions. He did what he thought was right. But God says, ". . . my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways... As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9). Saul, however, wasn't devoted to seeking God's will and putting God and His ways first. Saul thought he knew better.
It's a hard lesson to learn. We are so independent. We want to do things our way. Sometimes God gives us the ability to do something well — and the intelligence to think well. So we go merrily along, doing what seems best to us because God has blessed us with so many abilities. In reality, God still wants us to seek Him. He wants us to go to Him in prayer and ask for His guidance. He wants us to wait on Him and do His will. We can be so used to working things out on our own that we don't even stop to think we should have asked God. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." So, remember, whatever you are doing, ask for God's help.
Teaching the Lesson:
Legacy Lesson: Student book/Teacher book - Teaching Time: 25 mins.
Lesson Prep - Teacher book - Time: 1 hour
Activity (Teacher book): Following Directions Exactly - Time: 20-30 mins.
Song: "Thy Word HaveI Hid in My Heart" -page 75 of Kids Classics Collection - Time: 5 mins.
Activity (Student book): God Will Guide You - Time: 20 mins.
Extending the Lesson - REACH Activities:
*Back to the Bible: Obedience
*Journal Jot: Do You Wait?
*Word Study: seek - darash
*Just Toolin’ Around: Properly Preparing
*Did you Know? Gibeah
*Stretch It Out: Bumper Sticker
*Music Notes: Because I Knew Not When
*Questions? - Writing Prompt - 10 mins.
Dear Father,
Teach me to ask for Your guidance and help in everything I do.
In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.
Sunday - Proverbs 3:5-6
Monday - Isaiah 55:8-9
Tuesday - 1 Chronicles 28:9
Wednesday - 2 Samuel 22:29
Thursday - Psalm 5:8
Friday - Psalm 23:1-3
Saturday - Psalm 27:11
1 Samuel 16:1-13
Matthew 20:16
Matthew 22:14
John 15:16
1 Corinthians 7:14
Ephesians 1:4
1 Peter 2:9
1 Peter 2:9-12
REMARKABLE - unusual or out of the ordinary
ATTRACTIVE - good-looking, nice to look at
ANOINT- to pour oil on someone's head in a ceremony showing their new position
BEAR THE RESPONSIBILITY - do a job when given to you; accountable
IMPRESSION - what someone thinks of someone or something
“I need someone," Mrs. Davis announced, “to run an errand for me."
Suddenly, the classroom, which had been full of quietly working students, was now exploding with electrified, wriggling fourth graders. Most of them were waving their hands frantically in the air, their faces begging, "Pick me, pick me!"
Mrs. Davis looked around the room. She made her choice. "Marcus, will you go?" Marcus had been sitting very quietly, not wriggling and not making a sound, but his eyes showed how much he wanted to be chosen. At her decision, his face radiated happiness.
In this lesson, we're going to learn about God's new choice for king. Who would He choose and why? Last time, we learned about Saul and how he did not obey God. God told him He would find a new king to replace Saul because he disobeyed. In 1 Samuel 16, God tells Samuel to go to Bethlehem. Samuel was to anoint one of Jesse's sons as the new king of Israel.
Samuel was a little reluctant to go. Saul was still king and had the power to kill Samuel if he thought Samuel was anointing a new king to take his place. So God told Samuel to take a heifer and sacrifice the heifer to Him at Bethlehem. The people of Bethlehem were nervous when they saw Samuel coming. Samuel had God's power and they wanted to make sure they weren't in trouble. They asked him if he came in peace. They must have been a little surprised when he told them to consecrate themselves and come to the sacrifice. Then Samuel consecrated Jesse and his sons, and invited them to the sacrifice too.
Samuel knew that God had chosen one of Jesse's sons to be king. He just didn't know which one it would be. When Jesse's firstborn son, Eliab, arrived, Samuel was certain he was the one. He was handsome and strong and must have carried himself with the pride which comes from knowing that you are the oldest. But God told Samuel. “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him." What? This fine young man was not the one God had chosen? Why not? God told Samuel his reason: "The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
So Samuel turned to the second oldest son, Abinadab. But God had not chosen him either. One by one, Jesse brought seven of his sons before Samuel, but Samuel said, "The LORD has not chosen these." Then he asked Jesse if these were all of his sons. When Jesse said the youngest was out in the fields watching the sheep, Samuel did something that must have seemed remarkable to everyone there. He said, "Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives." The entire sacrifice was on hold until someone brought David to Samuel.
David was also attractive. "He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features." But remember, God looks at the heart. So Samuel waited until God said, "Rise and anoint him; he is the one." Verse 13 says that "from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power." Imagine the scene. Samuel is anointing David as the king of Israel with all of his older brothers and his father watching. They would be witnesses that this really did happen--that God had chosen David. And, just in case anyone thought Samuel might have made a mistake, God showed that He had chosen David by obviously giving him His Spirit. It was plain to everyone there that Samuel had anointed David because God wanted David to be king.
What about you? Do you know that you are royalty? Look at your memory verse again. First, it says you are chosen by God. Then it says you are royalty. You are either a prince or princess right now. Really! If you have at least one parent who is baptized and loves God, you are holy. Because your parent or parents have that special relationship with God, He considers you special — you are also one of His children. If you're one of His children, then you are a prince or princess because He is the King of the Universe. That's where you are right now. But there will come a time, and you're approaching it rapidly, when God expects you to make your own choice. Will you choose to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior? It is a serious choice. If you do choose God, you have to be willing to follow Him with all of your heart. And remember: God knows what is in your heart. You might be able to fool people around you, but God knows if you are really sold out for Him.
In the meantime, you bear the responsibility of acting like a child of God. You should leave everyone you meet with an impression of your Heavenly Father. You want to bring glory and honor to Him. So carefully think what you do and what you say. Know Who You Are.
Teaching the Lesson:
Legacy Lesson: Student book/Teacher book - Teaching Time: 25 mins.
Lesson Prep - Teacher book - Time: 30 mins.
Activity (Teacher book): What Would Jesus Have Me Do Door Hanger - Time: 30-45 mins.
Song: "O Be Careful Little Eyes" - page 39 of Kids Classics Collection - Time: 5 mins.
Activity (Student book): Chosen: An Acrostic Poem - Time: 20-30 mins.
Extending the Lesson - REACH Activities:
*Back to the Bible: Waiting on God
*Journal Jot: Chosen by God
*Word Study: people - laos
*Just Toolin’ Around: Chosen
*Did you Know? Chosen by God
*Stretch It Out: Act It Out
*Music Notes: Have Thine Own Way, Lord!
*Questions? - Writing Prompt - 10 mins.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for giving me the opportunity to be Your child. Help me to
bring glory and honor to You in everything I do.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
Sunday - 1 Peter 2:9-12
Monday - 1 Corinthians 7:14
Tuesday - 1 Samuel 16:1-13
Wednesday - Matthew 20:16
Thursday - Matthew 22: 14
Friday - Ephesians 1:4
Saturday - John 15:16
Genesis 12:1-9
1 Samuel 17:1-58
Daniel 6:10
Acts 4:19
Acts 5:29
Acts 20:22-24
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
1 Timothy 6:12
2 Timothy 1:7
WELSH - people from Wales, a country in Great Britain
FICTION - not true, make-believe
CONCEITED - thinking of yourself more highly than you should
UNCIRCUMCISED - not in a covenant relationship with God
PHILISTINE - a person from the nation of Philistia, which persecuted ancient Israel
COURAGEOUS - having the determination to do something even when you're afraid
Mikaila loved to read stories set in medieval times. She loved the descriptions of castles with the keep, the portcullis, and the drawbridge. She even liked the jousts and wars between neighboring lords. Right now, she was reading The Door in the Wall by Marguerite de Angeli. As the story goes, Robin was the hero. He had actually survived the Plague, which killed so many people during the Middle Ages in England. But it had left him crippled. Robin wondered why he was still alive since he could hardly walk. Yet God had a plan for his life. Robin was going to save the life of his mother and father when the Welsh attacked their castle.
Although The Door in the Wall is fiction, God does sometimes use a person who is smaller and weaker than those around him. Remember Gideon? God didn't let him go out to fight until he had just a very few men (Judges 7:7). When Samuel first anointed Saul as king, Saul told Samuel that he was the least of his family. Saul wondered why God would choose someone as unimportant as him to be king (1 Samuel 9:21). But probably the most famous example of God using a smaller and weaker person to gain the victory is the story of David and Goliath.
The Israelites were fighting the Philistines, as they had been on and off since the time of Samson. At the time this story takes place, Saul and the Israelite army were camped on top of one hill. The Philistines were on top of another hill. There was a valley in between them. Now the Philistines had a champion named Goliath who was over nine feet tall. His armor weighed about 125 pounds. The end of his spear weighed 15 pounds. He was a huge, strong man. Every morning, Goliath would come out from his camp and challenge the Israelites to send him a man to fight. The deal Goliath made was this: one man from each army would fight. If the Israelite man won, the Philistines would become the slaves of the Israelites. If Goliath won, the Israelites would become the slaves of the Philistines. When Goliath shouted his challenge, the entire army of Israel was terrified. For 40 days, Goliath made his challenge.
David's three older brothers were in the army. So one day, Jesse sent David with bread and grain for his brothers, and cheese for the commander. Jesse wanted to know how things were going. When David arrived, he heard Goliath’s challenge. Then David asked, "What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?" (1 Samuel 17:26 NIV).
Right away, David displayed the confidence that Goliath would be beaten — he couldn’t possibly survive after challenging God's people! That confidence was amazing! The entire army of men must have been ashamed and angry all at the same time. If they knew and loved God, then their fear of Goliath was shameful. And when someone feels ashamed, often they become angry at the person who is showing their faults. Even David’s oldest brother, Eliab, scolded David, telling him he was conceited and had a wicked heart (1 Samuel 17:28). But David continued talking to the men about Goliath and eventually Saul heard about it. So Saul sent for David.
When David came before Saul, David simply told him, "Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him" (1 Samuel 17:32). Predictably, Saul told David that was a crazy idea — David was only a boy and was not experienced in fighting men. But David disagreed. He told Saul about taking care of his father's sheep. "Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine" (1 Samuel 17:36-37). Saul tried to get David to wear his armor, but David only took his sling and five smooth stones from the stream.
When Goliath saw him coming, he was insulted. He asked, "Am I a dog that you come at me with sticks?" He was ready to kill David. David told Goliath, "You come at me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head... and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD's and he will give all of you into our hands" (1 Samuel 17:45-47).
Then as Goliath moved forward to attack, David put one stone in his sling, slung it, and hit Goliath in the forehead. Goliath fell down dead. And David did cut off his head, with Goliath's own sword.
David had confidence because he knew he was right. You can have confidence when you live your life as the Bible tells you to. You probably won't save your castle from attacking armies. You probably won't behead a giant with his own sword. But you can advance God's kingdom by living a courageous life as a child of God. Living your life God's way is a powerful light. It defeats God's enemies and it brings glory to God. "Fight the good fight of the faith" (1 Timothy 6:12). Onward, Christian Soldier!
Teaching the Lesson:
Legacy Lesson: Student book/Teacher book - Teaching Time: 25 mins.
Lesson Prep - Teacher book - Time: 40 mins.
Activity (Teacher book): God is My Shield - Time: 45 mins.
Song: "Onward, Christian Soldiers" - page 26 of Kids Classics Collection - Time: 5 mins.
Activity (Student book): The Battle Belongs to the Lord - Time: 20 mins.
Extending the Lesson - REACH Activities:
*Back to the Bible: Consequences, Positive and Negative
*Journal Jot: Facing the Giants
*Word Study: love - agapē
*Just Toolin’ Around: Philistia
*Did you Know? Sticks and Stones
*Stretch It Out: Sword and Shield
*Music Notes: Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus
*Questions? - Writing Prompt - 10 mins.
Dear Father,
Help me to stand up for what I know to be right, according to the Bible. Help me to have courage to live as Your child, bringing glory and honor to You.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
Sunday - 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
Monday - 2 Timothy 1:7
Tuesday - Acts 4:19
Wednesday - Acts 5:29
Thursday - Acts 20:22-24
Friday - Genesis 12:1-9
Saturday - Daniel 6:10
1 Samuel 18-19
Psalm 20:7
Psalm 46:1-3
Psalm 46:10
Psalm 121:7-8
Matthew 5:11-12
Luke 12:3-5
1 Corinthians 10:13
Philippians 4:6-7
PERSECUTION - when someone is attacked because they are different
JEALOUS - (in this lesson) hostile towards a rival
SECURE - to feel or to be safe
TOLERANT - open-minded; charitable, lenient, merciful
People have many different beliefs. Not everyone believes in God. Muslims and Hindus worship an entirely different god. Some people believe in God, yet don't believe as we do. They celebrate Christmas and Easter and worship on Sunday. Some people are intolerant and can be really mean about other peoples' religions. People have even killed others for not worshiping their god. This is called persecution. And it's not fun. You want people to be tolerant of you and your beliefs.
David was persecuted after he killed Goliath. People should have been relieved that Goliath had been killed. David had done a great thing for Israel. And most people were very grateful. But King Saul was jealous and ungrateful. When Saul and David came back into town, people were singing, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands." Saul didn't like that. He worried that David would try to be king. We’re not told exactly why Saul didn't let David go back to Jesse, but Saul definitely wanted to keep an eye on David.
David did everything well. Saul gave him a high rank in the army. The people liked that. But Saul only grew more jealous of David. He became out of control and angry. When David was playing the harp, Saul threw a spear at him, trying to pin him to the wall. Twice David managed to get out of the way! Saul was jealous and afraid because he knew that God was with David. So Saul decided he'd try to get rid of David another way. Saul put David in charge of 1000 men and sent him out to fight the Philistines thinking he'd be killed in battle. But God was with David and David had great success! This only made the people love David more. It also made Saul more determined to get rid of David. Saul sent David to fight the Philistines as much as possible. He thought David would be killed in battle.
Saul's daughter, Michal, loved David. Saul found out and was very happy about it. He wanted David to kill 100 Philistines. Then David could marry Michal. Saul was sure David would be killed in battle, trying to kill 100 Philistines for the king. But David went out and killed 200 Philistines. Then Michal married David.
Saul became even more jealous and afraid of David. God helped David in everything he did. The Israelites thought David was a hero. So Saul told Jonathan, his son, and all the attendants to kill David. But David was like a brother to Jonathan. So Jonathan warned him to hide while he talked to King Saul, his father.
Jonathan told his father that David had not wronged him. Instead what David had done was very good for both Saul and Israel. He said. "The LORD won a great victory for all Israel, and you saw it and were glad. Why then would you do wrong to an innocent man like David by killing him for no reason?" Saul listened. Then he vowed, "As surely as the LORD lives, David will not be put to death." But Saul wasn't very good at keeping his word.
David fought the Philistines. Again, God gave him success. This was too much for Saul. One day when David was siting playing the harp, Saul lost control. The Bible says an evil or injurious spirit came upon Saul. Again, he tried to kill David by pinning him to the wall with his spear. But David escaped. This time Saul sent men to David's house to kill him. But Michal warned David and helped him escape through a window.
David went to Ramah where he found Samuel and told him everything Saul had done. Saul found out where David had gone. Three times Saul sent men to capture David, but each time they began prophesying instead. Finally, Saul decided to go himself. But when he got to Ramah, the Spirit of God came even upon Saul, and he walked along prophesying. He took off his royal robes and lay all day and night prophesying. Once again, God protected David and did not let Saul kill him.
It would be a very scary thing to know that the king, the most powerful man in the whole country, wanted you dead. But David knew that God was with him and had protected him many times. Persecution is never fun, and God doesn't promise to always protect us from people who would harm us. Hebrews 11 is full of examples of people who were persecuted because they loved God. How could they endure the trouble? They knew that God was watching and working things out according to His will. Jesus tells us, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11-12 NIV).
Persecution is never easy. When persecution comes, pray that God will give you strength. Tell Him exactly what is happening. You know God is in control. He will work out things for good in your life. When you have taken it all to God, you just need to trust Him. God says, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46: 10a). Knowing He is God and being still, you can also know that you are secure.
Teaching the Lesson:
Legacy Lesson: Student book/Teacher book - Teaching Time: 25 mins.
Lesson Prep - Teacher book - Time: 45 mins.
Activity (Teacher book): Where Do You Find Shelter? - Time: 45 mins.
Song: "Little David" - page 3 of Kids Classics Collection - Time: 5 mins.
Activity (Student book): Scripture Matching - 20 mins.
Extending the Lesson - REACH Activities:
*Back to the Bible: Persecution
*Journal Jot: Trouble, Persecution, Suffering
*Word Study: Refuge - machaseh
*Just Toolin’ Around: Comfort Scriptures
*Did you Know? Saul Prophesied
*Stretch It Out: Music
*Music Notes: Moment by Moment
*Questions? - Writing Prompt - 10 mins.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Help me know that in You I am secure. I don't have to fear what anyone can do to me.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
Sunday - Psalm 46:1-3
Monday - Matthew 5:11-12
Tuesday - Luke 12:3-5
Wednesday - 1 Corinthians 10:13
Thursday - Psalm 121:7-8
Friday - Philippians 4:6-7
Saturday - Psalm 20:7
1 Samuel 18:1-5
1 Samuel 20:1-42
Psalm 37:4-16
Proverbs 5:13-15
Proverbs 14:12-14
Proverbs 17:22-28
Philippians 4:12-13
James 4:1-3
CARNAL NATURE - the normal human character apart from God
COVENANT - a binding agreement
ACKNOWLEDGE - to admit the importance of, to express recognition
SCHEME - to plan, sometimes secretly, to accomplish some goal
"Hey! Give that back!”
"It's mine!”
"I had it first!"
“Mom!!"
Does this sound familiar? Too often, when two children get together, they quarrel over toys. But it doesn't just happen with kids. Adults also quarrel over what they want. It just may not be as obvious to everyone that an adult is upset because of something someone else has. Unfortunately, our carnal nature is like that. We think of ourselves and what we want first. If someone is taking what we think belongs to us, we don't like it very much.
But Jonathan didn't act that way. Jonathan was the son of King Saul. When Saul died, Jonathan would be king and rule Israel. At least, he would have - if Saul had obeyed God. Because Saul had not followed God, God took the kingdom away from Saul. Remember, Samuel anointed David to be king over Israel. Many princes might have secretly thought, "If I could just get rid of David, then I would be king when my father dies." But not Jonathan. Why not?
Jonathan loved David as he loved himself (1 Samuel 18:1). How did Jonathan show this love? First, Jonathan made a covenant with David. He gave him his robe, his tunic, his sword, his bow and his belt. Then when Saul wanted to kill David, Jonathan stood up for David and talked Saul out of it. Later, when Jonathan was convinced that David's life was really in danger, Jonathan told David. Then Jonathan and David renewed their covenant. Jonathan said to David, "Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, 'The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.’"
It would have been so easy for Jonathan to help Saul kill David. If he'd lied to David about what his father intended to do, he could have led David into a trap. With David dead, Jonathan could have been king. Instead, Jonathan gave his clothes and his weapons to David. This showed hisloyalty to David. And whether Jonathan knew it or not, it was like an acknowledgment that David would be king instead of Jonathan. Jonathan didn't fight and quarrel and scheme to get the kingdom. Rather than his carnal nature having control, Jonathan's love for God and for David had control in his life.
It's a good lesson for us. There are many things in this world that we think we need. But we don't, really. Those things aren't even needs. They are just things we want. When we want something that someone else has, it is called coveting. And it's wrong. When we want a position someone else has, it is still coveting. And it's still wrong. If we think we deserve something someone else has, it can lead to fighting and quarrels. It can ruin whatever relationship you have with that other person. And it's wrong.
God will give you what He wants you to have. You don't have to fight and quarrel and scheme. God has promised to give you what you need. He will take care of you. It's not your job to decide what God should give you. It's your job to trust Him — to trust that He cares for you and will give you what you need. When you are doing your job well, that means really trusting God to take care of you, then you can be satisfied and content with what you have. Being content is much better than fighting.
Imagine this: "Hey! Give it back!"
"O.K. I'm sorry. I didn’t realize you were playing with it."
"That's okay. Would you like to play together in my new treehouse?"
"Sure! That would be wonderful."
Teaching the Lesson:
Legacy Lesson: Student book/Teacher book - Teaching Time: 25 mins.
Lesson Prep - Teacher book - Time: 1 hour
Activity (Teacher book): Contentment Cards - Time: 30 mins.
Song: "I've Got Peace Like a River” - page 63 of Kids Classics Collection - Time: 5 mins.
Activity (Student book): Things God Has Given Me - Time: 15 mins.
Extending the Lesson - REACH Activities:
*Back to the Bible: Treasure
*Journal Jot: God’s Perspective
*Word Study: With Wrong Motives - kakōs
*Just Toolin’ Around: God First
*Did you Know? Jonathan’s Friendship
*Stretch It Out: Visualize It
*Music Notes: Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
*Questions? - Writing Prompt - 10 mins.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Help me be content with what You give me.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
Sunday - Philippians 4:12-13
Monday - James 4:1-3
Tuesday - Psalm 37:7-16
Wednesday - Proverbs 5:13-15
Thursday - Proverbs 14:12-14
Friday - Psalm 37:4-7
Saturday - Proverbs 17:22-28
1 Samuel 26:9
2 Samuel 2:1-32
2 Samuel 5:1-25
Psalm 37:3-7
Psalm 104:27-28
Matthew 6:33-34
John 14:1-4
John 16:33
Hebrews 11:13
1 Peter 3:14-15
PERISH - to die, to be destroyed
EVENTUALLY - at some point in the future
ESTABLISH - to set up
Have you ever waited eagerly for something you knew was coming? The Feast of Tabernacles? Thanksgiving? A visit from grandparents? A trip to your favorite park? A birthday present?
How patiently did you wait? Did you ask every five minutes when your grandparents would arrive? Did you search the whole house for your birthday present?
God promised David that he would be king over Israel. In fact, Samuel anointed David as king while David's father and brothers watched (1 Samuel 16). But God didn't make David the king right then. He had to wait. In fact, David didn't become king over Judah until 2 Samuel 2. And he didn't become king over all of Israel until 2 Samuel 5. We're talking about years! That is a long time to wait for God to give what He had promised!
But David didn't try to hurry things up. Twice David had the chance to kill King Saul and get the kingdom. But he didn’t, not even when the men with him wanted him to. Once when David and Abishai were standing near Saul while he was sleeping, Abishai wanted to kill King Saul for David. But David said, "Don't destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the LORD's anointed and be guiltless? As surely as the LORD lives the LORD himself will strike him; either his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. But the LORD forbid that I should lay a hand on the LORD's anointed" (1 Samuel 26:9-11).
When Saul killed himself and Jonathan was killed in battle, David mourned for both of them. He didn't secretly think, "Now! I’ll finally be king.” He was very sad. He even wrote a song that he ordered to be sung in Judah. He didn't immediately go and proclaim himself king over all of Israel either. David waited. Then he asked God where he should go. When God told David to go to Hebron, David still didn't declare himself king. It was the men of Judah who came to Hebron and anointed him king over the house of Judah.
Then Abner, a nephew of Saul and commander of Saul's army, decided to try to keep the kingdom for Saul's family. Abner took Ish-Bosheth, a son of Saul, and made him king over Israel. Then Abner took the fighting men to attack David. It was a disaster. Abner lost 360 men. David lost 20. But that didn't stop Abner. He continued to fight against David. But David grew stronger and Abner grew weaker.
Eventually Abner and Ish-Bosheth were both killed, although David didn't do it. But once these two men were dead, all of Israel came to David. They reminded David that he was an Israelite and that it was David who had led Israel's army when Saul was king. They also told David that it was God's will for him to become king over Israel. This was seven and a half years after David had become king over Judah. David then ruled both Judah and Israel for another 33 years.
Your memory verse says, "Trust in the LORD and do good." David knew long before he was finally made king that it was God's will for him to be king. But it would have been very wrong for David to try to help God fulfill His promise. Just because David would one day be king, he did not have the right to kill Saul and all of Saul's sons so that he could be king right away. David just waited.
God has also made promises to you. He has promised that all things will work out for your good if you love Him (Romans 8:28). But that doesn't mean that all things will be good all the time. They will eventually work out for your good. You have to trust God and wait for His promise. Jesus promised that He was going to prepare a place for us so that we would always live with God (John 14:1-4). Do we see that place? No. But we must trust God and live our lives believing that Jesus is preparing that place, God's Kingdom, for us. We don't always act as though we belong to God and that we have a place in God's Kingdom. Sometimes we live as if we belong to this world and its ways.
Your memory verse continues: "dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." We need to delight ourselves in the LORD--to want Him, to want to live in a way that pleases Him, to look forward to the time when He will be King.
David waited a long time for God to establish his kingdom over all of Israel. We may also have to wait a long time before Jesus returns and establishes His Kingdom on this earth. Or Jesus could return very soon. However long it takes, we should follow David's example of trusting God and doing good. "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him.”
Teaching the Lesson:
Legacy Lesson: Student book/Teacher book - Teaching Time: 25 mins.
Lesson Prep - Teacher book - Time: 45 mins.
Activity (Teacher book): Story Scramble - Time: 15 mins.
Song: “Do Lord" - page 72 of Kids Classics Collection - Time: 5 mins.
Activity (Student book): Scripture Scramble! - Time: 20 mins.
Extending the Lesson - REACH Activities:
*Back to the Bible: Waiting For the King
*Journal Jot: Wait
*Word Study: patiently - chûwl
*Just Toolin’ Around: Wait
*Did you Know? David’s Family
*Stretch It Out: Crowned King
*Music Notes: Christ is Coming
*Questions? - Writing Prompt - 10 mins.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We look forward to the day when Jesus returns as King of kings and
Lord of lords. Help us to wait patiently and to do good so that You are glorified.
In Jesus' name we pray.
Amen.
Sunday - Psalm 37:3-7
Monday - John 14:1-4
Tuesday - 1 Peter 3:14-15
Wednesday - Hebrews 11:13
Thursday - Matthew 6:33-34
Friday - John 16:33
Saturday - Psalm 104:27-28
2 Samuel 7:1-29
Proverbs 3:7-10
Proverbs 15:33
Isaiah 29:13-17
Matthew 15:8
Matthew 23:1-12
John 5:17-23
John 7:18
John 12:23-26
Romans 12:9-13
1 Corinthians 6:18-20
Revelation 5:12
ESTABLISHED - having set up or put in place
TEMPORARY - something that will not last
PERMANENT - something that will last
IMPLEMENT - in this lesson, to begin or to set in motion
THWART - to oppose successfully: defeat the hopes or aspirations
Beth and Mark were planning a special surprise for their mom. She would be 40 years old on Sunday. First, they would get up early and make breakfast for her. Then they would volunteer to clean up the kitchen, vacuum the living room, dust the living room, and take out the trash. Then, they planned to have their dad barbeque for lunch, so she wouldn't have to cook. They shared a delighted grin as they got ready for bed Saturday night. Sunday was going to be so much fun. The children could hardly wait to see the surprise and pleasure on their mom's face. It would be fun to make her happy and let her know how special she was to them.
Early Sunday morning, before the children's alarm went off, their mom woke them up. She told them to hurry and get dressed. They were going to IHOP for breakfast. Then they were going to spend the day at the zoo. At first, the children were ready to be disappointed. But they knew how much their mom loved seeing all the animals at the zoo. Their plans would have been fine. But this was much better.
Today's lesson is about a plan David made to please God and to let God know how special He was to him. After God established David as king over Israel and gave him peace from his enemies, David began to think about what he could do to show honor to God. He thought about the beautiful cedar palace he lived in. Then he thought about the Tabernacle, the temporary tent where the altar, the Ark of the Covenant, and the rest of the furnishings were - in God's house. So David talked about it with Nathan, the prophet. Nathan told David to do whatever he wanted for God because God was with him. But God had different ideas.
God told Nathan to tell David that He had chosen David to shepherd his people, and He had set him as king over Israel. God didn't want David to build a Temple, a more permanent dwelling for God. But God wasn't angry with David. In fact, God gave David an incredible promise even while He told David not to build a Temple. God said that He would establish David's kingdom so that one of David's sons would rule on the throne after he died. Plus, God would discipline David's son, but He would not take the kingdom from him as He had with Saul. It would be David's son who would build the Temple for God.
What do you suppose David's reaction was? Like the children in our story, his first reaction might have been one of disappointment because he truly wanted to do something to please God and to honor Him. But, like the children, David soon realized that God's plans and His promises for David and David's son were going to be so much better than what David had planned. So David thanked God and submitted to God's will.
It can happen to us in the same way today. We look around and see how very much God has blessed us and we want to give something back. We want to do something for God to let Him know how much we love Him and appreciate what He has done in our lives. David’s experience should serve as a reminder that just because our plans may seem good, we still need to take them to God, spread them out before Him, and ask Him for His blessing on them before we start. We can only see what is right in front of us. God sees the whole picture. He knows what He's trying to accomplish with many people all at the same time. It's good and admirable to want to honor God, but it doesn't honor Him if it conflicts with His plans and desires.
Can you imagine the children in our story getting angry because their plans had been ruined? Can you see them pouting and yelling at their mom? That would have been exactly the opposite of what they wanted to do for her. It would have shown dishonor rather than honor. It would have brought her displeasure instead of pleasure. Likewise, can you imagine David getting angry at God and telling Nathan that he was going to build the Temple for God anyway? That wouldn't have shown much honor to God. And it wouldn't have been pleasing to God.
When we come up with a plan to honor God, we still need to submit to His will. If God doesn't want us to implement our plan, to do it anyway would not bring honor to God. Even when you can see only good in the plan, God may see something different. Be ready to submit to God's will. That will truly honor God.
Teaching the Lesson:
Legacy Lesson: Student book/Teacher book - Teaching Time: 25 mins.
Lesson Prep - Teacher book - Time: 30 mins.
Activity (Teacher book): Presenting Projects & Celebration - 35-45 mins.
Song: "Heavenly Father, I Appreciate You" - page 82 of the Kids Classics Collection - Time: 5 mins.
Activity (Student book): What is Honor? - Time: 10 mins.
Extending the Lesson - REACH Activities:
*Back to the Bible: Honor
*Journal Jot: Honor
*Word Study: Honor - timē
*Just Toolin’ Around: Building a House
*Did you Know? Solomon’s Temple
*Stretch It Out: Proverbs 15:33 Banner
*Music Notes: How Great Thou Art
*Questions? - Writing Prompt - 10 mins.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Let everything that I do bring glory and honor to You.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
Sunday - 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
Monday - Romans 12:9-13
Tuesday - John 12:23-26
Wednesday - Proverbs 3:7-10
Thursday - John 5:17-23
Friday - Isaiah 29:13-17
Saturday - Matthew 23:1-12
