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September 22, 2013

“An Everlasting Covenant”

Genesis 9:8-17

(Click here for Word Document: An Everlasting Covenant Sunday School Lesson, or simply click the print button below. Enjoy!)

Introduction

On March 15, 2013, I wrote a quick out-the-door article titled: “Promise in a Pop of Color” (click here). It states: “I woke up this morning feeling, well . . . . blah!!! Headache, no energy, not feeling really with it. This week has been something else and I guess it’s taking a toll on my body.

As I was looking for something to wear, I reached into my closet and pulled out a white shirt (black and white shirts are a standby for me because they usually don’t have to be ironed Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. – telling on myself, I know). But, even though it didn’t need to be ironed, I put it back declaring, in my dreariness, that I need a pop of color.

As I was going through the drudgery of ironing my pop of color I wondered if that’s why God made His covenant to Noah and all the earth in the form of a rainbow. After the rains and the storms of life, after the hardships and turmoil, after being tossed about to and fro, maybe we all need that “PROMISE IN A POP OF COLOR!”

We all need that beautiful colorful, covenant to gaze upon to let us know that everything is going to be alright.

God’s promises, which are His covenants, do that for man. They let us know that God is still sovereign in spite of it all. God is still ruling from His throne though one may feel spent at the storms that are raging. God’s covenant lets us know that God still cares about us and He is still looking out for us, even when our own sinful nature gets in the way of His perfect plan.

Genesis 9:8-10 “And God spake unto Noah, and to his sons with, saying, And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you; And with every living creature that is with you, of the fowl, of the cattle, and of every beast of the earth with you; from all that go out of the ark, to every beast of the earth.”

Let’s do a little rewind to remember how we arrived at today’s lesson. In last week’s lesson we recalled the fall of man. Adam and Eve disobeyed God which led to not only them sinning, but sin entering in the world and infecting the entire human race forever. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned,” (Rom. 5:12). The consequences of the choices of Adam and Eve were then passed on through the rest of humanity.

Sin did not stop with Adam and Eve. As a matter of fact, it only grew worse. Genesis 6:11 says, “The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.” In other words, the effects of sin had permeated everything and the whole world was under its influence and infected by its power. The perfect paradise that God created in the beginning had now become a habitation of evil, “for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth,” (Gen. 6:12).

With that the Bible tells us plainly, “It repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart,” (Gen. 6:6). The heart of God was broken over what His creation had become. They were far from the way He designed and purposed them to be. The effects of sin were traumatic. The effects of sin caused God to say, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air,” (Gen. 6:7). All of creation would pay for man’s sin.

In today’s lesson the deed has already been done. It had already rained for forty day and forty nights killing all life on the earth (Gen. 7:12). The animals, along with Noah and his family that were saved, had already resided in the safety of the ark for about a year. Stepping out onto the new ground and seeing their world changed before them had to be a horrific and terrifying sight. They, and all mankind after them, needed reassurance from God about their future and their hope. They needed to know that despite all of this, God is still in control and He still has a plan in effect on behalf of man.

“God spake unto Noah, and to his sons with him.” It was not only important for Noah to grasp what God was about to reveal, but his sons would be responsible in the future for passing this pertinent information on to those who come after them, their children, grandchildren and such. They would need to know from firsthand experience the promise that God spoke to and for His people.

“Saying, I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you.” The “I” stated twice is God’s reaffirming that He is the author of this “covenant.” A “covenant” is a binding contract. It is an agreement between two parties to promise to follow through with the stipulations in said contract. Here, in today’s lesson, God is entering into a binding agreement with all of humanity. Though humanity is the one who sinned and left the terms of the first contract, (eating of the tree of knowledge of good and evil; last week’s lesson), God is still seeking the welfare of His creation by setting terms before them another promise of care and protection. Not only does this apply to Noah and his sons, but to “your seed after you,” which encompasses every man in every generation to come.

“And with every living creature that is with you, of the fowl, of the cattle, and of every beast of the earth with you; from all that go out of the ark, to every beast of the earth.” Humans were not the only ones who had a price to pay for the sin that entered the world. “Every living creature” paid the price for man’s downfall. Sin taints whatever it touches. Galatians 5:9 tells us, “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” Like a cancerous cells that divides and spreads to other areas of the body, sin preys on all that are around it, man and beast. Everything had become corrupt in the eyes of God. Everything was far from the “good” that was declared over them in the beginning, Gen. 1:31. Everything needed to be washed and cleansed on the face of the earth. God made not only a promise with man, but also with “every living creature,” because ultimately, they all paid the price for the sin in the earth, and all would be covered under this new “covenant.”

Genesis 9:11 “And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.” Here is God’s deal with “the earth” and all that are in it. Though floods may rise here and there in isolated areas, there will never be a time that God will allow “all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.”

This was a one-time event never to be repeated again. Can we even begin to grasp how much Noah needed that promise from God at that moment? Let’s imagine for just a minute what the earth possibly looked like after the flood. We know that vegetation had begun to regrow because the “dove brought back freshly plucked olive leaf in her mouth,” when they were still on the ark (Gen. 8:11). But, was their evidence of the tragedy that took place? As gruesome as it may seem, after departing from the ark did they witness fragments of man that once was lying around? They were the only ones alive on the whole entire earth, were they afraid? They needed to know that something like this would never happen again.

For our time, we need to know that not only will something like this never happen again, but we need to be reassured that God keeps exactly what He promised us through thick and thin.

Genesis 9:12-13 “And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.”

A “token” is much like a symbol. It is used as a visual reminder to identify with something else. We often hear people say in giving a gift of some sort to a person for doing something for them, “Please, except this as a token of my appreciation.” They want to give a gift as a symbol of how grateful they are to that individual.

In sealing His promise with Noah and “every living creature that is with you . . . and the earth” God placed such a symbol in the sky for all to see; for all to remember no matter how hard or terrible life may seem at times, He’s still looking out for His own. The rainbow, as we call it today, appears after times of rain and storms to assure mankind that God’s covenant still stands true. He will never fail to keep what He has promised.

Genesis 9:14-15 “And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.”

“The bow shall be seen” attest to the visual reminder of what God will and will not do. God will “remember” His covenant. God will not “destroy all flesh” by “flood” again. God is so gracious to often intervene through our lives to give us visual inspirations to hold on to though we are called to live by faith (Hab. 2:4). Many times I often stand in awe when I see a rainbow in the sky and utter to myself, “God’s promise.” What I see, connected with the promise He has attached to it, comforts my heart through the most difficult of times.

Genesis 9:16-17 “And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth.”

When something is “established” it means that it is firmly fixed in place, not to be moved or annulled. Here, God “established” this “covenant,” this binding contract between Himself “and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth,” not to be voided under any circumstances. Often, when God makes promises there are stipulations or conditions that must be followed through in order to receive the promise. For instance, God said in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” In that promise, God will hear from heaven and heal their land, but only after the people humble themselves before Him, pray and seek His face and turn from their evil ways.

In this promise to Noah this covenant is “established;” it is everlasting, as spoken by God. Never again will all flesh be destroyed because of a flood. God never said that judgment would never happen again, He stated, it wouldn’t be done by means of a flood. The next time fire will be the issuing force of God’s judgment (see 2 Peter 3:6-12).

Conclusion

God has established a covenant with Noah that perpetuates down through all lines of the human race. As a token of what He said He will do and not do, God placed a rainbow in the sky for us to have a visual reminder of His love, grace and longsuffering with humanity.

This lesson is also reassuring in our day to day lives. It encourages us that whatever God has promised us, that He will do. He never fails and He never reneges on His promises. We can trust our God, always!

Below are some helpful activities to help reinforce this week’s lesson. Enjoy!

Wordsearch: An Everlasting Covenant Wordsearch Answers: An Everlasting Covenant Wordsearch Answers

Crossword: An Everlasting Covenant Crossword Answers: An Everlasting Covenant Crossword Answers

Word Scramble: An Everlasting Covenant Word Scramble Answers: An Everlasting Covenant Word Scramble Answers

Draw the Scene: An Everlasting Covenant Draw the Scene

Below are more activities for this week’s lesson. Enjoy!

PDF for Noah Coloring Sheet: Noah Coloring 2 (All your students need to do is add a rainbow to the picture. They can do this by coloring and drawing one or by using cereal, beads, tissue paper, etc. Enjoy!)

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Another Noah Coloring Sheet without background PDF: Noah Coloring (Students can draw or make their own rainbow out of cereal, beads, tissue paper, etc. Enjoy!)

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Fill in the blanks memory verse PDF Noah Memory Verse

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Using these two coloring sheets, your students can make their own Covenant Coloring Picture as shown below. Enjoy! PDF’s Covenant Coloring 1 and Covenant Coloring 2 (You can even add sticker animals like I did below. Instead of coloring my rainbow I used fruit ring cereal).

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Using the PDF’s above you can also make a Mosaic Picture of the lesson. Simply cut a bunch of shapes from construction paper and make their own rainbow. Cut out and attach pictures from the PDFs above and there you have it. Enjoy!

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Also using the PDFs above you can make this Scratch Art Craft. Color a blank page to your hearts content (I used cardstock) and then apply a thin coat of black paint and let dry. Using a toothpick, scratch a rainbow in the picture and apply PDF cut outs and there you have it. Enjoy!

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How Many Words Can You Make Out of Today’s Lesson Title? PDF: How Many Words Covenant

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Make a Noah Mobile: PDF Noah Mobile

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More Links, Resources and Ideas:

“Do You See The Rainbow?”

“Rainbow Song and Craft Idea”

“Rainbow Paper Links (Minus Pot of Gold)”

“Thumbprint Rainbow”

“Rainbow in a Bag”

“Handprint Rainbow”

“Rainbow Experiment”

“Promise Tree”: This week’s lesson happens on the first day of Fall. To incorporate in the lesson you can make a promise tree. Below I used templates to create this “Promise Tree.” God’s Word is like the seed which sprouts up into a promised fulfilled. Students can then write on the leaves some of the promises of God. My 10 year old helped me make this one:

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Tree and leaves template from DLTK. Add any seed or nut to the bottom and write your promises from God. Enjoy!

“Rainbow Plate”: Using Fruit Loops cereal I made this rainbow plate (since rainbows are synonymous with God’s promises). Cut out some yellow triangles and a simple cross and you have yourself a fruity rainbow of promise. In this activity you can leave off the cross and replace it with a Noah template from above activities. Enjoy!

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Below is a Rainbow Mobile of Promise:

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Print out the template from Mssscrafts.com and let the students decorate. Write on it a verse that will remind them of the lesson, punch holes in it, string it through and hang it up. Enjoy!

“Knowledge of Good and Evil” Sunday School Lesson, Genesis 3:8-17, 22-23, September 15, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Created Male and Female / God’s Image: Male and Female” Sunday School Lesson, Genesis 2:18-25, September 8, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Corporate Confession of Sins/Community of Confession” Sunday School Lesson, Nehemiah 9:2, 6-7, 9-10, 30-36, August 11, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“God Created All / God Creates” Sunday School Lesson, Psalm 104:5-9, 24-30 September 1, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Dedication of the Wall” Sunday School Lesson, Nehemiah 12:27-36, 38, 43, August 18, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)

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September 29, 2013

“Scattering the Nations”

Genesis 11:1-9

(Click here for PDF: Scattering the Nations Sunday School Lesson, or simply click the print button below. Enjoy!)

Introduction:

I live in a very multi-cultural area. Residents in my neighborhood have roots in areas all around the globe. At our local schools there are over 36 languages spoken. We have been blessed to live in this rich environment where my children can go to school and interact with peoples from many different nationalities, backgrounds and ethnicities. They have friends from India, Greece, China, Korea, Mexico and El Salvador just to name a few. And I, as a parent, enjoy the interaction with others whom I would probably have never had a chance to come to know and care for.

When my youngest was in Pre-K we had a very special group of ladies (us moms) who spent time together laughing and joking and going out to eat together despite the fact that we all hailed from different areas around the world (America, Egypt, Philippines and China). We found out that we had much more in common than we have differences.

There was a time long ago when everybody had everything in common, particularly their language. Today’s lesson shows how pride entered in and ushered in the dividing of the peoples into many nations and languages.

Genesis 11:1-2 “And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.”

No one is exactly sure, but a considerable amount of time has passed since last week’s lesson “An Everlasting Covenant.” What we can surmise is that enough time has passed for the families that came from Noah to grow to be referred in today’s lesson “the whole earth,” which leaves us with a sense that they grew way past the eight persons that left the ark. Genesis 10 gives more a breakdown of the families that came from Noah.

The Bible describes this time as the people having “one language, and of one speech.” From the time of Creation until now the people were one. Oneness and unity is often considered a good thing. For when people are unified it lessens the chances of contentions and adversities due to differences amongst themselves. Unless that oneness takes them out of the will of God, propelled by evil purposes and intents.

“As they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land Shinar; and they dwelt there.” Shinar is the area that is also referred to as Babylonia. Biblos.com describes it as this:

“The name given, in the earliest Hebrew records, to Babylonia, later called Babel, or the land of Babel (babhel, ‘erets babhel). In Genesis 10:10 it is the district wherein lay Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, cities which were the “beginning” of Nimrod’s kingdom. In 11:2 Shinar is described as the land of the plain where migrants from the East settled, and founded Babel, the city, and its great tower.” (Click to view full map from Biblos.com)

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Genesis 11:3-4 “And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.”

One day these people who had no hindrances of communication with one another “said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly.”

“Go to” here is often referred to as we would use the word “come.” In essence, they were saying, “Come, let us make brick.”

The words “let us” give the impression of needing no outside help or dependency upon any one else except “us,” or themselves. As a matter of fact, in these two verses “us/we” is referred to 6 times. Wow! They spoke of themselves a lot! They were acting in a self-sufficient mode. 2 Corinthians warns us, “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God.” Later in history Jesus teaches, “Apart from me you can do nothing,” (John 15:5). This mindset was in complete opposition of the families of Noah in Shinar.

Previously, the consequences of man’s sin may have caused eviction at Eden, and then later a flood, but their sin nature was still very much alive and active in these families that came from Noah. Again, we see “let us” appear in verse 4. With the brick they burned and the morter they made of “slime” their purpose was to “build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven, and let us make us a name.” While there is nothing wrong with building cities and towers, there is everything wrong about doing it all for self-glorification.

In verse 4 it reveals just that. These people wanted to be great in and of themselves. They wanted glory for the works that they could do for themselves. They wanted everybody to know who they are and what they were able to accomplish by themselves. They wanted to “make us a name.”

Their pride and self-sufficient attitude not only took them away from the directive of God to “replenish the earth,” (Gen. 9:1), but it caused them to step in a place of seeking credit and taking glory from God. The Bible warns, “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it,” (Ps. 127:1). They stepped out of God’s planned purpose and excluded Him all together in what they were seeking to do.

We have nothing and we are nothing if God is not in it!

Genesis 11:5 “And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded.”

God sees all! Later, Hagar will testify with a special name reverencing God in this manner. She called Him, “You-Are-The-God-Who-Sees,” (Gen. 16:13). Psalm 11:4 says, “The LORD is in His holy temple, the LORD’s throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men.” God sees!

Our lesson states “the LORD came down to see.” God was and is attentive to the deeds of humanity. He saw what “the children of men builded” exclusive from Him.

Genesis 11:6-7 “And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.”

“Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language.” Usually, this type of unity would be smiled upon, but let us remember their purpose stated in verse 4. This is why their “one language” is not playing out as a positive factor; rather God speaks of it in negative terms.

He says, “And this they begin to do.” How many times do we hear parents say something like this, “And, this is what you’re doing?” “I gave you this and this is what you’re doing.” Or, “I let you go there, and this is what you did.” This portion of Scripture reminds me of those parents that shake their heads and make these sorts of comments in frustration over the action of the peoples.

“Now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.” Humanity tested the waters of evil when they bit the forbidden fruit. Humanity swam in the waters of evil causing the great flood. And, here God is saying their sin will know no bounds. They will do “which they have imagined to do.”

Imagination is bolstered in society as a good way to express one’s creative and playful side. Often, in the Bible, we see the word “imagination” linked to the evil of men’s hearts (see Gen. 6:5; Deut. 29:19; Jer. 7:24; 11:8; 16:12). Even when Mary the mother of Jesus spoke with Elizabeth, she exclaimed, “He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts,” (Luke 1:51; much like He is doing in today’s lesson).

God knew if man kept on the path he was headed there would be “no holds barred,” which meant the people would be unrestrained in what they do. And, that my friends, never equals to a good ending.

Using the same language “Go to, let us” – “us” here is speaking of the trinity, said, “Let us go down, and there confound their language.” The word “confound” simply means to confuse. The very thing that was leading them on a path outside of the will of God, He was going to take it away. God had to protect mankind from his own destructive pathway.

They relied on themselves and fought hard not to be “scattered,” (vs. 4). This became a source of pride and reliance to the people. The Bible tells us, “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall,” (Pro. 16:18). God had to put a stop to their plans, “that they may not understand one another’s speech.” With their understanding of “one another’s speech” gone, so too is the ability diminished to rise up against God as a cohesive people in such wickedness and arrogance.

Genesis 11:8-9 “So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.”

The very thing they didn’t want to happen happened. Their self-sufficient, prideful goal gave them the very opposite result of which they were seeking. This is where the path of disobedience and defiance leads; procuring the undesired results instead. With that “the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth.” Psalm 33:10-11 says, “The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

As He did in our lesson, God will cancel the plans of the wicked and His purposes will be fulfilled. God wanted them to “replenish the earth,” (Gen. 9:1). But, they wanted to stay put and “make us a name.” Their imaginations were evil, but, in speaking of God, “the thoughts of His heart is to all generations.” God’s plan for His people will succeed with or without their cooperation.

“And they left off to build the city.” With no understanding, no collective communication and reasoning, there was no more unity for the plans of man to succeed. As was just stated above in Psalm 33:10, “The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought.” Their plans were unfulfilled.

“Therefore is the name of it called Babel.” “Babel,” the place where God confused the language of man. Our English word “babble” is synonymous with this meaning as is: nonsense, incomprehensible, baffles and perplex. All speaks to being confusing and hard to understand. Is it irony or an on purpose reminder from God? In this writer’s opinion, I believe the latter to be true to remind mankind of the consequences of operating in self-sufficiency and pride against His perfect plan.

Conclusion

The ways and plans of man that are in opposition to God’s perfect plans will be cancelled and scattered.

Activities:

Wordsearch: Scattering the Nations Wordsearch Answers: Scattering the Nations Wordsearch Answers

Crossword: Scattering the Nations Crossword Answers: Scattering the Nations Crossword Answers

Word Scramble: Scattering the Nations Word Scramble Answers: Scattering the Nations Word Scramble Answers

Match the Word: Scattering the Nations Match the Word Answers: Scattering the Nations Match the Word Answers

Draw the Scene: Scattering the Nations Draw the Scene

Ideas:

“POP-OUT TOWER”: This is a simple craft that takes little time to put together. Simply fold a brown sheet of construction paper in half. Then, cut slits in the side, big at the bottom and gradually getting smaller at the top. Trim off excess construction paper and taper off at the top. Draw bricks on it and simply glue it into place. And, there you have it. Your very own “POP-OUT TOWER.” Enjoy!

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“Silhouette Tower and People”: Copy template for tower from Little Blots and template for people from Mssscrafts, cut and trace onto black construction paper. Step 2, drop blobs of paint color onto card stock. Step 3, blot the paint around the paper with a paper towel (on the picture below I blotted the paint around the template but I found this to be an unnecessary step. Just paint blot the whole paper first then proceed to step 4). Step 4, glue into place the black silhouettes of the tower and the people and there you have it. Enjoy!

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“Jenga”: Play Jenga!!!! What better way to incorporate a game into a lesson about a towert then to play Jenga. This is sure to be a fun way to get the point of the lesson across. Removing the blocks can be a demonstration of removing God’s will and plan out of one’s life and when the tower falls it can demonstrate man’s plans without God. You can also reiterate Proverbs 16:18 at this point, “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” Enjoy!

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“Blocks/Lincoln Logs”: Using blocks or Lincoln Logs (my favorite since I was a kid) to build a tower of their own, your students will be excited with this hands on activities to support this week’s lesson. Enjoy!

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“Moon Sand”: Yup, it’s back! Build “towers” using moon sand and plastic cups. My students absolutely loved this idea. I think they were sad to leave because they were having so much fun. Enjoy!

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(Make Moon Sand: Simply mix 8 cups of flour with 1 cup of baby oil and there you have. Break out the sand toys and have fun!!! So easy and really works!!! Enjoy!!!)

“Make Some Bricks”:

A great idea for really getting your hands in there and demonstrating the laying of the foundation is to make plaster of paris , or use clay, playdough or paper mache to make bricks (not shown here) for the students to decorate. For the plaster of paris, you can even use ice cube trays to make bricks and dry at home. Then, when you get to class, have the students decorate and build with them. This will be a blast especially for the little boys in your class. Ah, who am I kidding, little girls love to build just as much (at least mine do) – Image may be NSFW.
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“Play Dough Bricks”:

If you wish to illustrate this portion of the lesson one good idea is to make homemade play dough. I usually use a No Cook formula such as the one found on Prekinders.com.

More Ideas:

“Tower of Babel Coloring Sheet” “Stick Puppets”

“Coloring Sheet” “Sponge Brick and People Painting”

“Tower of Babel Video” “What Did You Say?”

“Marshmallow/Sugar Cube Tower (page 4)” “Tower of Coloring”

“Tower of Babel Crafts” “The Tower of Babel Activities”

“Tower of Babel Sunday School Lesson/Activities” “Paper Towel Roll Tower”

“The Tower of Babel Craft Ideas for Children” “Globe Games for Kids”

“Printable Crafts” “Mightymag.org” (Great Info)

“The Tower of Babel Activities, Crafts and Games”

“The Tower of Babel Lesson and Activities”

“The Tower of Babel Colored Minibook” “Black and White Minibook”

“Tower of Babel Coloring and Activities”

“An Everlasting Covenant” Sunday School Lesson, Genesis 9:8-17, September 22, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)

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October 6, 2013

“A Promise of Land”

Genesis 15:7-21

(Click here for PDF: A Promise of Land Sunday School Lesson, or simply click print button below. Enjoy!)

Introduction

God has a plan and when His plan is to fulfill a promise for His people we can rest assured that God will see it to through the end. In our lesson God promised Abram not only children, but also a place to call home for them. This promise would not come overnight. God assured Abram that though it may take some time, it will be theirs.

Genesis 15:7 “And he said unto him, I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it.”

A few verses before we reach this point, God told Abram to go outside and look up at the night sky. He asked him to count the stars if he could and then demonstrated that’s how many descendants will come from him, Gen. 15:5. This was a mighty promise for a man who had no children, and yet it was just the beginning of the promises that God had for Abram.

Our lesson this week picks up in verse 7 where God has yet another promise, and that is the promise of land. God previously called Abram to walk away from everything he knew. Abram, by faith, went where God led him. Here, after looking up at the stars he can also view the land. This is the place where God wanted his people, his descendants to dwell. In the future, this land that Abram sees before him will be home to his people.

Pay special attention to that word “inherit.” We are often most familiar with that word when someone passes away and leaves to those behind their valuables and life possessions. God was giving His people a “possession.” They were going to gain ownership of a land they did not build or plant as their own because God was the one securing it for them through this promise (see Jos. 24:12; Deut. 6:11).

Genesis 15:8 “And he said, Lord God, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?”

For most of us we cringe at the idea of Abram questioning God when He just gave him this mighty promise.

Previously, God and Abram had a conversation which covered a promise of an heir. God assured him that his heir would not come from his servant. It was at this point, which we covered above, that God told Abram to count the stars. But, in verse 6 it clearly states, “And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” So, Abram wasn’t asking because he didn’t believe God, He was asking because He did believe God. He believed that everything God spoke to him was true and was going to happen, but like most humans he wanted to know more. He asked, “Whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?”

Genesis 15:9-11 “And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon. And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not. And when the fowls came down upon the carcasses, Abram drove them away.”

Abram did what God required of him. This has been his pushing force ever since he was called at of the land of Ur; to do what God required of him. Abram gathered and prepared the things necessary to enact this covenant per God’s request.

Once the animals were divided they gained the attention of the “fowls” who feed off of dead “carcasses” of other animals. Abram, knowing the animals he “divided” were for a divine cause, shooed away those who would think to eat on them.

Genesis 15:12 “And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.”

As these verses read it appears that when God asked Abram to go out and view the starts in verse 5 it was night time. Then it reads of the dividing of the animals which must have been during the day. Now, in this verse “the sun was going down.” Abram was spending time communicating with God. This was not a fly by the seat promise that took fly by the seat time. This was quality time conversing and doing what God asked of him.

When the sun went down Abram experienced something he probably had never encountered before, “an horror of great darkness.” Being the traveler that he was he was more than accustomed to the darkness. But, this darkness is described as “great,” meaning that it was out of the ordinary. This was not an average experience; this was a big deal and with it brought “an horror.” Often we associate the word “horror” with fear, and rightly so.

Genesis 15:13-16 “And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance. And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age. But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.”

God has a plan and a perfect timetable and He let Abraham in on it in very great detail. Many Bible students are very familiar with this timetable.

“Know of a surety thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs” – This dates all the way to the story of Joseph and how he ended up in Egypt through the jealousy of his brothers. To make a long story short, as many say, his family, due to a famine, ended up in Egypt with him where they were “strangers,” (Genesis 37; 39-47).

God gave assurance to Jacob during that time and said, “Do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there. I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again . . .,” (Gen. 46:3-4). As God initially promised Abram, they will return to the land of their inheritance.

“And shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years;” – “Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. And he said to his people, ‘Look, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we; come, let us deal shrewdly with them, let they multiply, and it happen, in the event of war, that they also join our enemies and fight against us, and so go up out of the land. Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with their burdens,” (Ex. 1:8-11a). Thus began their years of servitude and hardship under the authority of Egypt.

“And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge” – God told Moses in Exodus 6:1, “Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh. For with a strong hand he will let them go, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land.” Since the subject and the focus of this lesson resides in the Promise of Land, here we see where God assures Moses that by the time He is done with Pharaoh he won’t want them in his land any longer, opening the door for them to return to their promised land. Shortly after God spoke these things to Moses, the Ten Plagues started. God was going to “judge” them.

“And afterward they shall come out with great substance” – In Exodus 3:21-22 it reads, “And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be, when you go, that you shall not go empty-handed. But every woman shall ask of her neighbor, namely, of her who dwells near her house, articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing; and you shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.” In Exodus 12:35-36, at the time of their exodus, it states that is exactly what happened allowing the people to “come out with great substance.”

But for Abram, he would “go to thy fathers peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.” Genesis 25:7-8 tells us, “This is the sum of the years of Abraham’s life which he lived: one hundred and seventy-five years. Then Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man and full of years, and was gathered to his people,” – to his “fathers.”

When he does pass from the scene he still goes with the promise, “in the fourth generation they shall come hither again.” The reiteration of God’s promise is that his descendants will return home to their inheritance but it would happen on God’s timetables; “For the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.”

Genesis 15:17 “And it came to pass, that when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces.”

With the covenant offerings still divided on the ground, Abram saw a vision of what would represent the presence of God, “a smoking furnace and a burning lamp” walking between the pieces. God not only told him of the promises but demonstrated through this sign that He was in the midst of it and would work it according to His perfect will.

Genesis 15: 18-21 “In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the rive Euphrates: The Kenites, and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.”

God lists many nations and though they may be many the places where they are is not permanently for them. This land is allotted and spoken for by God for His people; “Unto thy seed have I give this land.” God signed and sealed it with His “covenant” He “made with Abram.”

Wordsearch: A Promise of Land Wordsearch Answers: A Promise of Land Wordsearch Answers

Crossword: A Promise of Land Crossword Answers: A Promise of Land Crossword Answers

Draw the Scene: A Promise of Land Draw the Scene

Below are activities for reinforcing this week’s lesson. Enjoy!

“Promise Suitcase Paper Craft” from DLTK

“Promise Pocket Craft” from DLTK

“Etched Picture Craft” from Kid’s Bibleland

“God Keeps His Promises Banner” from Joyful Socks Mom

“Kirigami Simple Star”

“Abraham Believes God Coloring” from The Good News Cartoon

“Abraham Coloring Pages” from Coloring.WS DLTK

“Abraham Counts Stars Coloring/Activity”

“Abraham: Covenant Making” from Billclen.com

“Star Baking Sugar Cookies or Use Playdough” from Livestrong.com

“God’s Big Promise” from Ministry to Children

“Father Abraham Song or Write a Letter to God” from Ehow.com

“Star Scene” from Ehow.com

“An Everlasting Covenant” Sunday School Lesson, Genesis 9:8-17, September 22, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Scattering the Nations” Sunday School Lesson, Genesis 11:1-9, September 29, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“God Created All / God Creates” Sunday School Lesson, Psalm 104:5-9, 24-30 September 1, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Knowledge of Good and Evil” Sunday School Lesson, Genesis 3:8-17, 22-23, September 15, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Created Male and Female / God’s Image: Male and Female” Sunday School Lesson, Genesis 2:18-25, September 8, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Dedication of the Wall” Sunday School Lesson, Nehemiah 12:27-36, 38, 43, August 18, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Sanctifying the Lord’s Day / Sabbath Reforms” Sunday School Lesson, Nehemiah 13:15-22, August 25, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)

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October 13, 2013

“A Promise to Sarah”

Genesis 17:15-17; 18:9-15; 21:1-7

(Click here for PDF: A Promise to Sarah Sunday School Lesson, or simply click the print button below. Enjoy!)

Genesis 17:15-16 “And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be. And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her.”

In the verses prior to these a lot has taken place. In this chapter alone Abram’s named is changed to Abraham (17:5) and the covenant involving circumcision is established (17:9-12). Going backwards, in chapter 16, through Sarai’s intervention, Hagar gave birth to Ishmael to produce a supposed heir for Abram. Eventually she fled from her mistress (16:6-8).

Arriving at today’s lesson, it is time for Sarai’s part of the blessing to be initiated. First, God also changes her name. She was once known as Sarai, but now she shall be called Sarah. Both names mean princess.

“And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her.” God’s blessing for Sarah was going to reap rewards for both her and Abraham. God was going to bless her by allowing her to conceive and bear a child. She was once known as barren. Barrenness could feel like a curse to a woman during this era because of her inability to have a child. Sometimes they were made to feel lesser the woman because of barrenness. Hannah experienced provocation at the hand of another woman because she couldn’t have children, 1 Sam. 1:6. If God blessed Sarah in this manner it would be a great relief to her personally.

But the blessing was not just for her but for her husband also. Abraham, this verse states, would receive a “son” through Sarah. Abraham already had one son (Gen. 16), but this son was not a part of the promise that God wanted to fulfill through him. But when Sarah gives birth it will be the start of a beautiful plan that God plays out through the pages of history all the way until our Savior arrives on the scene.

“She shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her.” Not only was she going to have a child, but the promise is from that one seed a multitude would be brought forth. Extraordinary! That is a promise that only God can make and deliver on. Not only is God promising a legacy through her, but a legacy of where “kings of people shall be of her.” Awesome!

Genesis 17:17 “Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? And shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?”

Was Abraham experiencing a moment of doubt? Was he looking at the impossibility if him still fathering a child by human standards? Did he doubt what God, the Creator of all, could do in Sarah’s body? In Genesis 15:6 it said, “And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” But in the following verses (not in today’s lesson) Abraham prayed for Ismael to be blessed. God answered that prayer with His previous promise, “Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed . . . and I will establish my covenant with him,” (Gen. 17:19). God reaffirmed that no matter the reasons Abraham thinks it may be impossible for Sarah to conceive and give birth, He had a greater agenda in mind. He specializes in the impossible.

Genesis 18:9 “And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.”

Between the previous verses and this one God left off speaking to Abraham and then Abraham performed the circumcision that God required as proof of the covenant. At the beginning of chapter 18 Abraham becomes host to three heavenly visitors. This is the “they” that is referred to in this verse.

“Tents” were used in the nomadic lifestyle that Abraham lived. Abraham didn’t have a home of brick and mortar. He was a traveler, a man who moved when God led him, therefore his dwelling place had to be as portable as he was. He also had a large amount of livestock that had to be grazed and fed where they could find pasture. His lifestyle can be compared to that of a Bedouin.

Genesis 18:10 “And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him.”

The “they” in the previous verse here turns to “he,” meaning a singular person is now speaking directly to Abraham Himself. This “he” was the Lord God Almighty Himself who appeared to Abraham in the form of a man. He said, “I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son.” Don’t you love it when God gets specific about the blessings in what He is getting ready to do? God lays out His plan, His agenda, and He tells Abraham directly how it is all going to play out.

“According to the time of life” can be interpreted as the time it takes to conceive and bear a child to full term. For most women there is approximately 40 weeks between conception and the time of birth. God promised He would come back at that time and Sarah will already be cradling her babe in her arms. Amazing!

“Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him.” Sarah herself was probably a little more than curious at the visitors who seem to come from nowhere but had a lot of grand ideas. So, she listened in on the conversation between her husband and these visitors.

Genesis 18:11-12 “Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?”

“Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age.” Here is a repeat of the obvious. Whereas some may say, “I get it, they were old,” the Bible reaffirms to us over and over again what a miraculous thing this was that God was doing in their lives. God was going to do something that had never been done before. He was taking a woman’s body who “it ceased to be . . . after the manner of women,” and cause it to reproduce as if she was in the prime of her life. God was using something that to the natural eye appeared to be “waxed old” and cause it to act young with life. The whole idea seemed impossible to Sarah causing a reaction to “laugh within herself.”

Genesis 18:13-15 “And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son. Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.”

God heard Sarah’s reaction. Though her laugh wasn’t audible to Abraham’s ears, He that knows the hearts of men heard the inner laugh and questioned Abraham about his wife’s response, “Wherefore did Sarah laugh?” People laugh for all kinds of reasons: for joy, wonderment and just being downright giddy about life. But, people also laugh sarcastically from disbelief over a preposterous idea. In her inner questioning Sarah revealed that she didn’t believe that such a thing could happen to her, “Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?”

God response was, “Is any thing too hard for the LORD?” Really think about this for a minute. Here, Sarah is questioning the validity of God being able to do something amazing in her life. In last week’s lesson, God shared with Abraham His vision for his and his family’s future. Surely, God was going to follow through on His promise but it had to start somewhere. Why doesn’t Sarah believe that God is able to do a wondrous thing through her? How many of us laugh and sneer at the possibility that God wants to do something amazing through us? Is it really too hard for God? The answer is, NO!

The same God that hung all those stars that He admonished Abraham to try to count is the same God that made the promise. The same God that made the first man Adam out of the dust of the ground is the same God that made the promise. Sarah’s condition may have seemed impossible to her but she wasn’t the one who was performing the miracle. She was merely a vessel that God wanted to use to bring forth something great. Yet, she laughed. “Is any thing too hard for God?”

Sarah out and out denied that she laughed because she was “afraid.” What made her afraid? Did the revealing of her heart and mind by this unknown visitor strike a chord of fear in her? Who wouldn’t tremble at the idea of what’s going on in the inner man being revealed and unmasked? She denied but God called her out, “Nay; but thou didst laugh.”

Genesis 21:1-2 “And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken. For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.”

God always follows through on His promises to His people. God can be trusted at all times. Proverbs 30:5 says, “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.”

God did “as he had said . . . as he had spoken.” God’s word will do what it set out to do and accomplish all that it was purposed for; and it will not return to Him void, Is. 55:11. God promised Abraham that He would return and when He did what He spoke over their lives will already be accomplished.

Not only was God’s word accomplished but it happened when He designed for it to happen; on His timetable “at the set time.” Sarah’s body was old, nobody disputes that, but God allowed her a pleasure she thought she would never feel a child conceived in her womb. And, God gave her body, with its advanced age, strength to push forth and birth a healthy baby boy.

Genesis 21:3-5 “And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac. And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God commanded him. And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him.”

Let’s go through this check lists of all that God completed and brought to pass:

“Sarah bare to him” – God said in Genesis 17:19, “No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son.”
Called his name “Isaac” – Again, in Genesis 17:19, God said, “You shall call his name Isaac.”
“Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God commanded him” – God said in Genesis 17:12, “He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male child.”
“And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him” – At God’s promise, Abraham questioned, “Shall a child be born to a man who is one hundred years old?” Here in this portion of our lesson God answered that question with an astounding, YES!

God did everything He said He would right down to every last detail. Our God is a promise keeper and He never fails!

Genesis 21:6-7 “And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me. And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age.”

“God hath made me to laugh.” At the first, Sarah laughed from disbelief at the promise of God. Now, she laughs in utter joy of the miraculous that He has done in her life. God took an impossible situation to literally birth forth a promise. This astounded Sarah. Even as she gave her own child “suck” she must have felt nothing but wonder over God’s greatness in her life. Had she had a child at a normal age, her story would not impact history the way it has. God held out in His perfect timing and today we read of the wonderful things He does. He specializes in the impossible and in the process will put a smile on your face Image may be NSFW.
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Activities below to support the lesson:

Wordsearch: A Promise to Sarah Wordsearch Answers: A Promise to Sarah Wordsearch Answers

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Crossword: A Promise to Sarah Crossword Answers: A Promise to Sarah Crossword Answers

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Word Scramble: A Promise to Sarah Word Scramble Answers: A Promise to Sarah Word Scramble Answers

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Draw the Scene: A Promise to Sarah Draw the Scene (Background color should not print Image may be NSFW.
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Baby Isaac Poem/Coloring Page: Baby Isaac

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Baby Foot Prints Activity Sheet: Sarah’s Promise (Print this sheet onto cardstock. Students can then use the side of their hands to paint baby footprints all over the sheet. What a fun way to remember this lesson. Enjoy!)

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Another Idea would be to use any baby coloring sheet such as the ones from Activity Village, have students color and cut it out and glue it to colorful construction paper. Next attach our memory verse pdf: Sarah Memory Verse to their creation and there you have it. Enjoy!

“Felt Baby Blanket”: Use a square of felt fabric to let students decorate into little mini baby blankets. Wrap up a craft stick baby Isaac in it. Enjoy!

More Activities and Resources for this week’s lesson:

“Sarah, Wife of Abraham”

“Abraham, Sarah and Isaac”

“Pictures and Bible Verses for Lesson” (Downloadable/printable pictures to use to help tell the story of the lesson. Enjoy!)

“Baby TP Roll Craft” (Got extra toilet paper rolls around. Here’s a great idea to support the lesson.)

“Name Plaque”

“Coloring Sheets”

“Printable Tent For Abraham and Sarah” (It’s just what it says it is. A great accompaniment to the lesson.)

“A Promise for Abraham Mini Book”

“Abraham Bible Story Set” (Printable lesson set to emphasize the lesson. Great idea!)

“Pocket Folder Puppet Stage” (Portable lesson stage set with people. Awesome idea!)

“Emergent Reader Coloring Pages” (This lesson coloring sheets are great for those just learning to read).

“Bible Games About Sarah” (Learn more about one of our main Bible characters through games.)

“Candy Rattles” (What a fun way to remind your students of the promise of this special baby. Make little tags with verse to hang off of rattle. I would keep both handles in place and tape together. Super easy, great lesson impact. Enjoy!)

“A Promise of Land / The Promise of a Future” Sunday School Lesson, Genesis 15:7-15, October 6, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“God Created All / God Creates” Sunday School Lesson, Psalm 104:5-9, 24-30 September 1, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“An Everlasting Covenant” Sunday School Lesson, Genesis 9:8-17, September 22, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Knowledge of Good and Evil” Sunday School Lesson, Genesis 3:8-17, 22-23, September 15, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)

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October 27, 2013

“The Blessing Conveyed to Jacob“

Genesis 28:10-22

(Click here for PDF: The Blessing Conveyed to Jacob Sunday School Lesson, or simply click the print button below. Enjoy!)

Introduction

Sometimes this life leads to paths unknown. Sometimes we have a direction to follow but are uncertain about the outcome. “What lies up ahead?” becomes a hindering question that can rob you from being all that God has called you to be. It is times like these when we need an extra measure of reassurance that everything is going to be alright; that this will work out for our good, Rom. 8:28.

In today’s lesson we find God giving Jacob this same kind of reassurance that His promise is still for him, and it’s all going to work out according to His divine and holy will.

Genesis 28:10-11 “And Jacob went out from Beer-sheba, and went toward Haran. And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep.”

In Genesis 27, Jacob underhandedly, with the help of his mother, took the blessing from Esau his older brother. The Bible tells us, “Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob,” (Gen. 27:41).

His mother found out his intent and sought a plan to insure the safety of Jacob from his brother’s wrath (Gen. 27:42-46). Isaac, under the influence of his wife, blessed Jacob and sent him away to “thy mother’s father,” (Gen. 28:1-2). Beginning at our verse today, “Jacob went out from Beer-sheba, and went toward Haran,” (click here for photos and information on Haran).

The journey before him was great and it would be some time before he reached his final destination. With this being said, some nights during his travels he would be forced to sleep and lie wherever he may find a place such as he did on this night when “he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night.”

What would those first days of travel been like for Jacob? Yes, Esau was used to going out on his own but the Bible says, “Jacob was a mild man, dwelling in tents,” (Gen. 25:27). So, one wonders what this trip was like for him that was not used to such extremes? He was definitely out of his comfort zone when he sought comfort and “took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep.”

Genesis 28:12 “And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.”

“And he dreamed.” Whether it was the exhaustion of the travels, the peace of the blessing carried with him, or a combination of both, Jacob experienced a good night’s sleep where he was able to dream of the wonders of God.

“And behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven.” A few lessons back we discussed how the people got together to build a tower that would reach to heaven (“Scattering the Nations” click here). But here, what man failed to do God expressed to Jacob in a dream.

In his dream he saw a “ladder,” which most Bible students identify as some sort of a stairway. The purpose of the top of it reaching to heaven is revealed in the next part of the verse.

“And behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.” The “ladder” shown was a point of access for these angelic beings that were going to heaven from earth, and vice versa, going from heaven to earth. it was a passage way for these divine entities to travel.

Genesis 28:13-14 “And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.”

“And, behold, the LORD stood above it.” There at the top of the ladder God made His presence known. Top is always viewed as a position of authority and power. With that, it’s as if God is standing at His post declaring His authorship of all that Jacob is witnessing in this dream.

“And said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac.” First, God showed His presence. Now, He speaks. The first thing He does is to identify Himself on a level for Jacob to understand not only His authority over all (obviously), but His authorship over the blessing that has been passed down or conveyed through this special family.

God’s original promise for this family began with “Abraham,” which was then passed down through “Isaac.” No doubt the patriarchs of this family taught their children much about God. Also, they more than likely passed on the knowledge of how God promised to bless this special family. So, when God spoke to Jacob He identified Himself in a way that would leave no room for doubt for all that He is soon to reveal to him.

“The land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed.” Laying down to sleep at night, a traveler on a dark road with a stone for a pillow, receives a spoken blessing of reassurance by God Himself. Back in Genesis 12, 15, and 17 God promised Abraham repeatedly of “the land” that would be his. Now, God reiterates this promise with Jacob also. God will always fulfill every purpose He has designed to do.

“To thee will I give it.” This is a very important part of the verse that cannot be overlooked. This is what God was doing for His people. They did not earn it but it is a gift of favor they will receive because of Him; because, “I give it,” God says.

“And to thy seed.” This is a perpetual promise as was originally told to Abraham himself, (Gen. 12:7; 15:18; 17:8). This land would be their possession.

“And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth,” which equals out to a task that’s not easier to number than the stars in the sky (Gen. 15:5). They will multiply as a people and as a nation whose touch on the land will be far reaching: “west . . . east . . . north . . . south.”

“And in thee and thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.” It’s as if God is speaking verbatim or word for word to Jacob as He did with Abraham when He said, “In thy seed shall all nations of the earth be blessed,” (Gen. 22:18, give or take a word). The point is God is a promise keeper. Though this promise is traveling down through generations it is still a promise that God is going to bring to pass.

Genesis 28:15 “And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.”

“And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest.” Is there anything more comforting to the heart that is walking out into the unknown then to know that God is with you? To know that no matter where the journey may lead He will “keep” you?

This is the promise He was giving to Jacob. Who knows what he would face in the path of life before him, but one thing he did know is that he had a promise from God that insures he will never be alone. This is very similar to the promise that Christ gives His followers. He said, “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world,” (Mt. 28:20).

And, He promised to “keep” him, which means to preserve. In a previous article titled “God Keeps Me” I wrote:

“God is a keeper of them that put their trust in Him. Ps. 16:1, KJV, says, ‘Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.’ What seemed like an impossibility . . ., God did it! ‘Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?’ (Jeremiah 32:37, KJV).”

God specializes in taking care of His own and this is the promise conveyed to Jacob.

“And will bring thee again into this land.” This is a foreshadowing revelation from God of things to come. As God promised Abraham, his seed would become a great nation. But, also as God promised Abraham, it would only be after 400 years (see lesson: “A Promise of Land,” Gen. 15:13-16).

God will once again reassure Jacob with this promise before he goes down to Egypt during a time of famine. He says, “Do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I make of you a great nation there. I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again . . .,” (Gen. 46:3-4).

Genesis 28:16-17 “And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not. And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.”

“Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not.” Jacob then wakes up. The ladder, the angels, the words God spoke just for his hearing brought with it an awesome revelation: “The LORD is in this place; and I knew it not.”

When he laid down that night to rest for the remainder of the journey he had not a clue that God was near him. That is awe-inspiring and frightening at the same time. That’s why verse 17 says, “He was afraid.” Men have often, because of the realization of their own unclean self in front of a holy God, feared. That’s why Isaiah said, “Woe is me! for I am undone,” (Is. 6:5).

“How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.” That fear brought with it another revelation of respect for where he was currently standing. This realization caused him to have a reverent attitude and response for being where God is: “How dreadful is this place!”

The word “dreadful” here is not as most use it today. It’s more like a “wow” word. “Wow! This place is none other but the house of God.” it’s awesome to be in that place and recognize it for what it is; a place to be revered.

Genesis 28:18-19 “And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it. And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first.”

From “pillows” to “pillars” is the best was to describe verse 18. The very stones he rested his head on at night now became a “pillar” of faith to rest on the promises God just spoke to him. Awesome! See the amazing things God does for His people!

“And he called the name of the place Bethel.” To him it didn’t matter if the place already had a name. God allowed Jacob to experience something awesome there that night because of that he could never just view it as Luz any longer. This was now to him “Bethel,” which means “house of God.”

Genesis 28:20-22 “And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, So that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God: And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.”

“If God . . .” God made many promises to Jacob which he repeats in verses 20-21. Jacob makes a “vow” that “if God” will hold up to all that He has said, “then shall the LORD be my God.” God is a promise keeper. God is never short-sighted in what He tells His people will happen. He deserves our reverent devotion for all that He has done in our lives.

“I will surely give the tenth unto thee.” A “tenth” is a tithe. All that we have is because of God’s goodness and mercy over our lives. We, like Jacob, should be more than willing to devote some of those proceeds back to Him. This is seen in other areas of the Bible also ( see Gen. 14:20; Mal. 3:8-10; Amos 4:4; Mt. 23:23, just to name a few).

Conclusion

As with all of our lessons of study recently we see more evidence of proof that God will fulfill all that He has said to His people. Be blessed!

Below are activities to help support this week’s lesson. Enjoy!

Wordsearch: The Blessing Conveyed to Jacob Wordsearch Answers: The Blessing Conveyed to Jacob Wordsearch Answers

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Crossword: The Blessing Conveyed to Jacob Crossword Answers: The Blessing Conveyed to Jacob Crossword Answers

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Draw the Scene: The Blessing Conveyed to Jacob Draw the Scene

More Resources and Links:

“Jacob’s Ladder Printable Worksheets”

“Jacob’s Ladder Free Printable Package”

“Jacob’s Ladder Activity/Craft/Game”

“Jacob’s Ladder Toilet Paper Roll Craft”

“Jacob’s Ladder Coloring”

“Jacob’s Ladder Activity Sheet”

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November 3, 2013

“Preparation for Deliverance”

Exodus 3:7-17

(Click here for WORD document: Preparation for Deliverance Sunday School Lesson, or simply click the print button below. Enjoy!)

Introduction

For Moses, an ordinary day turned extraordinary. The mundane task of tending the flock of his father-in-law took a dramatic turn, one that would change the course of his life forever.

Going back into history a little more, Moses’ path in life was far from ordinary. From the time of his birth he was deemed a “beautiful child,” (Ex. 2:2). When she could no longer hide him from the Egyptian’s who oppressed her people, Moses’ mother went through great lengths to save his life, leading him to become Pharaoh’s daughter’s child, (Ex. 2:5-10).

Being raised in the house of Pharaoh did not block his view of the suffering of his people. Taking matters into his own hands at one point caused him to flee for his own life, beginning the next leg of his life’s journey to Midian, (Ex. 2:1.1-15). There, he established a new life. He even married and had a son in the process, (Ex. 2:21-22).

Time went by but the problem in Egypt still remained. The Bible says, “The children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage. And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob,” (Ex. 2:23b-24). Every promise that we have covered in our previous lessons God remembered. Now, He was ready to prepare His people for deliverance to bring them out of bondage.

Exodus 3:7-8 “And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.”

Before we get to the verses of this lesson let’s go back to verse 1 of this chapter when Moses’ ordinary day becomes extraordinary.

Here on this day, with the flocks grazing close by, Moses came upon a sight like no other: a burning bush. Viewing it drew him closer because unlike other bushes with flames coming out of it this one “was not consumed,” (Ex. 3:2).

The fire had no effect on the structure intriguing Moses’ curiosity all the more. Resolved to find out more he said, “I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burned,” (Ex. 3:3).

Drawing nearer to the object of his attention God stopped him from proceeding further. God told him, “Draw not night hither: put off thy shoes from thy feet; for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground,” (Ex. 3:5). With that, God introduces Himself to Moses (Ex. 3:6) and begins to talk about the situation at hand, “the affliction of my people which are in Egypt.”

God’s people weren’t always “afflicted” in Egypt. Earlier, when Joseph, through much historical detail (read Gen. 39-47 for full details), helped not only Egypt through a harsh time of famine, but also his own family, the family of Jacob through whom the promises of God flowed, they enjoyed a time of favor in Egypt. Pharaoh told Joseph, “Thy father and thy brethren are come unto thee: The land of Egypt is before thee; in the best of the land make thy father and brethren to dwell,” (Gen. 47:5-6).

But, when that Pharaoh died, this “affliction” they now faced was spurned by the fears of a new Pharaoh (Ex. 1:8-11). The children of Israel now suffered mightily and served as slaves for the Egyptians. Over 400 years have gone by and God says He has, “heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows.”

Though through their history their lives went from fantastic to fearful, God’s ears were opened and attentive to their cries the whole time. In a time after this, David will also acknowledge the God who hears his cries, “In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even unto his ears,” (Ps. 18:6). The point is God always sees and hears the troubles of His people and He knows “their sorrows.”

“I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians.” Our God is a God of action. He not only sees and hears, but He initiates a plan for their deliverance. Those who are currently in Egypt have never tasted freedom. They know nothing about life out of slavery. God was going to “deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians.” The Egyptians may have a tight hold on them now, but God was going to snatch them out.

“To bring them up out of that land . . . unto a land flowing with milk and honey.” God’s purpose was not only to deliver them from the evil clutches of the Egyptians, but to “bring them” unto something better: their Promised Land; the land that was promised to Abram, Gen. 15:18.

Exodus 3:9-10 “Now therefore, behold the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.”

“Behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me.” Here is a reiteration that God hears their “cry.” He also is noted as seeing “the oppression.” He sees the harshness of their situation. It has “come unto” Him. It does not escape His knowledge!

“I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people.” God’s purpose for appearing and speaking to Moses wasn’t for naught. He had an assignment for him. Moses was going to be key in the deliverance of God’s people from the Egyptians.

Exodus 3:11-12 “And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.”

“Who am I?” If anyone felt inadequate about a task before him, Moses did. To find out that God wanted to use him personally for such a monumental task was a little more than he could take in. “Who am I?” Moses spend the last 40 years shepherding animals and now God suggested that he would not shepherd His people “out of Egypt.”

“Certainly I will be with thee.” God never called anyone to a task and abandon them. Later, after Moses passes off the scene God will have to reassure his successor Joshua in the same way, saying, “For the Lord thy God is with thee wtihersoever thou goest,” (Jos. 1:9). There is comfort that comes with knowing that God is in the midst no matter how overwhelmed we may feel.

“And this shall be a token unto thee.” Not only did God promise simply tell that He would be with him, God backed it up with action. He said as proof, “When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.” And, when they reach that point they will realize that it was not their own hand that delivered them. They were brought out because God was with them.

Exodus 3:13-15 “And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.”

“What shall I say unto them?” At this point Moses’ brain is going full speed ahead at not only the task before him but with all the details of how it would play out. Though God promised to be with him, here we still sense some hestitation and a grappling for an excuse.

God’s response was on point. He said, “I AM THAT I AM.” God can no more be put into a small box of one little name than the entire universe can. And, He is yet greater than that. God is infinite with no limits. He just is! That’s why Revelation 1:8 says, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” Moses tell them, “I AM hath sent me unto you.”

“This is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.” This is how God is to forever to be known to His people.

Exodus 3:16-17 “Go, gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt: And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey.”

“Go, gather the elders of Israel together.” When Moses reached Egypt he was to search out the leaders of Israel and relay the message of God. “I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt.” The same way that God revealed His knowledge of their plight to Moses, Moses was then to pass it on to the “elders.”

“I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land . . . flowing with milk and honey.” As God is preparing for the deliverance of His people, Moses is to reassure them of His ultimate plan. God is going to fulfill the promise made to “Abraham . . . Isaac . . . Jacob,” and give them the “land flowing with milk and honey.”

Conclusion

Our God is a God of deliverance. No matter what, if He said it it shall be done, and all according to His divine purpose and time. Sometimes the wait may seem difficult, but God sees and knows all and He has not forgotten to deliver.

Below you will find activities to help support this week’s lesson. Enjoy!

Wordsearch: Preparation for Deliverance Wordsearch Answers: Preparation for Deliverance Wordsearch Answers

Crossword: Preparation for Deliverance Crossword Answers: Preparation for Deliverance Crossword Answers

Word Scramble: Preparation for Deliverance Word Scramble Answers: Preparation for Deliverance Word Scramble Answers

Draw the Scene: Preparation for Deliverance Draw the Scene

More Activities, Resources and Links:

“I AM THAT I AM” Coloring Sheet”

“Slaves in Egypt” Coloring Sheet”

“Burning Bush” Coloring Page

“Big Burning Bush” Coloring Page (Using this coloring page I created the activity sheet you see below. Simply color and cut out bush. Attach lesson/verse pdf: Exodus 3 verse pdf and some tissue paper to accent the flames. There you have it. Enjoy!)

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“Burning Bush/Take off You Sandles Craft” (Scroll Down)

“Stained Glass Burning Bush Craft”

“Paper Bag Burning Bush” (Very creative especially for older children. Below is a picture of one I did, but click on the link here for complete detailed instructions. Enjoy!)

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“The Burning Bush Coloring/Activities/Puzzles”

“The Call of Moses Lesson/Printable Puzzle” (Great lesson information as well as a printable jigsaw puzzle to help teachers who are pressed for time and resources for a lesson activity. Enjoy!)

“Burning Bush Craft” (Using the printable your students can create a stand alone burning bush project to help with lesson reinforcement. This unique activity can be simply done by any age. Enjoy!)

“Moses and the Burning Bush” (Following these instructions students can trace their own hands to use as a bush and then decorate with fire using tissue paper, crayons, painted fingerprints and more. Enjoy!)

“Moses and the Burning Bush Lesson/Worksheets/Activities”

“Another Burning Bush Craft”

“Burning Bush Ideas”

“A Promise of Land / The Promise of a Future” Sunday School Lesson, Genesis 15:7-15, October 6, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“i Am Who I Am” (athenammorris.wordpress.com)
The Making of a Leader . . . (melindajabersold.wordpress.com)

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November 10, 2013

“Beginning of Passover”

Exodus 12:1-14

Devotion: 1 Peter 1:18-21

(Click here for PDF: Beginning of Passover Sunday School Lesson, or simply click the print button below. Enjoy!)

Introduction

How fast are we to remember where God delivered us from? This week’s lesson marks a great time of deliverance for God’s people. He was going to crush the head of the enemy that oppressed them and bring them out with His mighty arm. In the process, God set up a policy for the people to remember and celebrate all that God had done for them. Passover was to forever be a national time of celebration for God’s people and before they left Egypt God had already instituted it.

Exodus 12:1-2 “And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you.”

By the time we reach this point in the Bible much has occurred. Last week’s lesson focused on God speaking to Moses in preparation for their deliverance (see “Preparation for Deliverance”). This week’s lesson picks up with “the LORD” now speaking to Moses and Aaron (Moses’ older brother).

All preparations are done except for one final event. Pharaoh has resisted Moses’ warnings, and so has resisted God Himself. All warnings to let His people go have fallen on deaf and spiritually hardened ears. God has issue plague after plague; everything from water being turned to blood, lice, frogs, darkness and so on. God’s power has been manifested and the Egyptians saw enough of it that it should have compelled them to repent of their evil ways before God and then, release His people.

Alas, it was not to be so. One more plague was forth coming. This was to be the worst of all. This would not only liberate God’s people but it will humble the Egyptians under the mighty hand of God.

So sure was God that this would be the last straw for the Egyptians that He had to now get these lifetime slaves in a readiness and a mindset to be a people that will be free. In doing so, the first thing He announce to Moses is “This month shall be unto you the beginning of months,” (see also Exodus 13:4).

Their lives were about to take a dramatic change for the good. Their freedom was now going to be a mark of celebration for the Israelites. This would be the “beginning,” the starting point of their new journey in life. Later in the Bible God tells Jeremiah, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end,” (Jer. 29:11). But, before one can reach the “expected end” they have to have a “beginning.”

Exodus 12:3-4 “Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house: And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.”

“Speak unto the congregation of Israel.” As the mouthpiece of God, Moses was instructed to relay God’s mandates before His people. John C. Maxwell is quoted as saying,

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way,” (Psychology Today).

These were all the prerequisites of leadership that Moses was performing. Moses knew the way because God Himself has taught him what needs to be done. He goes the way because he has followed God’s leading call and answered in obedience. And, here he is instructed to show the way which we know according to historical facts that he indeed does.

“In the tenth day of the month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers.” Every Israelite, every man, every house was to participate in this feast that God was instituting. There is a revelation in the fact that God wanted ALL His people covered. God wanted ALL His people celebrating on the same page.

This is where unity comes to play a key role for their national deliverance. Jesus teachers His disciples in the New Testament that, “If a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand,” (Mark 3:25). God wanted all of His people free, standing, and marching victoriously out of Egypt. For that to occur they ALL had to be covered.

“And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next unto his house take it.” We are so used to doing our grocery shopping the modern way. I go to the store and I get exactly what my family needs for a particular recipe (ex. 1 ½ lbs. of ground beef for meatloaf, 3 lbs. of chicken if I’m in a fried chicken mood and so on). During Moses’ day the measurements were not so exact for meat. To slaughter a whole animal for only 4-6 people would be extremely wasteful. So, in this preparation a community effort of sharing their resources comes into play. If an animal was too much for one family, rather than let it go to waste they were to share it will their “neighbor.”

Exodus 12:5-7 “Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats: And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening. And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.”

“Your lamb shall be without blemish.” A “blemish” is a flaw. It means it’s not in its most perfect state. There’s something wrong with it. This kind of animal may be okay for a regular Sunday dinner or a weekday supper, but this day was going to be a holy day with great spiritual significance attached to it and there could be nothing wrong with the “lamb.”

Another reason why there could be no “blemish” is because not only was this “lamb” part of the celebration meal, but this little guy was also a symbol of sacrifice. His “blood” would be used to cover the people, so to speak, on that fateful night to come, “And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.”

What a beautiful picture of salvation represented here. 1 Peter 1:19 shows Jesus “as of a lamb without blemish and without spot,” whose precious blood bought us and covered us.

Exodus 12:8-11 “And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire; his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof. And ye shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire. And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD’S passover.”

Not only had God given very specific details in the choosing of the lamb but he also gave clear instructions on how it was to be cooked and eaten.

They were to “eat the flesh in that night.” Everything was to be kept in the purest, freshest state possible. God left no room for contamination or impurities to enter in to this sacrifice. It had to be cooked, “roast with fire” and eaten immediately.

“Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire.” This is the second time He emphasized that it be “roast with fire.” Any other way of preparing or eating it would be a violation of the way God prescribed for this sacrifice and therefore would be rendered an unacceptable sacrifice (read Malachi 1:7-8, 12-14 for the chastisement of using unacceptable sacrifices).

God further instructed that everything be kept intact, “his head with his legs, and with the purtenance thereof.”

Keeping everything in the purses state possible they were also instructed to “let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.” There was to be no leftovers. No lamb sandwiches for the road the next day. Remember, this isn’t wastefulness, rather this lamb as opposed to others for normal dinners, was a lamb of sacrifice and deliverance. He was a special lamb, for a special night, with a special purpose. Therefore, anything remaining they had to “burn.”

And they were to “eat it in haste.” God was going to do something in that land that He had never done before and He already knew how it would turn out. He already knew that His people would be free. The people had to prepare themselves in faith as God was instructing, as if they too are anticipating their own freedom. They had to eat with “loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand.” They were to eat in readiness to move no matter what time it would occur.

I rode past a firehouse the other day with their doors opened. There on the floor, positioned by the trucks, were their boots and gear just like you see on TV. When the alarm sounds, they run to the truck, step in the boots, pull the gear up and go. They are always in a state of readiness to move if need be, day or night. This is similar to the idea of God instructing the people to eat with “loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand.”

Exodus 12:12 “For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.”

“For I will pass through the land . . . this night.” God was passing through with a purpose. On “this night” Egypt will be humbled once and for all and God’s people will gain their long awaited deliverance. There is a “firstborn” in every family, in every house, and in every field. This meant there would not be a home that would no experience the horror that would be unleashed on “this night.” No Egyptian will be able to turn a blind eye any longer. They will feel of an affliction of their own. They all will taste of the wrath of the Lord on “this night.”

And every false idea about the supremacy of false gods would be killed along with the firstborn. God will “execute judgment” and show once and for all that He is the only God. “For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible . . .,” (Duet. 10:17). For He says, “I am the LORD.” And, after this night all arguments of His deity will be put to rest, (see also Numbers 33:4).

Exodus 12:13 “And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.”

“When I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you.” Had they not followed the plan the way God prescribed surely then they would have tasted the fate of the Egyptians that night. God only promised to “pass over” them when He saw the unblemished “blood” of the lamb on the doorposts; when he saw they obeyed his instructions in readiness.

Exodus 12:14 “And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.”

“This day shall be unto you for a memorial.” This “feast to the LORD,” this day was to be commemorated “throughout your generations.” Passover wasn’t about God’s people; rather it was about what God did for His people. It was a “feast to the LORD.”

The story and celebration of how God delivered them and brought them out of Egyptian bondage was to be passed down always like a treasured family heirloom. So much so, God institutes it as law “by an ordinance for ever.” When Jesus Christ died for all mankind He became our Passover lamb. “For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us,” (1 Corin. 5:7b).

Conclusion

We all have a beginning point of when God saved us and brought us out of our own bondage to sin. Our job is not to forget what He has done for us rather to build on that and let it cause your faith to continue to grow in Him.

Below are activities that you help support this week’s lesson. Enjoy!

Wordsearch: Beginning of Passover Wordsearch Answers: Beginning of Passover Wordsearch Answers

Crossword: Beginning of Passover Crossword Answers: Beginning of Passover Crossword Answers

How many words can you make out of our lesson title this week? Click the PDF: How many words Passover to test your skill. Image may be NSFW.
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Draw the Scene: Beginning of Passover Draw the Scene

“MUST SEE VIDEOS” to support the lesson:

“Passover Story” great for older students and adults (This one is a really awesome resource to give a visual representation to today’s lesson. Enjoy!)

“The Passovers Story” for older students and adults

“Beginners Bible for Kids: Moses” for younger students (Animation at its best to show students about this magnificent time in history)

Below you will find even more Resources and Links for this week’s lesson. Enjoy!

“Lamb Ideas/Crafts” for kids. (These lamb ideas and activities can easily be applied as a great reminder to these week’s lesson. Enjoy!)

“Leaving Egypt Tonight” Coloring Page

“The Passover Lesson and Ideas” (Quite a few interesting games and activities to support the lesson such as incorporating “Freeze Tag” and a making bread and follow me activity which students will get a kick out of. Enjoy!)

“Ten Plagues Passover Craft” (Very cute and easy to do craft that allows students to remember events such as the 10 plagues that led up to their release from Egypt. Enjoy!)

“Origami Pyramid Passover Centerpiece”

“Simple Origami Jumping Frogs” (Oh my, are these little guys adorable. This is such a fun craft for your students and great to use up any left over wrapping paper. Doesn’t have to be green like, make your frogs any style you like. Enjoy!)

“Passover Printables” (Here you find several activity and coloring sheets that support this lesson. Enjoy!)

“Passover Lapbook” (Lapbooks are a great way to incorporate many different aspects of a lesson into one area. Especially for a lesson such as this week’s. Many stories lead up to today’s main lesson focus and that is the Passover. Building/making a lapbook will allow students to gain an overall view of the story as a whole)

“Preparation for Deliverance” Sunday School Lesson, Exodus 3:7-17, November 3, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“A Promise of Land / The Promise of a Future” Sunday School Lesson, Genesis 15:7-15, October 6, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“The Blessing Conveyed to Jacob” Sunday School Lesson, Genesis 28:10-22, October 27, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)

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November 17, 2013

“Beginning of Freedom”

Exodus 14:21-30

(Click here for PDF: Beginning of Freedom Sunday School Lesson, or simply click the print button below. Enjoy!)

Devotion: Nehemiah 9:7-12

Introduction

The story of the crossing of the Red Sea is one so familiar I think we often forget the power behind it. God wants His people to be free in every way, shape and form. Their journey was tied in His promise. Sometimes we don’t understand the path but if we continue to follow God’s lead He will see us safely to the other side.

Exodus 14:21-23 “And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.”

There are two basic paths one can choose in life: resist God or follow God. In last week’s lesson, “Beginning of Passover” there was shown the results of both of those decisions. For the Egyptians who resisted God they suffered devastation and loss. Torment filled the land as all the firstborn of man and beast perished. For the Israelites who obeyed God’s directives through Moses experienced liberation from bondage.

In this week’s lesson those same decisions to resist or follow are still reaping repercussions for good and for bad. The children of Israel were following God who “went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead the way; and by night in a pillar of fire . . .,” (Ex. 13:21). Whereas the Egyptians said, “Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?” (Ex. 14:5). That questioning caused them to make a decision to pursue and overtake God’s people in spite of all they just went through and witnessed, (Ex. 14:6-9).

Seeing their previous captors, “the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD,” (Ex. 14:10), and began to doubt their deliverance (Ex. 14:11-12). But, Moses reassured the people that God was going to perform yet another miracle for His people. Moses said, “The Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever,” (Ex. 14:13). True to the way that God does things, He was going to take care of their deliverance forever!

It would do no good for Him to bring them out of Egypt and have them in a position of always having to wonder is the enemy coming after them. He didn’t want them to live life in fear, always looking over their shoulder. That wouldn’t be true freedom. God brought them out to experience liberation once and for all.

With that God instructed Moses to “lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea,” (Ex. 14:16). God was going to gain honor over the Egyptians once and for all on this night, (see Exodus 14:4, 17-18).

This is where today’s lesson picks up when “Moses stretched out his hand over the sea.” Moses obeyed God’s directive from verse 16. At this point we have to stop and wonder at all these awe-inspiring events that God was performing through the hands of Moses. What must be going through Moses’ mind as he raises his hand holding that rod? He knows that God said the sea would divide and the land will be dry – but can you imagine being in his position and watching these things be manifested by God using you? Awesome!

“And the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all the night.” When Moses raised his hand in obedience, God began to move in their circumstance. There’s much to be said in relation to our obedience and God’s moving on our behalf. The two go hand in hand.

“The LORD caused the sea to go back.” Many times when you watch documentaries concerning these wonderful biblical events, man often tries to implore human knowledge to explain rationally how these things occurred. The Bible already tells us how it occurred. The same God that can call creation into existence out of nothing is the same God that can cause the sea to go back. This was not a natural occurrence or a phenomenon – it was all God’s doing!

“By a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.” God prepared the way all night for His people to experience safe passage to the other side. I love the fact that the God we serve is a very detailed oriented God. He wants to see us make it to the other side. He wants to see His people free and victorious. So, He takes the time to prepare the best possible way for that to happen.

“And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground.” Following the way God so preciously prepared for them they went into the sea on “dry ground.” Many try to explain the different ways the ground possibly became dry. I won’t do that because the fact that it was “dry,” and the fact that there was a “wall” of water on each side of them is a miracle. And the definition of a miracle means essentially that it can’t be explained. God was doing yet again a great wonder for His people on that night.

“And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea.” Nobody knows exactly how long it took the children of Israel to cross the Red Sea. Many assumptions are made without any exact calculations. Through the night people went in. They were a great mass of people and it would have taken some time to get them all through safely.

Viewing their progress the Egyptians “pursued.” They wanted the people back in bondage. They didn’t want God’s people to progress toward something greater. They were intent on trying to regain their labor force and exalt their own pride. They threw all caution to the wind (literally) and followed after the people in the sea.

Exodus 14:24-25 “And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians. And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians.”

“In the morning watch the LORD looked . . . and troubled the host of the Egyptians.” Here, the enemy is in hot pursuit but the enemy is under the watchful eye of the Lord God Almighty. This reminds us of the story of Job. The enemy could do nothing outside of God’s will to Job. God watches our adversaries. He sees those who come against us and pursues us and He will not suffer long with them.

So, God “troubled the host of the Egyptians.” God does not sit back and let the enemy do what he wants. God will “trouble” the enemies of His people. God will stir up some adversities in the lives of our adversaries much like He is doing to the Egyptians. In verse 14 of this same chapter Moses just encouraged the people by telling them, “The LORD shall fight for you.” They can pursue God’s people, but then they have to deal with the God who is fighting for them personally. Ouch!

“And took off their chariot wheels.” Psalms 20:7 tells us, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.” God is crippling the “trust” of the Egyptians by dismantling their prized “chariots” right out of underneath of them.

“Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians.” Did they really not understand that it was God who had been fighting for them the whole time? When the plagues invaded their land and none touched the Israelites, did they not comprehend that God had put a difference between His people and them and that He was taking care of His own (Ex. 11:7)?

They wait until they are in the midst of the sea with walls of water towering over them and wheels popping off before they confess “the LORD fighteth for them.” With that they want to “flee from the face of Israel.”

Exodus 14:26-28 “And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen. And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.”

Once again God instructed Moses to “Stretch out thine hand over the sea.” When he does the Bible tells us “the sea returned to his strength.” The miracle was performed for God’s people to experience safe passage to freedom. Once they arrived safely to the other side that passage was no longer needed, especially not for an enemy pursuit. God closes the way. God prevents the enemy from reaching His people.

The lesson uses the word “overthrew.” God defeated the Egyptians. God’s plan, as always, ended in a victorious triumph. God’s way to bring them out equaled success. When God is the one fighting for us, we don’t have to fear because God will always come out the winner. David said, “Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land . . .,” (Ps. 37:1-3). God will take care of the enemy and see you safely to the other side.

“There remained not so much as one of them.” God completely obliterated the Egyptians that were pursuing them. All that went into the sea to chase down the families of God’s people would never return to their own. When God offers freedom He does so with a plan of completeness, leaving nothing undone. It was their choice to continue to pursue God’s people despite all the marvelous things their eyes witnessed, leaving them to suffer the consequences.

Speaking of the wicked, Proverbs 6:15 warns, “Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.” There was no “remedy” for those Egyptian soldiers that day. Once they went into the sea after God’s people there was no way out. “There remained not so much as one of them.”

Exodus 14:29-30 “But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore.”

“But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea . . . the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians.” For God’s people, following His way and journeying through on that “dry land” brought them deliverance. They were rescued out of the hand of their enemies in one of the greatest stories ever told.

“Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore.” In our Christian lives we are called to “walk by faith, not by sight,” (2 Cor. 5:7). Yet, here God allowed them to see with their own eyes the outcome of the Egyptians choice. What they saw would forever be burned in their memory and would serve as a warning and a reminder of God’s great power. In verse 31 (not in today’s lesson) it says, “And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.”

Conclusion

God will do what He has to do to bring His people out. We have to be willing to follow His lead and have faith that He will do exactly what He has promised.

Below are activities to help support your lesson this week. Enjoy!

Wordsearch: Beginning of Freedom Wordsearch Answers: Beginning of Freedom Wordsearch Answers

Crossword: Beginning of Freedom Crossword Answers: Beginning of Freedom Crossword Answers

Draw the Scene: Beginning of Freedom Draw the Scene

Word Scramble: Beginning of Freedom Word Scramble Answers: Beginning of Freedom Word Scramble Answers

“Prince of Egypt: Parting and Crossing the Red Sea” (You Tube Video). Awesome!

More Activities/Crafts/Coloring/Links/Resources:

“Crossing the Red Sea Craft” – This is such an Awesome craft for your students from my friend at Crafting the Word of God. Go to their site, print the templates and create this wonderful project (pictured below).

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Photo Credit: Crafting the Word of God Click to visit for templates and instructions. Enjoy!

“We Crossed the Red Sea” – (Wow, visit this site for some very unique ways of presenting this lesson. Including, using blue balloons as water to walk through. Won’t your students have fun with this. Enjoy!)

“Crossing the Red Sea Coloring/Activity Sheets”

“Moses and the Red Sea Paper Craft”

“Parting the Red Sea” (This one has a video link for an interesting object lesson)

“Crossing the Red Sea: God is Always There to Help” (I especially like the “Lifting Ice Impossibility” activity to help support this lesson. Enjoy!)

“The Crossing of the Red Sea with Star Wars Figures” (This site brings out the kid in you even if you are an adult. It’s called Toy Box Tales and it shows you how to use what you have to make an awesome lesson stand out even more. Jello becomes the Red Sea. How wonderful is that?! Visit this site for some great inspiration Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. Enjoy!)

“Israelites Cross the Sea on Dry Ground Coloring Page”

“How Did Moses Cross the Red Sea Printable Booklet (Color)” (With this each students can make and take home their own booklet to forever remember this lesson with (click here for color cover). For the link for the B/W version click here for booklet and here for cover. You may want to visit their main site for even more ideas. Enjoy!)

Related articles

“Preparation for Deliverance” Sunday School Lesson, Exodus 3:7-17, November 3, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Beginning of Passover” Sunday School Lesson, Exodus 12:1-14, November 10, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“A Promise of Land / The Promise of a Future” Sunday School Lesson, Genesis 15:7-15, October 6, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“The Blessing Conveyed to Jacob” Sunday School Lesson, Genesis 28:10-22, October 27, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“A Promise to Sarah” Sunday School Lesson, Genesis 17:15-17; 18:9-15; 21:1-7, October 13, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)

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November 24, 2013

“Beginning of the Tabernacle”

Exodus 40:16-21, 29-30, 34, 38

(Click here for PDF: Beginning of the Tabernacle Sunday School Lesson, or simply click the print button below. Enjoy!)

(Please Note: All lesson verses and titles are based on International Sunday School Lesson/Uniform Series ©2010 by the Lesson Committee, but all content/commentary written within is original to wordforlifesays.com unless properly quoted/cited)

Introduction

Worship and a place to worship are essential to the Christian life. We are told in Hebrews 10:25, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.” When we come together in one place, as a corporate entity, we do so to learn of God, to encourage one another in God, and to experience God’s presence.

While God is omnipresent and “the heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee,” (1 Kings 8:27), there’s something special about God’s people gathering as one, in one place to draw closer to Him. The tabernacle, in all its special care and glory, was going to be used as a meeting place; a place for God and man to experience fellowship and reconciliation.

Exodus 40:16 “Thus did Moses according to all that the LORD commanded him, so did he.”

“So did he.” The obedience of Moses is something we hit on in last week’s lesson “The Beginning of Freedom” where I stated “There’s much to be said in relation to our obedience and God’s moving on our behalf. The two go hand in hand.” (wordforlifesays)

Moses’ obedience in last week’s lesson showed the power of God working through him to part the Red Sea that His people might experience liberation from their Egyptian captors. In this week’s lesson being obedient will eventually lead to them experiencing “the glory of the LORD,” (Ex. 40:34).

But, before they can reach that climatic event everything must be put in proper order the way God instructed. Following God’s instructions or being obedient is a key factor from Genesis to Revelations. Even beginning with creation itself, when God spoke everything had to obey and be what He called it to be. “For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast,” (Ps. 33:9). The first man was commanded to obey, (Gen. 2:17). And, at the end of the Bible Revelations 22:14 says, “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that thy may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”

Obedience is not an option. It is a requirement! Simply put NO OBEDIENCE, NO GLORY!

God desired a certain order for the tabernacle and all that is in it. Everything had to be as prescribed or else the people will short-change themselves in experiencing all that God has in store for them.

Exodus 40:17-19 “And it came to pass in the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was reared up. And Moses reared up the tabernacle, and fastened his sockets, and set up the boards thereof, and put in the bars thereof, and reared up his pillars. And he spread abroad the tent over the tabernacle, and put the covering of the tent above upon it; as the LORD commanded Moses.”

“In the first month . . . on the first day of the month.” The time when the tabernacle was reared up was another act of obedience on the part of Moses. In Exodus 40:1-2 God spoke to Moses stating this is the exact time that He wanted the tabernacle “set up.” Moses, in obedience, rallied the people to get the work done on time so that it can be erected in the time God stated.

“The tabernacle was reared up.” At this point of time in the Bible all preparations have been made and now it was time to erect the tabernacle itself and to also start assembling everything where it needed to go.

“Sockets . . . boards . . . bars . . . pillars” were some of the items that needed assembling in the rearing of the tabernacle. In Exodus 36 there is greater detail shown for these items. “Sockets” were silver and they were placed under the boards and used in the pillars (vss. 20-30). In verse 38 the “sockets” were “brass.” The “boards” and “bars” were both made of “shittim wood” (vss. 20, 31). The “boards” were 10 cubits by 1 ½ cubits (vs. 21). The “boards” and “bars” were overlaid with gold, (vs. 34). The “pillars” were also made of “shittim wood” and overlaid with gold, (vss. 36, 38).

It would be good to familiarize yourself more by reading Exodus 36:8-38.

“He spread abroad the tent over the tabernacle, and put the covering of the tent above upon it.” Exodus 36:19 tells us, “He made covering for the tent of ram’s skin dyed red, and a covering of badgers’ skins above that.” So, here we get a general idea of some of the materials that went into this tabernacle and how it was constructed.

Exodus 40:20-21 “And he took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the mercy seat above upon the ark: And he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the vail of the covering, and covered the ark of the testimony; as the LORD commanded Moses.”

“Put the testimony into the ark.” In Exodus 24:12 the LORD called Moses up on the mount. He said, “I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.”

Moses was on the mount for “forty days and forty nights,” (Ex. 24:18). While there God gave detailed instructions on EVERYTHING! Traveling a little bit further in the Bible to Exodus 31:1 it says, “And he gave unto Moses when he made an end of communing with him upon the mount Sinai, two tablets of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.”

In Exodus 32:19, those first “tables;” those that were considered “the work . . . the writing of God,” (Ex. 32:16) were broken when Moses cast them down in his anger over the worship of the golden calf. The “testimony” that he is placing in the ark in today’s lesson were the second set of “tables of stone,” (Ex. 34:1-4).

“Put the mercy seat above upon the ark.” Exodus 25:17 tells us of this “mercy seat.” It says, “Thou shalt make a mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof,” (a cubit is approximately 18 inches in length).

The “mercy seat” is the meeting place of God. Exodus 25:22 says, “And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of testimony . . .”

“Covered the ark of the testimony.” With all the pieces of the “ark” in place it’s now taken into the “tabernacle” and set behind a “vail.” God gave instructions for this “vail” in Exodus 26:31-33. It was used to “divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy,” (Ex. 26:33, see also Hebrews 9:1-6). It was in this most holy place where Christ entered with His blood and “obtained eternal redemption for us,” (Heb. 9:12).

Exodus 40:29-30 “And he put the altar of burnt offering by the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation, and offered upon it the burnt offering and the meat offering; as the LORD commanded Moses. And he set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the altar, and put water there, to wash withal.”

“Altar of burnt offering.” Exodus 27:1-2 describes the altar as made “of shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof shall be three cubits.” Verse 2 goes on to describe the “horns” of the altar and that is overlaid with “brass.”

This “altar” would receive the unblemished sacrifice, (Lev. 1:3). This “altar” is where “atonement” would be made, (Lev. 1:4). This “altar” is where a “sweet savour unto the LORD is made,” (Lev. 1:9, 13, 17). This “altar” would be an integral part of their worship.

“He set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the altar.” This is one of those times where you can really apply that old saying, “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” This “laver” was made of “brass” and was used for the purpose of washing, (Ex. 30:17-21). God warned that if the priests tried to approach Him or any of His services at the altar and such, if they did so without washing, they would die (Ex. 30:20-21). This is a good representation of how seriously we should be careful in how we approach God in our own worship.

Exodus 40:34, 38 “Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.”

“A cloud covered the tent.” In last week’s lesson they were guided by a “cloud.” Here, the “cloud” indicating the presence of God, covers the “tent of the congregation,” and “the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.” God has a way of showing up, so to speak, and making His presence known when His people follow His directions and have everything in place.

In 1 Kings, when Solomon brought the “ark of the covenant of the LORD unto his place,” (8:6) and the “priest came out of the holy place,” (8:10), the Bible tells us “the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD.”

In either instance, imagine what it would have like, there on either of those days, to visibly witness the presence of God. Awesome! Terrifying! And, everything in between!

“Cloud . . . by day, and fire . . . by night . . . throughout all their journeys.” The same way God assured them in last week’s lesson is the same way He assures them now. He is ever with His people. When He moves they move; when He stayed still they remained where they were. “And when the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, then after that the children of Israel journeyed: and in the place where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel pitched their tents,” (Num. 9:17, see also verses 18-23).

Conclusion

Let us be mindful of how we draw near to God in worship. Jesus paved the way through His redemptive blood that we might have an intimate relationship with God. He entered the most holy place to gain our salvation. Let’s give Him the worship He deserves.

Below you will find activities to help support this week’s lesson. Enjoy!

Wordsearch: Beginning of the Tabernacle Wordsearch Answers: Beginning of the Tabernacle Wordsearch Answers

Crossword: Beginning of the Tabernacle Crossword Answers: Beginning of the Tabernacle Crossword Answers

Draw the Scene: Beginning of the Tabernacle Draw the Scene

Below are more links and resources for this week’s lesson. Enjoy!

“Bible Stories – Instructions for the Tabernacle” (This Youtube video animation is great for explaining all those little details of building the tabernacle. Great visual representation. Enjoy!)

“Building the Tabernacle” (Scroll down to the activity section on this site to put together a simple project for any student. Enjoy!)

“Building the Tabernacle Coloring Page”

“Build Your Own Tabernacle” (Step by step and fully printable!!!! Two great combinations to help any teacher bring something special to the lesson. With this each student can build their own tabernacle or simply use this as a model for yourself to show to the students and have them make one with popsicle sticks. Enjoy!)

“Holy of Holies” (Scroll down to the craft/activity section for a simple but nice way to introduce the idea of the Holy of Holies to students. This would go well with explaining verse 21 of our lesson. Enjoy!)

“The Tabernacle Picture Object Lesson” (Okay, this site not only shares a wealth of information that can really help a teacher out when trying to explain the different aspects of the tabernacle (which can be a bit tricky sometimes Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. ) – but, there is also a very easy and simple idea to cut the pictures out and put them into the proper place of the “tabernacle.” Enjoy!)

“Israel is Instructed to Build God’s Tabernacle Coloring Page”

“Beginning of Freedom” Sunday School Lesson, Exodus 14:21-30, November 17, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Beginning of Passover” Sunday School Lesson, Exodus 12:1-14, November 10, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Preparation for Deliverance” Sunday School Lesson, Exodus 3:7-17, November 3, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)

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December 1, 2013

“Jesus’ Birth Foretold”

Luke 1:26-40

(Click here for PDF: Jesus’ Birth Foretold Sunday School Lesson or simply click the print button below. Enjoy!)

Introduction

One moment in time that would change history forever; affecting not only the life of one individual, but for all mankind that ever was born upon the face of the earth.

Mary, the young Jewish woman from Nazareth, surely knew of the prophecy that was taught to her people down through the generations: “Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel,” (Is. 7:14). But, never could she have imagined that she would be that one’ that she would be that virgin spoken of so many years ago, (see Mt. 1:21-23).

As we enter into the celebration of the Christmas season let us not become so familiar with the story that we pass it by without a second glance. Rather, as the angel Gabriel introduces to Mary the great feat that God is about to do in her life, let us reintroduce ourselves to His great power and plan to bring salvation to all men.

Luke 1:26, “And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,”

In the verses leading up to our lesson a dramatic event unfolded. Zacharias’ lot was drawn “to burn incense” in the temple of the Lord, (Lk. 1:9). While there, Gabriel, the same angel in today’s lesson, informs Zacharias that he shall have a son that “shall be great in the sight of the Lord,” (Lk. 1:15). Zacharias, though working in the temple of the Lord, doubted what the Lord could do in his life. This caused him to be stricken “dumb, and not able to speak, until the days that these things shall be performed,” (Lk. 1:20).

His wife Elisabeth conceived as was told by Gabriel and “his herself five months,” (Lk. 1:24). Today’s lesson picks up “in the sixth month” where we see the same Gabriel who spoke to Zacharias in the temple now appear to Mary in “Nazareth.”

Luke 1:27 “To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.”

Mary was “espoused” or as we like to call it in modern terms “engaged” to a man by the name of “Joseph.” Unlike modern times to be engaged then carried far more weight of commitment then it does today. Those “espoused” were considered husband and wife without partaking in sex. That would come a year later when she would go to be with him as wife in every sense of the word. At this point in their relationship only a divorce could break off their engagement. It was during this time of being “espoused” to Joseph; “before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost,” (Mt. 1:18).

More on that another time. Right now, let’s focus on the introduction of God’s plan to this unsuspecting woman.

Luke 1:28-29 “And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.”

“The angel came in unto her, and said, Hail.” Most depictions of this encounter via movies, television, or story telling one gets the sense that this encounter took place outdoors. But, here it states that when the angel Gabriel greeted Mary, he “came in unto her,” giving us the impression that Mary was indoors during this meeting.

“Thou art highly favoured.” Now, to be real I think in our day and age we here so much preaching on favor that we have missed the real significance of the word. Too many people associate favor with the plethora of prosperity messages we hear. In the Bible “favour” is associated with “grace,” and grace is after all, God’s unmerited favor.

It’s something that is not earned or deserved but God, when he looked upon Mary saw something special in her to choose her to be the one to partake in this life-changing, world-changing mission. In God’s eyes she was “highly favoured.” I like the fact that the Bible does not go into greater detail of why God chose Mary outside of being “highly favoured,” lest we think of it as a list of criteria to try to emulate to gain favor, when this is all done through grace.

“The Lord is with thee.” How many times in her life would she need to reflect back on that promise? When the news got out about her pregnancy; when all the gossips and tongue lashers had their way, would she need to reach back to this promise? What about when uncertainty in the turbulent times of the day that would seek to threaten the life of her child? Or, even moving beyond this story to the scene of Jesus’ death, how often would she remind herself of those words of blessed assurance? Is this not one of the greatest promises associated with the birth of the Messiah? He is “Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us,” (Mt. 1:23).

“Blessed art thou among women.” No woman on the face of this earth would ever, and I do mean ever experience what Mary did. Not only in being chosen for this mission of God, but also in every aspect of life this journey would take her through from conception to death. In that she is “blessed.” Women have conceived since the time of Eve, but none has ever been a virgin overshadowed by the Holy Ghost. Women have carried children in their womb, but none else has ever or will ever carry the Son of God. She is “blessed.”

“She was troubled at his saying . . . what manner of salutation this should be.” One of my favorite songs is “I Am A Friend Of God” by Israel Houghton. Just the opening of the verse sucks me in with humility and worship, “Who am I that you are mindful of me,” (Lyricsmode.com). Of course, this is representation from the Bible when Psalms 8:4 asks, “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visited him?”

This could be imagination on my part but I believe one of the reasons at Mary being “troubled at his saying” and her questioning of “what manner of salutation this should be” is rooted in the same spirit of humility that son and Psalms 8:4 express. “Who am I?” must have been running through her head that an angel of God would greet her so.

There would also be a healthy dose of godly fear intermingled with her response. After all, it isn’t every day that God dispatches a messenger from heaven to speak face to face with a person. This was truly an awe-inspiring event. Anytime an angel appeared to speak directly to an individual it was often “troubling” to the receiver (compare to Luke 1:12).

Luke 1:30-33 “And the agnel said unto her, Fear not, Mary; for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a so, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

“Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.” Gabriel spoke words meant to calm the fright she was experiencing inside. “Fear not” is one of my favorite set of words in the Bible. It is spoken over and over again on so many occasions, to many people. My favorite is found in Isaiah 41:10 where these words of assurance are found saying, “Fear thou not; for I am with htee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” “Fear not” pleads with man to trust God.

Gabriel then reiterated that Mary “hast found favor with God.” With the task she is about to receive she would need this double reassurance of God’s favor over her life.

“Thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.” “Shalt” means that it is going to happen. God has a plan for her that beings and ends with “JESUS.” She, in the very near future, would carry a child in her “womb.” Though her year of being espoused is not yet up and the final marriage preparations have not been done, she is told she will “bring forth a son and shalt call his name JESUS.” When the angel spoke to Jospeh in Matthew 1:21, he confirmed the name of this special child would be “JESUS.” That name with the meaning of salvation is where many would find life (see John 20:31).

“He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest.” Jesus will later say of Himself, “I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world,” (Jn. 8:23). He knew His origin was different than any other man that had been born on earth. Here, Gabriel tells Mary her son will be from the “Highest,” (see also John 3:31).

“And the Lord shall give unto him the throne of his father David.” For centuries the hopes of the Jewish people’s awaited Messiah sprang from the promise that God made to His servant David when He said, “And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever,” (2 Sa. 7:16, see also 1 Chronicles 17:14).

David desired to build God a physical house but God desired to build off of his legacy a spiritual house that will never fail. The son that Mary would carry in her womb would hold the keys to that spiritual house. He would be the one to occupy the “throne” forever.

“He shall reign . . . and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” Earthly kings would come and go down through the course of time. Some would be good kings and some would be evil. For some they would do what was right in the eyes of God while others would rule as polar opposites. One thing they all had in common, no matter motivation, location or rule sooner or later their reign would end. Either by death, usurping of the throne or by some other kingdom-shifting event they would eventually lose their right to rule.

The child that Mary would carry would always “reign.” Even when it looked like death may have won for a short space of time – He was really just revving up to rule forever.

Luke 1:34 “Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?”

When all was said and done and her stomach would begin to grow with child, most people would never believe Mary’s statement, “I know not a man.” People judge by what they see with their natural eyes. But, for Mary her statement would forever stand as truth in the eyes of all who believe that this virgin would conceive the Son of God.

Mary knew the means in which one would normally conceive a child. She also knew that though she was espoused, she has remained untouched in this manner. The Bible confirms that “before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost,” (Mt. 1:18). Her questioning was more of a “How in the world will this happen?” statement rather than doubt. She knew her pure state. How was God going to accomplish such a thing in her? Her body would produce a miracle – but, how?

Luke 1:35 “And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”

“The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee . . . shall be called the Son of God.” Gabriel answered Mary’s question. In His own way, a way that only God Himself can explain or understand, “The Holy Ghost” will come upon her and “the power of the Highest shall overshadow” her. Though the Holy Ghost had previously and temporarily empowered people to do something for God, here He was playing a key role in the incarnation of Christ in whom “dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily,” (Col. 2:9). John 1 recognized Jesus as the only begotten Son of God, (vss. 14, 18).

Luke 1:36-37 “And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

“Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age.” Mary never asked for a sign but what a sweet reminder of the grace of God at work. How many times had God blessed a barren womb in the Bible? Elisabeth’s son would fulfill a prophecy of his own (see Isaiah 40:3) and would forever be remembered for his greatness in going before the Lord. Even Jesus spoke of John and said, “For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist,” (Luke 7:28).

“For with God nothing shall be impossible.” Oh, how often have we quoted this and yet underestimate the power at work in it? God, the Creator of all heaven and earth, was still fashioning things into existence in a miraculous way. “Nothing” is outside of the power of God! There isn’t “nothing” that He can’t do! “God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God,” (Ps. 62:11). Revelation 19:1 declares, “Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto thee Lord our God.”

Luke 1:38 “And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.”

Mission accomplished. The angel delivered his message and departed after she accepted the mission at hand. Let us not downplay Mary’s acceptance of this calling. The situation could have ended her life. The situation would bring shame and ridicule to her life. It is hard to accept some of things that God asks of His people. At one point of His ministry Jesus’ teachings would invoke this response, “This is an hard saying; who can hear it?” (Jn. 6:60). The task she was accepting was in fact very hard but she acquiesced to the hand of God and His will over her life. Jesus later would accept a harder calling of God and said, “O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done,” (Mt. 26:42). Following God’s way will not always be easy but it will always be right.

Luke 1:39-40 “And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth.”

Accepting and receiving this calling of a miracle for herself drove Mary to go and see about “Elisabeth.” There she would receive confirmation and a friend of understanding for all that she was entering into.

Conclusion

These little details that surround the greatest story ever told can get lost in the bustle of the celebration. But, if we take the time to sit and listen as Mary did with the angel, we too can find assurance in the plans that God has for us in our lives.

God bless you!

Below you will find activities to help support your lesson this week. Enjoy!

Wordsearch: Jesus’ Birth Foretold Wordsearch Answers: Jesus’ Birth Foretold Wordsearch Answers

Crossword: Jesus’ Birth Foretold Crossword Answers: Jesus’ Birth Foretold Crossword Answers

Word Scramble: Jesus’ Birth Foretold Word Scramble Answers: Jesus’ Birth Foretold Word Scramble Answers

Draw the Scene: Jesus’ Birth Foretold Draw the Scene

More Activities/Resources/Links:

“Gabriel Visits Mary Coloring Page” (Older Children)

“An Angel Visits Mary” (17 pages of printables, activities and lesson ideas. Awesome!)

“Stand Up Mary and the Angel” (Easily printed and made to stand up. A great idea for this lesson. For kicks, you can use a shoe box to make a scene as the background. The possibilities are endless. Enjoy!)

“Gabriel Visits Mary Coloring and Activities”

“An Angel Visits Mary” (This is a wonderful supplement to our lesson for this week. I especially like the “Who Am I” game on pages 3-4. Enjoy!)

“Bible Slideshow Gabriel Visits Mary”

“Nativity Advent Calendar”

“Christmas Tree Advent Calendar”

“Happy Birthday Jesus! Calendar”

“Jesus’ Birth Foretold Coloring Sheet”

“Angel Crafts”

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December 8, 2013

“Mary’s Song of Praise”

Luke 1:46-56

(Click here for PDF: Mary’s Song of Praise Sunday School Lesson, or simply click the print button below. Enjoy!)

Introduction

It doesn’t take much to think on the goodness of the Lord and to have one’s heart to move into a mode of worship. It’s not a far stretch of the imagination to bust out in a song of praise when God reveals and fulfills His promises in the lives of them that are His. His goodness and mercy should evoke a heart that rejoices; a heart that wants to sing of His praises.

In last week’s lesson the angel Gabriel revealed to Mary that she was going to be personally involved in the life of the coming Messiah. After the angel departed from her she went to visit her cousin Elisabeth who was with child also. There an amazing thing happened. When the babe in Elisabeth’s womb heard the voice of Mary he “leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost,” (Luke 1:41). After this infilling, she blessed Mary and confirmed the “performance of those things which were told her from the Lord,” (Luke 1:45).

In response, Mary’s soul joins in with rejoicing!

Luke 1:46-47 “And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.”

“My soul doth magnify the Lord.” What God revealed to her through Gabriel and confirmed through Elisabeth is nothing short of AWESOME! It goes beyond the concept of human thinking and understanding and takes you to a realm of the way He thinks and operates. It beckons one to step out into the unknown with a life and a heart of total trust. It takes you to a place of just standing in awe of the great things that He said He would do.

How else is Mary to respond except to say, “My soul doth magnify the Lord.” God was about a great work (as He always is). For centuries they have longed for the promise of the Messiah to be fulfilled. Generations have laid up their hopes in store for this great day. Mary’s soul can’t help it but to praise God. She knew before anyone else that God was ready to do a great kingdom shift. She is rejoicing because that time is finally at hand for the long awaited promise to come to pass and she got to be personally involved.

She was moved to “magnify the Lord.” We use the word “magnify” to mean to enlarge. We can’t make God bigger than what He already is. 1 Kings 8:27 declare, “The heaven of heavens cannot contain thee.” But, we can exalt and praise Him – we can lift His name up at the joy of what He is doing in the lives of His people. We can make our praise of Him grow and grow until it affects the lives of those around us. Through our worship we can help enlarge His territory and gain back spiritual ground in the lives of those who witness what God is doing in us.

When was the last time that you can honestly say, “My soul doth magnify the Lord?” When was the last time you felt a shift in your spirit to move into the realm of praise over the greatness of God in your life? Mary was at her cousin’s house when she busted out with this hymn of rejoicing. You can feel the spirit of God move you to worship anywhere! You don’t have to wait until Sunday morning service! Let your soul “magnify” Him now! That’s why she continued on and said, “My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.”

“God my Saviour.” This is all about Him and what He is doing. Man cannot save himself. Man does not have the means to secure permanent deliverance from sin for himself. Try as he might, it just won’t work.

But, God . . .

Her people were under the tyranny of Herod and whoever else decided to put their hands in the pot of affliction over them. Worse than that, despite laws and sacrifices the tyranny of sin still permeated the world and had mankind shackled in its bonds.

But, God . . .

Mary can “rejoice!” There is hope for her. There is hope for her people. There is hope for the world. “God my Saviour” is ready to let loose His plan of deliverance once and for all! Titus 3:4-5a says, “But when the kindness of God our Saviour and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us!” (NASB). Rejoice! “God my Saviour” has a plan to “save us!”

Luke 1:48-50 “For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.”

“For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden.” Who are you to those who see you everyday? Are you known as mom or dad, sister or brother? Are you just that church member who sits on the end of pew five from the front? Or, are you just that neighbor down the street? Who are you to those at work or to those who see you drop off the kids at school? How do people identify you? Are you just a passing thought to most or do people “regard” you? Do people take notice of you and your life?

Mary, when she woke up that morning before Gabriel spoke to her, she just saw herself as Mary; nothing more, nothing less. She was just one in a group of young women who lived in her town of Nazareth. Yet, the whole time God “regarded” her. God had His eyes on her for something bigger and better in life and she didn’t even know it. “He hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden.” She viewed herself as nobody special but she was somebody God paid attention to.

“From henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.” God is big on remembering those who submit in obedience to His will and allow themselves to be used by Him. “He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him,” (Heb. 11:6). Jesus told His disciples one day after Mary (not today’s lesson Mary) anoints Him with the oil from the alabaster box, “Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.” People are going to remember her.

With the Mary of today’s lesson, the one that would bear the Son of God, people are going to do more than just remember her, they “shall call me blessed,” she said. As stated in last week’s lesson:

“No woman on the face of this earth would ever, and I do mean ever experience what Mary did. Not only in being chosen for this mission of God, but also in every aspect of life this journey would take her through from conception to death. In that she is “blessed.” Women have conceived since the time of Eve, but none has ever been a virgin overshadowed by the Holy Ghost. Women have carried children in their womb, but none else has ever or will ever carry the Son of God. She is “blessed.” (Wordforlifesays.com)

She will forever be linked to the greatest miracle God has ever done and considered “blessed” to be a part of it.

“For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.” How often has God moved in the life of one to bless and bring about “great things” to only have them take credit for it or attribute it to another? Mary didn’t do that. She recognized that God is the “mighty” One and He was the One that was performing these “great things” in her life. 1 Samuel reminds us, “For those who honor Me I will honor,” (2:30, NASB). She honored God and attributed glory to His name for His mighty hand in her life.

“Holy is his name.” Mary is rolling out this beautiful hymn of what God is doing and in the middle she takes as we call it today, a praise break! At least, this is how I viewed it :)! God has overwhelmed her in a good way and it’s like she can’t help but to stop and say “Holy is his name!”

God is unique in who He is and in the way He does things. After God delivered the children of Israel from Pharaoh and his chariots at the Red Sea, Moses and the children of Israel sang a song, Exodus 15:1. In that song they also recognized the holiness of God. They sang, “Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” (15:11). This is the same song of heart that Mary says in today’s lesson when she pronounces “Holy is his name!” Psalm 99:3 declared, “Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.”

When God moves in your life; when God does the impossible, if at no other time you ought to especially recognize His holiness, His power, His uniqueness in it all and praise Him for it!

“And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.” I have a lot of favorite psalms but by far one of my top favorites is Psalm 118. This is one I cling to and often go back to for times when I need encouragement. It starts off giving a brief history of the goodness of God in the life of His people because “his mercy endureth forever.” Then, this beautiful psalm moves to an even more beautiful declaration of God’s promises for those who put their trust in Him. There is not a verse in this Psalm that I don’t like. It even ends with another, “For his mercy endureth for ever,” (Ps. 118:29).

Mary recognized God’s hand of mercy over “them that fear him from generation to generation.” Psalm 103:17 tells us, “But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children.” Both of these verses express the unending mercy of God.

God promised David through Nathan the prophet, speaking of his descendants, saying, “I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the road of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee,” (2 Sam. 7:14-15).

Mary saw God’s promise to David and that His mercy was still at work to “them that fear him.” Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,” (see also Pro. 9:10-11). Time did not erase the promises of God. Though they have waited, and at times it would seem that the Messiah wasn’t coming, God’s mercy was working it out from “generation to generation.”

Luke 1:51-53 “He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.”

“He hath shewed strength with his arm.” When God has a plan He shows up in the full strength of His power to accomplish it. God is omnipotent. There is nothing that He can’t do. There is none who can subdue or usurp His power. That’s why we are encouraged to, “Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually,” (1 Chron. 16:11), because God’s strength is unmatched in power and authority.

In His strength He “scattereth the proud in the imagination of their hearts . . . he put down the mighty from their seats . . . the rich he hath sent empty away.” He made them broke, busted and disgusted! Those that should have had no lack; those that should have been top of their game; those that thought they were all that and a bag of chips – LOL, yes, I went there :), God humbled them and removed them. Why? Because they lived in reliance of their own power and ability. They lived a life of pride; a life in opposition to God. Therefore, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble,” (James 4:6, NASB).

God flips the script and He “exalted them of low degree” and “He hath filled the hungry with good things . . .” God lifts up and blesses the lowly of this world. “Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly,” (Ps. 138:6). It was the lowly, the unassuming and the unexpected course that God would use to usher in the reign of the Messiah. From the choosing of a young woman from Nazareth to His lowly birth and being “laid . . . in a manager,” (Lk. 2:7); all was done without pomp and circumstance to bring forth the Savior of the world.

Luke 1:54-55 “He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.”

“He hath holpen his servant Israel.” God has been a constant source for His people “Israel.” They were a people of promise. They were a people who would be an example to other nations (Deut. 4:6-8). They were a people through whom we would be blessed also. “And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed,” (Gal. 3:8, see also Luke 1:55 (today’s lesson); Gen. 12:3). He remembered “his mercy” despite their failings and short-comings. God has helped Israel and stood by Israel’s side for them to be the people they were called to be.

Luke 1:56 “And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.”

Mary, we are assuming, stayed with Elisabeth up until close to the time of her giving birth to John. Gabriel came to her in the sixth month (Luke 1:26), and here we are told she “abode with her about three months” which would equal out to the normal time for pregnancy to be completed. Then, she “returned to her own house.” After which verse 57 (not in today’s lesson) tells us of the birth of John.

Conclusion

Let your soul magnify God with Mary! God is worthy to be praised! Not just in those marvelous times when He is working miracles out for you and I, but praise Him as Mary did, for His holiness. Praise Him for being the great God that He is!

Be blessed!

Below you will find activities for help support the lesson this week. Enjoy!

Wordsearch: Mary’s Song of Praise Wordsearch Answers: Mary’s Song of Praise Wordsearch Answers

Crossword: Mary’s Song of Praise Crossword Answers: Mary’s Song of Praise Crossword Answers

Word Scramble: Mary’s Song of Praise Word Scramble Answers: Mary’s Song of Praise Word Scramble Answers

Draw the Scene: Mary’s Song of Praise Draw the Scene

Below are even more Activities/Resources/Links:

“Mary’s Song” (Here you will find many activity sheets, coloring and group activities. Enjoy!)

“Sing Craft for Kids” (This is one of those easy teacher helper activities :). All you do is color, cut and sing. It’s that simple and it allows students the chance to rejoice with Mary in a new way! Enjoy!)

“Sing Unto the Lord Coloring Sheets”

“Sing Coloring Page for Kids”

“Where’s the Note Game” (Oh, this is a super-simple game to prepare and play with your student, but boy, will it leave an impact on the lesson. This can be done with any song of praise to God or even using Christmas song which would be great this time of year. This is a must try! Enjoy!)

This time of year we are doing a lot of singing right along with Mary. We are magnifying God in the Christmas songs that we sing. What better way to Magnify God than to sing of the birth of His Son. Below you will find several candle activities that children can easily do. Children can use these “candles” as they carol and sing of the praises of God. Enjoy!

“Mosaic Candles for Christmas” (This is just a general idea. Decorate any way you want. Enjoy!)

“Candle Ornaments” (Candles from popsicle sticks – how great is that! Use this craft as is or use larger craft sticks and make candles for students to hold instead of ornaments when they sing. Enjoy!)

“Colorful Votive Craft for Kids” (These are great and simple to do. One note: Decorate the jars any way you want but I would use battery operated lights instead of real tea light candles. Enjoy!)

Below is another way we can celebrate this lesson and sing and Magnify God as Mary did using printable song books. Simply keep the song you want and omit those you don’t. Enjoy!

“Christmas Carols Songbook”

“Christmas Carol Lyrics Sheets”

One great and easy idea is to make your own song books for students. Simply fold construction paper in half and use blank white sheets or song lyrics in the middle. On the outside cover attach this music coloring sheet or any that you wish to decorate your book. There you have it. Enjoy!

Related articles

“Jesus’ Birth Foretold” Sunday School Lesson, Luke 1:26-40, December 1, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Beginning of Freedom” Sunday School Lesson, Exodus 14:21-30, November 17, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“The Blessing Conveyed to Jacob” Sunday School Lesson, Genesis 28:10-22, October 27, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)

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December 15, 2013

“Zacharias’s Prophecy”

Luke 1:57, 67-79

(Click here for PDF: Zacharias’s Prophecy Sunday School Lesson, or simply click the print button below. Enjoy!)

Introduction

Nine months is a long time to be conscious and cognizant and not be able to communicate verbally to those around you. A closed mouth is not easy especially when the heart has so much to say; so much to express. And yet, times of silence can be times of reflection. It can be a time of feeding one’s inner man with all that is taken in without the worry of a witty or appropriate response.

In this week’s lesson silence is broken and prophecy is birthed. The time to respond and declare to what God was doing had come. With the birth of his son, John, Zacharias spoke words of purpose and fulfillment that would come to pass.

Luke 1:57 “Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.”

How many times had she dreamed of this day? How many years of ridicule and barrenness would be erased with the joy of this day? From the time she conceived and knew of the blessed son she would carry had she longed for her “time” to come.

“Now Elisabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered.” For five months she hid the miracle God performed in her body (Luke 1:24). For three months her cousin Mary stayed by her side (Luke 1:56). But now, her “full time” came. Her womb had swelled with each passing months to accommodate the growth of her babe inside. The time for growth to be completed has come to an end and it was time for her to “be delivered.”

It was time for this long awaited birth. “She brought forth a son.” With her season of barrenness behind her now it was her time to bring “forth.” With the birth of her “son” she steps into a new realm of womanhood. Though she is advanced in age she finally gets to experience all the satisfaction and completeness of what a woman’s body can do.

Luke 1:67 “And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,”

We opened our lesson with the focus on mom, Elisabeth. Now, it’s daddy’s turn to take center stage.

In the verses in between, after Elisabeth had given birth, there arose some disagreement about the name, John that she wanted the babe to have. At this point Zacharias wrote on a “writing table” confirming his name to be John, (Luke 1:63).

In verse 64 (not in today’s lesson) we are told, “And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.” When Zacharias confirmed the name John he got into agreement with what God was doing as opposed to the unbelief he initially showed. When he got into agreement with what God was doing he got loosed from what was holding him down. Here, in our lesson Zacharias immediately moved from praise to prophecy under the unction of the “Holy Ghost.”

Luke 1:68-69 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David.”

“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel.” Even in his prophecy the firth thing that comes from his mouth is praise! He attributes glory, honor and praise to “the Lord God of Israel.” “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created,” (Rev. 4:11). “For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods,” (Ps. 96:4). Bless Him!

“For he hath visited and redeemed his people.” Zacharias had some prophetic insight into the plan of salvation which God was ready to initiate to redeem His people. His son was chosen to help advance God’s kingdom plan. His son, his miraculous birth was proof that God had not forsaken His people. Rather, quite the opposite has taken place. Just as He paid attention to them when they were in their time of affliction in Egypt, so now God turns His attention to His people as a whole, He remembers their plight and “He hath visited and redeemed his people.”

That word “redeemed” means to buy back or to satisfy a debt. Though Christ Himself had not been born yet, and though the cross is years in the making, Zacharias could see hints of God’s plant to satisfy the debt of sin and deliver mankind from its fury once and for all.

“And hath raised up an horn of salvation . . . in the house of . . . David.” In dealing with God’s promises and the prophecies of those whom He chooses to be His mouthpiece, we have often hit on the fact that it is through the lineage of “David” that “salvation” would to all men. “And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever,” (2 Sam. 7:16).

Psalm 132:17 supports Zacharias’s prophecy by saying, “There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed,” (see also Ezekiel 29:21). In His power and authority God was going to raise up our of the ancient promise the means to save mankind.

Luke 1:70-71 “As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: That we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us.”

“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” is what Romans 11:33 tells us. Yet, there are times that God has used people to reveal what as one his minds and heart through “His holy prophets.”

“Since the world began.” God has used people to warn and to exhort His people. God is fair and just in His dealings with mankind. He gives opportunities and chances over and over again. Amos 3:7 tells us, “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secrets unto his servants the prophets.”

God shares His plans through the prophets. Now, whether or not people listen to the prophet is another story. Even before God flooded the earth He told Noah what He was up to, (Gen. 6:13). Man is left without an excuse “since the world began.”

In today’s lesson God has used prophets to tell of the coming deliverance “that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us.” God has, down through history (since the world began), used prophets to usher in the expectation of the Lord; of the Messiah, the One who would truly save.

In an article written by Mary Fairchild on About.com titled: Prophecies Jesus Fulfilled, there she states 44 Prophecies of the Messiah Fulfilled in Jesus Christ, (About.com), though there is said to be many more. Through this study we see people in various parts of the Old Testament testify and prophesy about Jesus.

Zacharias is confirming in his own prophesy that what God has spoken down through the ages is ready to come to fruition, “that we should be saved.”

Luke 1:72-75 “To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.”

In Genesis 15, God entered into a “covenant” with “Abraham.” “In that same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram,” (Gen. 15:18a). Zacharias, being well rehearsed in the history of his people, prophesied that God was ready “to perform the mercy promised to our fathers.”

Just as the children of Israel waited over 400 years in Egyptian bondage, so did the people in Zacharias’s day wait for the Messiah to bring deliverance. Times were tough. Promises were sometimes hard to hold onto. But, what God promised He was ready to “perform.” Isaiah 55:11 says, “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” God was ready to act on behalf of his people.

God won’t speak it if He did not plan on fulfilling it. Ezekiel 12:25 confirms this and says, “For I am the LORD: I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall come to pass.” God is about accomplishing what He set out to do. He is not forgetful as we attribute to humanity. He will “remember his holy covenant.” He knows how to manage our times in accordance with His plans to bring to pass “the oath which he sware,” that we “might serve him without fear.”

True deliverance is marked by freedom. To be truly delivered means to be brought out of something and when one is brought out they are free. Where there is freedom there should be no fear. “Enemies” specialize in holding one down, not to lift their heads to see a day of hope. God specializes in bringing people out who will sing, “Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defense, and the God of my mercy,” (Ps. 59:147). God’s ultimate plan of salvation through Christ would bring deliverance once and for all.

“In holiness and righteousness before him.” God’s deliverance wasn’t for naught. He brought them/us out to be a people set apart. “Holiness” conveys the idea of not being like everyone else. A people unique to Him and His service. Zacharias prophesied that mankind was delivered to “serve.” The way to serve was to be in an acceptable manner to God which later Paul would write about in Romans. There he teaches, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service,” (12:1).

This should be done “all the days of our life.” He does not offer a temporary salvation. Rather, His salvation endures through all eternity. Therefore, we should live our lives every day to give Him our best.

Luke 1:76-79 “And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feed into the way of peace.”

Now, prophesying directly to his own child, Zacharias says, “Thou, child, shalt be called prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways.”

Picture the scene: Down at the Jordan River where crowds are gathered. Some don’t know what to make of the man standing in the midst of the waters calling out for people to repent. He’s not like everyone else. His garments are made of camel hair and he ate locusts and wild honey, (Mark 1:6).

Yet, the draw of his words overshadowed his appearance. He spoke out, “There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost,” (Mark 1:7-8). Those words were meant to focus the attention of the people on one greater. Those words were meant “to prepare his ways.”

“To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins.” Indeed, when he began to baptize people his focus was on “remission of their sins.” This is seen in Mark 1:4 and Luke 3:3 where “he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sin.” Thus, he fulfilled what his father spoke over his life at his birth.

God’s whole plan of salvation was to defeat the effects of sin through the forgiveness of sins. John would and did preach “remission of their sins.” God has a permanent plan of forgiveness based on what His Son would do. Jesus would later say, “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins,” (Mt. 26:28, see also Luke 24:47 and Acts 10:43). John was to be a key figure in helping God’s plan to move forward.

“Through the tender mercy of our God.” Ephesians 2:4 tells us God is rich in mercy. Daniel 9:9 tells us, “To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgiveness.” Mercy is underserved. Forgiveness is underserved but these are gifts that God tenderly offers to them that fear Him and trust in Him. God releases us from the chains that sin tries to bound us with not based on our own merit, but on His lovingkindness and mercy alone.

“Whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us.” How often had Jesus, during His life, referred to Himself in the matter of light? In John 8:12 He said, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

What greater expression of this then when the sun shines through the darkness of night to usher in a new day? Darkness often brings with it undesirable effects but the least little flicker of life can dispel the greatest darkness. How much more than He that is “the dayspring from on high” that has come down through the ages to banish darkness once and for all?

He hath “visited us.” Zachariah’s prophecy confirmed what the angel spoke to Joseph. He said, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us,” (Mt. 1:23).

He “visited us.” The Bible tells us, “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth,” (John 1:14). The day that babe appeared wrapped in those swaddling clothes was the day when God came near to man in a special way for the purpose of saving them from their sins.

“To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.” As a child have you ever sat in a dark bedroom and really just freaked yourself out? Shadows seem to move and manipulate everything. The darkness makes things appear to be something they are not. Things look misshapen and ominous due to the veil of night covering them. And, don’t get me started on the closet – leave that one alone!

This world and the sin that permeates it is like sitting in darkness with no light. But, when He comes, He comes to break through that darkness and “to give light.”

“To guide our feet into the way of peace.” “Peace” is priceless! Nothing in this world can purchase peace. True and lasting peace can only come through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:14 declared, “For he is our peace!” Mankind has tried many avenues to find solace and comfort in the things of this world when it can only be found in Him, in the Lord Jesus Christ.

He is our “guide” that will lead us to the “peace” that we seek after. Throughout history there have always been those who don’t “guide” the people in the right way, (see Isaiah 9:16). But, Jesus has identified Himself in many ways as our “guide” that can be trusted. He is our shepherd (John 10:11). The shepherd’s job is to guide the sheep (see also Isaiah 40:11). We have already covered the fact that He is our light. Light does more than dispel darkness, it also “guides.” It illuminates the right path to follow. He is the way! “I am the way, and the truth, and the life,” (John 14:6). He is our “guide” to real and lasting peace once and for all. It’s time to leave the “blindguides” alone, (Mt. 23:24). Zacharias’s prophecy says we have a true guide!

Conclusion

Zacharias’s prophecy gives us a chance to look at the birth of Christ as more than a babe in a manger. He fulfills everything and He is everything we need for our salvation.

Below you will find activities to help support this week’s lesson. Enjoy!

Wordsearch: ZACHARIAS’S PROPHECY WORDSEARCH Answers: ZACHARIAS’S PROPHECY WORDSEARCH ANSWERS

Crossword: ZACHARIAS’S PROPHECY CROSSWORD Answers: ZACHARIAS’S PROPHECY CROSSWORD ANSWERS

Word Scramble: ZACHARIAS’S PROPHECY WORD SCRAMBLE Answers: ZACHARIAS’S PROPHECY WORD SCRAMBLE ANSWERS

Draw the Scene: ZACHARIAS’S PROPHECY DRAW THE SCENE

Suggested Links, Resource and Activities to accompany this week’s lesson:

“His Name will be John Coloring Sheets”

“John the Baptist Coloring Sheet”

“Several Coloring Sheets for Zacharias and John the Baptist”

“John the Baptist Crafts for Kids” (Here are some very unique ways to support this lesson including: making a poster of John the Baptist’s saying, Importance of Repentance activity as well as a puppet activity to get the lesson across. Enjoy!)

“Locusts and Honey Activity” (With food and fun mixed together in this activity I’m sure your students will enjoy this one. Enjoy!)

“Memory Cross”

“John the Baptist Prepares the Way for Jesus Lesson Helps”

“Prepare the Way of the Lord Object Lesson”

“Company is Coming” (Printable activities and lessons. Great interactive group activities as well. Enjoy!)

“Prepare the Way of the Lord” (Printable activities and lessons. Really good lesson group activities as well. Enjoy!)

“Jesus’ Birth Foretold” Sunday School Lesson, Luke 1:26-40, December 1, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Mary’s Song of Praise” Sunday School Lesson, Luke 1:46-56, December 8, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Preparation for Deliverance” Sunday School Lesson, Exodus 3:7-17, November 3, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Beginning of Freedom” Sunday School Lesson, Exodus 14:21-30, November 17, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)

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December 22, 2013

“Jesus’ Birth”

Luke 2:1-17

Click here for PDF: Jesus’ Birth Sunday School Lesson, or simply click the print button below. Enjoy!

Introduction

Is there any time of the year that’s more special or rings with more sentiments than Christmas? It stands out as iconic since the days of our youth. It’s a time of year that’s separated from the rest. Despite one’s belief, there is always a different feeling in the atmosphere during this time of the year. People seem to be kinder and more patient with one another. Many feel charitable and look at his fellow man with a more compassionate heart during this season. This time of the year, this moment of celebration affects all.

Little did he know, but Caesar Augustus was going to be affected also to help usher in the birth of the Messiah so that He will arrive right on time when and where God destined Him to. What may have seemed unfair treatment toward the Jews was really God’s timetable to bring their long-awaited Savior into the world that He might free the world.

Last week’s lesson left off with the birth of John the Baptist. His father’s prophecy ushered in his call that he would be the forerunner of Christ. The last verse of chapter 1 tells us, “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel,” (vs. 80). In today’s lesson, with the opening act so to speak behind us, it is now time for the main event. Today’s lesson focuses on the birth of the Messiah Himself to an unsuspecting world and the events that transpired on that holy night.

Luke 2:1-3 “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.”

Lineage played a key role in so many aspects of the Bible. Even when it came time to “tax” people had to line up and file in at the place of their birth or where their family hailed from. One’s bloodline, one’s tribe were factors in their inheritance, land rights and so on. These are matters that those who seek to tax would be greatly interested in.

As stated in our introduction, Augustus thought in and of himself that he was responsible for sending families back to their “own city,” back to the place where their ancestors were from. When in actuality, God was using him to line up everything according to His holy prophecies that were spoken through the years. This is why, though to our eyes times may seem troubling and hard to understand, yet we never know what God is doing behind the scenes. The people may not understand the need to be forced into travel to undergo taxing, but God was, in reality, lining them up for their greatest deliverance yet!

Luke 2:4-5 “And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because He was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.”

Nobody was exempt, nor was any condition excused when it came to the process of being taxed. Despite her condition, Mary would be forced to trek the approximately 90 mile journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem so that her family, under the leadership of her husband “Joseph” could be taxed.

Matthew 1 opens up saying, “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham,” (vs. 1). What follows is a great genealogical record of Christ’s physical/human lineage. All the generations that passed before Him lined him up to be the ultimate successor who would rule on throne forever as promised to David, 2 Samuel 7:16. And, himself being from this family line, “Joseph” had to register his own family there according to the decree issued by Augustus. 1 Samuel 17:12 lets us know, “Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehem-judah, whose name was Jesse. . .” Following ancestral roots, “Joseph” had to proceed to “Bethlehem.”

Luke 2:6-7 “And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”

Most Bible depictions of this event lead us to believe that as soon as her feet hit Bethlehem, Mary went into labor. This probably comes from the portion of the above verses that state “there was no room for them in the inn.” Meaning it is possible they just arrived to find everything already full and she went into labor. We don’t know how long they were in Bethlehem. All we do know is that “while they were there” she went into labor.

“She brought forth her firstborn son.” I don’t know if Mary had any previous experiencing visiting Bethlehem before this occurrence, but I can imagine that it was very hard to be so far away from her own home, to be so far away from her mother or those who would have helped her in the birth of her child. During these times women stick together. Labor is arduous, ask any woman. And, to have that comforting support system in place could be crucial in the successful delivery of her baby. I’m sure Mary had women helping her, but as they say, “There’s no place like home.” And, there’s nothing like having your own support system there for you instead of strangers in a strange town.

“And wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” Use what you got! It’s a phrase we hear often and no truer is it than here. No matter how long they had been in the city they were not able to secure lodging. With that being said, time waits for no one and neither does a baby that is ready to make his/her presence known. When it’s time, it’s time.

Using a stable as the birthing room, after her delivery Mary was forced to place the babe in a “manger.” Many of us are used to the depictions of this is in nativity scenes we view this time of year. A “manger” was a trough; much as you may see horses and cows come upon for water and food if you happen to go past a farm. The “manger” was used in the same way during the Bible era.

Luke 2:8-9 “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.”

“Shepherds” were considered some of the lowest of people during the Bible era. Men who spent their time with animals roaming the fields to find pasture for their flocks. Yet, on this night they were the first chosen to hear of this good news. They were elevated above kings to receive the birth announcement of the King of kings.

Can you imagine being in that field on that night then suddenly light shining from what seems to be nowhere appeared with a glorious siting of “the angel of the Lord?” In an era of no electricity, with only the light from the fire they sat around (if they were lucky enough to have one), an illumination of greater proportion appeared and made them “sore afraid.” I think it’s safe to say, if it were me I would have been just as “afraid” as they were. It’s not an everyday occurrence to see the power of the Lord manifested in the siting of one of His “angels.” Who knows why he was here. “Angels” have been long known as messengers from the Lord and here this one appears with the greatest revelation of all time; one that the “shepherds” are privileged to hear first.

Luke 2:10-12 “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”

In an effort to alleviate any trepidation the shepherds were feeling with encountering God’s angel, he spoke to them words that were meant to bring comfort and assurance. He said, “Fear not.”

The appearance of these heavenly messengers can be a little much to take in. When the one angel sat upon the stone that was rolled away from Jesus’ tomb the Bible tells us, “His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men,” Matthew 28:3-4. One would need a certain measure of comfort in the presence of these awesome creatures.

“Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people.” Here, the lowliest of the low, the shepherds that others despise and reject as not being noteworthy receive good news that “shall be to all people;” themselves included.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” The message is that long awaited day has finally arrived. The Jews felt the oppression from enemies for years. They have listened to the prophecies passed down from generation to generation that spoke, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace,” (Is. 9:6). He that was spoken of has arrived in this lowly place, to a lowly people, to save them and be their Messiah.

The news could not get any better than this. I imagine eyes misting over and a lonely tear streaking down the weather-worn cheek of these men to whom the angel spoke. Oh, the joy of it all.

“And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” So that no misrepresentation and no doubt can reside in the mind of these shepherds, the angel described in great detail who and what they should expect to find. Just as our previous verses described is how they would find this blessed “babe” when they came upon Him. Surely, with the scene matching up with the description given upon their arrival to see the “babe” they would absolutely know that He is their “Saviour.”

Luke 2:13-14 “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

As if the appearance of one angel with an awesome message wasn’t enough to seal the deal of belief with these shepherds, “a multitude of the heavenly host” appeared. It was as if heaven could not hold back its rejoicing over the birth of the Savior. Heaven peaked through into the earthly realm and these shepherds got to see them “get their praise on” as we would call it today.

They were saying, “Glory to God in the highest!” I don’t think the words do the moment justice. Yes, they were ascribing “Glory to God” but I believe there was a tingling in the atmosphere that can’t be replicated with words. I believe there was a charge of elation mixed with the power of God’s presence radiating through these “heavenly host” that can’t be described. A time and place like no other that only these lowly shepherds got to witness on this holy night. Awesome!

“And on earth peace.” Sin has destroyed humanity’s “peace” with God. The beloved creature that He formed and placed in the Garden of Eden, that He loved and treasured as His own, was now corrupt and deigned to perish. Romans 5:12 tells us, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Because of that, “peace” and reconciliation needed to be restored.

Romans 5:18 encourages us and says, “Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.” “Gifts” are major for most this time of the year. But, on this holy night, God gave the best “free gift” that would lose the effects of sin that destroyed the “peace” He intended for His creation. Now, the “heavenly host” are rejoicing because they know the significance of this birth of all of humanity and the “earth.” Through the “free gift” of His Son, God is showing the ultimate “good will toward men.”

Luke 2:15-17 “And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.”

“Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass.” After the angels disappeared, the shepherds wasted no time in making up their mind to see “this thing which is come to pass.” “Come to pass” means it has already happened. They were speaking in terms of belief. They hadn’t seen the “babe” as of yet, but through the words and rejoicing of the angels they believed that “which the Lord hath made known.”

What an awesome revelation both literally and nonliterally! God showed up and showed out and sent His message, the birth announcement of His Son, to a field whose occupants seemed to the rest of the world, unworthy. With their newfound knowledge they wasted no time in seeing with their own eyes that which was revealed to them so much so that the Bible tells us “they came with haste.” Excitement propelled them forward and they “found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe” just as it was spoken to them.

“And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.” They may have been the lowliest in the eyes of society. They may have been counted out of many cliques and circles, but these dirt covered, smelled like field and animals, men became the first evangelist of the Lord Jesus Christ. God had revealed something awesome to them. Then, they saw the manifestation of it with their own eyes. Their hearts were then burdened to make it “known abroad” the same revelation that they received “concerning this child.”

I don’t know what happened to their flocks on that night. Did they leave them or go back to them, I don’t know? But what I do know is that what God made known unto them, they couldn’t keep it to themselves. I don’t read where they were given a command to go out and start spreading the good news. I imagine their hearts wouldn’t let them rest in all that God showed them on that night, this in turn propelled them to get the word about what God was doing in this little town called Bethlehem, through this little family in a stable.

Conclusion

“Oh, Holy Night,” “Silent Night,” or “Away in a Manger” – no matter what’s your favorite, when we sing these we are rejoicing along with the heavenly host celebrating the night of Jesus’ Birth. I feel that all of us are in the place of the shepherds for all of us are unworthy, yet on that night God’s awesome revelation came to pass that peace might enter the world once and for all.

Be blessed.

Below you will find activities to help reinforce this week’s lesson. Enjoy!

Wordsearch: Jesus’ Birth Wordsearch Answers: Jesus’ Birth Wordsearch Answers

Crossword: Jesus’ Birth Crossword Answers: Jesus’ Birth Crossword Answers

Draw the Scene: Jesus’ Birth Draw the Scene

More Resources, Links and Activities to help enhance this week’s lesson. Enjoy!

Jesus Is the Reason for the Season:

“Jesus is the Reason for the Season Crafts” (I particularly like the “Faith Bracelet” and the “Jesus Christmas Necklace crafts on this page. It takes you away from the ordinary ornament and nativity crafts (which will never go out of style Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. )that we usually see this time of year and gives us something fresh to do. Enjoy!)

“Christmas Piñata” (What a wonderful way to celebrate the birthday of Jesus. Enjoy!)

“Emmanuel Crafts for Kids” (All I can say is, “Easy!” Enjoy!)

“Several Games and Object Lessons for Christmas” (If you are looking for unique ways to hit home this very familiar lesson, then this is for you. Check it out. You won’t be disappointed. Enjoy!)

Cute Nativity Scenes: Each one was chosen for their uniqueness. Browse through and find one suitable to your needs. Enjoy!

“Bee Crafty Kids – Nativity” (Using black construction paper as the backdrop this easy to put together nativity scene craft can be adaptable to most students. Make it as easy or as hard as you like it. I like this one just the way it is. Enjoy!)

“Hope and a Nativity Craft” (Popsicle sticks, paper and crayons are all you need to put together this simple nativity scene. This time of the year we can run low on funds and time and this is a great answer for most teachers in both of these areas. Enjoy!)

“Away in a Manger Silhouette Nativity Craft” (Now if you happen to have a little more time and financial resources, then this beautiful nativity scene is for you. The backdrop appears as if it is stained glass. Enjoy!)

“Easy Nativity Craft” (The name says it all :) Enjoy!)

“Paper Nativity” (Paper means printable. Yes!!! Another great help for teachers. Enjoy!)

“Nativity Crafts for Kids from Recyclables”

Shepherd Crafts:

“Candy Cane Shepherd” (Wow, an activity with a Christmas treat! Enjoy!)

“Shepherd and Sheep Toilet Paper Roll Craft” (This is easy and can I tell, they have printables! Yeah! Enjoy!)

“Shepherd and Angel Craft” (Super easy especially for your youngest students. Enjoy!)

Christmas Coloring Pages for Luke 2:

“The Birth of Jesus Coloring Page”

“The Birth of Jesus (Older Students) Coloring Page”

“Angel and Shepherds Rejoice (Older Students) Coloring Page”

“Don’t Miss Christmas Coloring and Activities”

“The Birth of Jesus Coloring and Activities”

Related articles

“Zacharias’s Prophecy” Sunday School Lesson, Luke 1:57, 67-79, December 15, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Jesus’ Birth Foretold” Sunday School Lesson, Luke 1:26-40, December 1, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Mary’s Song of Praise” Sunday School Lesson, Luke 1:46-56, December 8, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Beginning of Freedom” Sunday School Lesson, Exodus 14:21-30, November 17, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Beginning of the Tabernacle” Sunday School Lesson, Exodus 40:16-21, 29-30, 34, 38, November 24, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)

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Just want to take some time to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! God has used each one of you to bless me in one way or another this year. You guys are awesome and I pray His very best for you now and into the next year.

Also, unless I become deeply inspired Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. (we all know how that is), I will be taking the week off from writing. There will be no new posts or Sunday School lessons until January.

Be blessed. Enjoy your Savior, your family, your friends, your holiday!

Filed under: A Bit Of Humor, Christian Living, Christianity, devotions, faith, Inspirational Photos, Inspirational Pictures, Inspirational Posters, Photos, Poetry, religion, Sunday School, Uncategorized, What Would It Have Been Like?, Words To Live By Tagged: Christmas, God, Holidays, Literature, Merry Christmas!, New Year, Religion and Spirituality Image may be NSFW.
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January 5, 2014

“Honoring the Sabbath”

Luke 6:1-11

(Click here for PDF: Honoring the Sabbath Sunday School Lesson, or simply click the print button below. Enjoy!)

Introduction

The Apostle Paul once wrote, “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ,” Colossians 2:16-17. And yet, this is exactly what Jesus was facing in light of the Pharisees accusation in today’s lesson. They were judging Him and accusing of Him of violating the sanctity of the Sabbath day, charging Him with blatant disregard to the commands of God. Jesus, knowing their thoughts on both occasions, knew the true purpose of the Sabbath has evaded the understanding of the Pharisees and rightly responded to their charges.

Luke 6:1-2 “And it came to pass on the second Sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands. And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the Sabbath days?”

Everyday there’s something new to deal with. Or, at least, Jesus must have felt like that. I wonder if He ever got the feeling that no matter what He does somebody will always have something to criticize. Feeling threatened by His ministry the scribes and Pharisees were often filled with wrath at His words and actions, see Luke 4:16-30.

This day was no different. It almost appears as if they are following Jesus to gain a reason to come against Him. In this verse, Jesus and His disciples were walking through a grain field. As per law, they were afforded the privilege on an ordinary day to pluck grain to satisfy hunger as long as they didn’t fill up a container, Duet. 23:25. The issue present had nothing to do with the plucking of the grain rather the day in which it was being done, the Sabbath.

In the beginning God sanctified the Sabbath day as a day of rest. It was in honor of His own resting after the Creation, Genesis 2:2-3. This mandate was carried over in the Ten Commandants to promote rest and worship, Exodus 20:8-11. By the time we arrive in the New Testament the Pharisees had issued an almost oppressive charge over the Sabbath day, delineating it from its original intention. Being more concerned with strictness of traditions rather than human compassion, they stopped at nothing to insure their way of interpreting the law was preserved rather than the mercy of God.

David Guzik’s commentary on Enduringword.com, on this lesson shows how even in modern times the strictness of their rules overran the mercy of God:

“This approach to the Sabbath continues today among Orthodox Jews. In early 1992, tenants let three apartments in an Orthodox neighborhood in Israel burn to the ground while they asked a rabbi whether a telephone call to the fire department on the Sabbath would violate Jewish law. Observant Jews are forbidden to use the phone on the Sabbath, because doing so would break an electrical current, which is considered a form of work. In the half-hour it took the rabbi to decide “yes,” the fire spread to two neighboring apartments,” (Enduringword.com).

Luke 6:3-4 “And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him; How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the showbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?”

The incident to which Jesus is referring here is found in 1 Samuel 21:1-6. David was on the run from Saul. With his life continually hanging by a thread he fled to the land of Nob where he came to Ahimelech the priest. David asked for five loaves but the priest declared that there was no common bread, only hallowed bread. But, if the men have kept themselves from women they could partake. David reassured them that they had and Ahimelech gave him the hallowed bread, feeding them that were hungry.

The Jews revered King David. Giving him as an example, though he was Lord over him, Jesus showed how genuine human needs coupled with mercy and compassion could be met.

This would not be the last time that Jesus challenged the Pharisees of letting rules get in the way of love for one another. In Matthew 23:23 He scolded them and said, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier mattes of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye have done, and not to leave the other undone.”

The Sabbath was to be honored to benefit man not man for the Sabbath. Mark 2:27 says, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.” The principle behind this is that man be allowed time to rejuvenate and have his needs met for his physical and spiritual renewal. Not to become oppressed by a list of do’s and don’ts, especially if they go outside of satisfying the needs of true human compassion.

Luke 6:5 “And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath.”

To put another bur in the saddle of the Pharisees so to speak, Jesus, by using this wording identified Himself as “Lord also of the Sabbath,” which in essence is identifying Himself as God. In that He is expressing His authority and superiority over the Sabbath. Jesus was telling them that as the “Son of man” He outranked their opinion of what it was to truly keep the Sabbath.

Luke 6:6-7 “And it came to pass also on another Sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered. And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the Sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.”

It’s a sad day when one can’t come into the sanctuary of God to worship without being watched for faults. Let me remind you of this, Jesus was completely without sin or fault (see 1 Peter 2:22; Hebrews 4:15). Anything that the Pharisees are seeking is not out of pure motivation of God’s law being violating, rather their own rules and regulations. “For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers,” Matthew 23:4.

As He was teaching, there He took notice of a “man whose right hand was withered.” Surely the compassionate heart of Jesus, as with everyone He met, wanted nothing more than to see this child of God, one of His created, be made whole again. But, on the other end of the spectrum, the Pharisees cared less for the man’s condition and more about the day of a proposed healing. They valued the day over the life. This Jesus had issues with.

Luke 6:8-10 “But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he rose and stood forth. Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the Sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?”

One question is the revealer of the heart. One question opens up the true motivation of man. They were one question away from revealing their true nature on the inside rather than the piousness they paraded on the outside.

Jesus is the Word made flesh (John 1:14). Hebrews 4:12 tells us, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart,” (emphasis mine). So yes, He knew what they were thinking on the inside though their pious façade said something else. With thoughts revealed He asked the question that would expose them for their evil intents and also to show what He knew was right.

“Is it lawful on the Sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?” In the book of John Jesus is noted as one who is a life giver. “I come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly,” John 10:10b. He that opposes Him is one that seeks to “steal, and to kill, and to destroy,” John 10:10a. In my opinion Jesus was asking them what side were they on; the side of the destroyer or the Giver of life? The day that was made for man should be used to build man up and not tear him down!

Jesus then saw the crowds. He is noted as “looking round about them all.” But, Jesus saw the need of the man more and this was His focus on this Sabbath day. He spoke to the man and said, “Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.” Jesus made the man His focus and the man himself focused on what Jesus told him to do and acted in obedience. His obedience brought him to the place of restoration and wholeness. Wow! What a lesson in that alone!

Luke 6:11 “And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.”

Remember how I said, “One question is the revealer of the heart?” If the question alone didn’t do the job, then Jesus’ act of compassion truly showed what was on the inside of these men. So in tuned were they with their own traditions that they let their anger boil up to the point of “madness.” In other words, they were beyond hot! If they were cartoon characters we would seek smoke spewing from their ears in a comedic fashion with faces red and aflame. The lids of their heads may have even exploded in the air spouting more smoke as if it were an overheated volcano Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. .

The picture I present may seem funny but the situation was not. These men that represented God had hearts that was far from His. How could they not look at this man and want to see him made whole as well? How could they put a day in precedence over a life? Their hearts was so far from God that they thought evil against His Son and “communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.”

Conclusion

Even before His death on the cross Jesus was ushering in grace over laws. He was showing through His life and ministry that the “weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith” were just as important as observant days, rituals and traditions. Jesus didn’t teach one not to observe the Sabbath but He showed how to love in the midst of it.

Below you will find activities to help support the lesson for this week. Enjoy!

Wordsearch: Honoring the Sabbath Wordsearch Answers: Honoring the Sabbath Wordsearch Answers

Crossword: Honoring the Sabbath Crossword Answers: Honoring the Sabbath Crossword Answers

Word Scramble: Honoring the Sabbath Word Scramble Answers: Honoring the Sabbath Word Scramble Answers

Draw the Scene: Honoring the Sabbath Draw the Scene

Draw the Scene 2: Honoring the Sabbath Draw the Scene 2

From previous lesson Sanctify Coloring Page

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Use above PDF for accurate printing

Below are Links/Resources/Activities to support this week’s lesson. Enjoy!

“Jesus Heals a Crippled Hand Coloring and Activities”

“Time for God” (Here you will find an activity chart to print out to calculate how much time is spent on various activities as opposed to our time spent on God. This is an eye-opener for most students. Remember, Jesus didn’t say NOT to honor but in the midst show love. This could also be turned into a poster sized project for the class to do as a whole. Enjoy!)

“Remember the Sabbath, Keep it Holy” Coloring Page from Church House Collection

“Exodus 20:8 Memory Verse” Coloring from Mssscrafts.com

“Ten Commandment” Coloring and Activities from Mssscrafts.com (Since our lesson deals with keeping the Sabbath Day holy as was commanded in Exodus 20:8 (one of the Ten Commandments) this would be a good idea to explore. Enjoy!)

“Invite a Friend to Church” Craft from Sunday School Crafts

“Stained Glass Window” Craft from Sunday School Crafts (Many churches we enter on the Lord’s Day have Stained Glass Windows.” This simple craft can be made with leftover wrapping paper, magazines, cellophane or anything. These following template of windows may be useful in your design: Storyboardstoys.com; Sandra’s Handmade Crafts. Enjoy!)

“Ten Commandments Stained Glass Coloring Page” from Miniturechurch.co.uk

“Easy Stained Glass Craft” from DLTK

“Matching Pieces Church” Activity from Mssscrafts.com

“Family Going to Church” Coloring Page from Raindrop.org

“Going to Church/The Sabbath” Activities from Mssscrafts.com

“Online Games for Sabbath” from Sabbathkids.com

“Keeping the Sabbath” Activity from Christianitycove.com

“Shabbat/Sabbath Crafts for Kids” from Ehow.com

“Circle the Church That’s Different” from Church House Collection

“How Many Words Can You Make Out of Sabbath” Activity from Church House Collection

“Easy Exodus 20:8 Craft” from Church House Collection

“Zacharias’s Prophecy” Sunday School Lesson, Luke 1:57, 67-79, December 15, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Mary’s Song of Praise” Sunday School Lesson, Luke 1:46-56, December 8, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Jesus’ Birth Foretold” Sunday School Lesson, Luke 1:26-40, December 1, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)
“Sanctifying the Lord’s Day” Sunday School Lesson, Nehemiah 13:15-22, August 25, 2013 (wordforlifesays.com)

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January 12, 2014

“Living as God’s People”

Luke 6:20-31

(Click here for PDF: Living as God’s People Sunday School Lesson, or simply click the print button below. Enjoy!)

Introduction

What does Christianity look like? To some it may seem to be a list of do’s and don’ts. To others, it may seem the religious thing to carry a certain righteous air about them, separateness from the common man, so to speak. But, as was becoming custom, Jesus’ view of what it really meant to be God’s people differed from what most preconceived ideas believed. And the awesome thing about Jesus’ view, He didn’t just teach it, He lived it.

Luke 6:20 “And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.”

With the controversy of last week’s lesson behind: Honoring the Sabbath, Jesus is propelling His teaching ministry full speed ahead.

In between last week’s and this week’s lesson, Luke 6:12-19, records that Jesus draw away into an all night prayer meeting with God the Father. The Son and the Father communed together on an intimate level that no one else was privy to; just they by themselves, one on one. Oh, to be a fly on that wall.

Following, Jesus chose His twelve disciples and began to heal the multitudes that have already begun to gather and follow Him.

The first words He spoke to them when coming down in the plain is so similar to the words He spoke in the Sermon on the Mount that many Bible students are unable to decide if these two messages are one and the same, or are they separate occasions.

He said, “Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.” When someone says something is “yours” it means they are passing ownership of said item to you. They are giving you the right and the privilege to operate in what was given.

It’s the “poor,” the impoverished who truly appreciates what is given to them both in the physical and in the spiritual. One who is “poor” realizes they have nothing in and of themselves. They are totally dependent. They agree with the Apostle Paul when he wrote, “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our “blessed;” who are happy and find joy and acceptance in God’s kingdom. They are the appreciative because they know before Christ they lacked spiritual vitality and were “poor.” Now, they enjoy a new experience of blessedness.

Luke 6:21 “Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.”

Living as God’s people brings an expectation of being “filled.” These verses really hone in on our life with and without Christ. Without Him it is truly a lift of lack compared to being spiritually satisfied and complete in Him.

One that “hungers” has not yet retained enough to turn over the plate and say, “That’s it, I’m done.” Spiritually speaking, he that “hungers” has a need for more of Him. His soul doesn’t rest until it finds that “ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power,” Colossians 2:10. This is where the malnourished soul is embraced and filled with the satisfaction of the Savior.

“Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.” Many of us have been well acquainted with tears on more than one occasion. Tears, or weeping are most often shed for times of sorrows; for times of hardship and anguish. Crying gives one an opportunity to release those pinned up emotions that stress the body and soul of man.

Whether this weeping is associated with sorrow of sin or because of adversity of the wicked, those that endure through it now will find a time when, “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying . . .,” Revelation 21:4.

“For ye shall laugh.” Where there is laughter, joy has replaced the sorrow once felt. Where there is laughter, release is felt from the oppression of the wicked. David once wrote, “Fret not thyself because of evildoers . . .,” Psalm 37:1. If they are the source of tears, forget about it. He goes on to say, “The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming,” Psalm 37:13. When God laughs, living as His people, we will share the same joy as our Savior.

The Bible says, He will “appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness . . .,” Isaiah 61:3, and they will be able to “laugh!”

Luke 6:22 “Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.”

Acceptance, a lot of people live for it. Being a people pleaser has drained the efforts of some to no avail. When we live for Christ, as God’s people, it brings contentions and misunderstandings in relationships. It draws a line in the sand between two lifestyles and those lifestyles are always in battle against one another: those that live for the Spirit and those that live for the flesh.

Others may not understand why you can’t run with the old lifestyle that you used to. They don’t understand that things one used to run after to satisfy the flesh is not precedent any longer. This brings a backlash of ill-feelings toward the Christian. They experience hatred, separateness and reproach; three words that describe being “cast out.” You don’t live like them anymore. You are not part of the status quo or the normal clique, and they count your name as “evil, for the Son of man’s sake,” because you are working to line your life up with Him, and not them.

Luke 6:23 “Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.”

By far, one of my favorite Christian contemporary songs is “We Won’t Be Shaken” by Building 429. This is one of those songs that draw me in at the first line which says,

“This world has nothing for me, This life is not my own . . .,” (Lyricsmania.com).

God loves His people and we receive blessings while here on this earth. That fact is sprinkled through His Word. But, a Christian’s permanent “reward” will never be found on this side of glory. Jesus said, “Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven.”

It may not feel like it at the present moment but the day when they cause you harm; the day when they come against you is a day for rejoicing because God sees and knows and God will repay. “Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us . . .,” 2 Thessalonians 1:6-7. Your “reward” is coming! “Surely there is a reward for the righteous; Surely there is a God who judges on earth!” Psalm 58:11, NASB. This life has nothing for me! My “reward” is coming! “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning,” Psalm 30:5.

“For in like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.” It’s so hard in the midst of trials and troubles to see that you are not the only who has ever gone through this or are going through this now. Jesus reassured His disciple that those that have gone before them had to endure the same controversy of people not understanding their relationship as God’s people.

The book of Hebrews holds a treasury of people who have endured in the faith despite their adverse circumstances, and yet held on and believed God every step of the way. Hebrews 11 is what some refer to as the Hall of Fame of faith. Immediately, crossing over into chapter 12 we are told, “Seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses,” (vs.1). “Prophets” and people who have gone before us can testify that the road wasn’t easy. They can tell their story of how they tried to do the work of God and people not respond the way they had hoped. They can let the cat out of the bag about how they were mistreated, used and abused because their desire was to fulfill the call of God on their lives. They already experienced in “like manner” what Jesus is preparing His disciples for.

Luke 6:24-26 “But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.”

“Woe” and “for” are the marks of these verses. Remember how I quoted 2 Thessalonians 1:6 which said, ““Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you?” Here is the undeniable truth that those who inflicted harm to God’s people will have the same troubles come back on them. Did not Galatians 6:7 warn, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap?” However one treats the people of God, the same will come back on their heads. They will receive their just deserts.

“Woe” is not a word that you want to hear the Lord Jesus Christ speak over your life. Nothing good ever follows a “woe.” “Woe” to me means you better watch out now, calamity is sure to follow. This will not be the last time Jesus uses the warning of the “woe.” Later, during His earthly ministry He tries to shake the scribes and the Pharisees out of their ways to listen to what the Father is now establishing using the word “woe” (see Matthew 23). When we travel even further in the future, there are even stronger “woes” that appear in the book of Revelation. The point is, if Jesus is saying “woe,” one better watch their step and get it right.

Luke 6:27-30 “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.”

Now Jesus presents a responsibility shift to those who would live as God’s people. It is not only the evildoer that needs to mind his step, but the Christian has to live and love people as God Himself does.

When someone has been hurt and broken the last thing on their mind is the benefit of the one who has inflicted the harm. Jesus, knowing what He was going to accomplish on the cross was teaching His disciples to operate in this world as if He would. Years ago the WWJD movement became very popular. It was based off the original book written by Charles M. Sheldon titled “In His Steps.” The base of the book was that every thought and action was to be filtered through the question of What Would Jesus Do?

All of these things that He speaks of in the above verses were things that He did; they were things that He demonstrated in His own life. “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth,” Isaiah 53:7. Jesus was teaching His disciples that to live as God’s people you will not only have to go against the status quo and cliques of society, but you will also have to fight against your own natural inclinations that don’t want to seek the good of those who cause harm.

“Love your enemies.” The words love and enemies do not coincide with one another according to human standards. But, Jesus is calling us to use God’s Spirit within us to operate on a supernatural level that surpasses our view of the natural world.

When one is an enemy that means that they are against us. Yet, Jesus’ command is to love them anyhow. Show them the same compassion as He did when He allowed them to drive the nails through His hands and feet. He told His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” Matthew 26:53, NASB. He could’ve taken care of His enemies with one swoop of a prayer, yet love compelled Him to offer Himself for their release from sin.

They cursed Him, yet He prayed for them, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do,” Luke 23:34. They struck Jesus on the “cheek” (John18:22, see also Matthew 5:39) and they divided His clothes (Luke 23:34). He went through it all and never sought His own revenge but continued forth in love.

Luke 6:31 “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”

The Golden Rule, as we call it today. God’s people should know how to treat people in any circumstance, whether the times are favorable or in times of adversity. God’s people have to respond the same way Jesus did. Philippians 2:5 tells us, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus,” (KJV). The NLT says it like this, “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”

WWJD?

The greatest commandment that Jesus taught was, “The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these,” Mark 12:29-31, emphasis mine. Loving people, treating people as one would want to be treated is a priority for living as God’s people! It is one of the greatest commandments! That cannot be ignored!

Conclusion

What does Christianity look like to you now? My guess is some of our preconceived ideas have had an awakening so that we can be Living as God’s People.

Below you will find activities to help support this week’s lesson. Enjoy!

Word Search: Living As God’s People Word Search Answers: Living As God’s People Word Search Answers

Crossword: Living As God’s People Crossword Answers: Living As God’s People Crossword Answers

Word Scramble: Living As God’s People Word Scramble Answers: Living As God’s People Word Scramble Answers

Draw the Scene: Living As God’s People Draw the Scene

Below you will find Resources, Links and Activities to support this week’s lesson. Enjoy!

“In Search of Happiness” (Sermon on the plain activities and coloring)

THE GOLDEN RULE:

“Jesus and The Golden Rule Activity”

“The Golden Rule Coloring Page”

“Golden Rule Crafts” (Here are several good crafts and ideas to choose from. I particularly like the Hearts of Gold Craft. If you can’t find a wooden heart to paint with gold glitter, you know me, cardstock or construction paper will work just as fine. Enjoy!)

LOVE YOUR ENEMIES:

“Love Your Enemies Activities” (Tom and Jerry anyone? Yes, what a great example about getting along with someone you are always fighting with. Enjoy!)

“Love Your Enemy Children’s Lesson”

“Love Your Enemy Craft and Coloring” (The One who Unites Hearts printable craft. Easy and affordable for any class. Students can then decorate to their heart’s content. Enjoy!)

“Love Your Enemies Group Activities” (Several great ways to bring this lesson out. Enjoy!)

“Love Your Enemies Activities/Coloring”

What Would Jesus Do?:

“What Would Jesus Do Printable Craft”

“What Would Jesus Do Activities” (I really like the section on Visual Activities. I think using this technique is a great way to open up and introduce the students to this week’s lesson. Enjoy!)

“What Would Jesus Do, Mirror”

“Jesus Knocking Craft” (Though this does not go with today’s verse, I think this easy printable can be nicely applied to today’s lesson. Use it to make a Jesus door hanger that will help remind students to ask WWJD? Enjoy!)

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January 19, 2013

“Showing Humility”

Luke 14:7-14

(Click here for PDF: Showing Humility Sunday School Lesson , or simply click the print button below. Enjoy!)

Introduction:

Have you ever been around that one person in the crowd that always needs to be heard? They stand in the midst of a circle of onlookers boasting about what’s going to be. They are people with a lot of talk and little action.

I like that this lesson title begins with the word “showing.” As in previous lessons, it was noted that actions speak louder than words. Jesus was the epitome of humbleness and humility. Philippians 2:7 says, “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” The King of all kings stepped down from His throne in heaven and stooped down to the rags of earth and put on humanity. The King that could’ve demanded all demanded nothing.

In John 13:15 He told them, “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” Though that was written after the washing of the disciples’ feet the same principle of humility and life applies here.

Prominence is not a new and a now thing. Wanting to be seen and noticed by others is something that mankind has and continues to struggle with. Jesus shows us how to seek the humble road to walk and let God exalt us in due time.

Luke 14:7 “And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them,”

“I only want the best for my . . .” you fill in the rest. It’s something I’m sure we have all said at one point or another. The best is a symbol of status. It is thought of to be in a more favorable condition than another. The best for the purpose of showing off was not what Jesus supported but for those who attended these events fervently sought after.

“He marked how they chose out the chief rooms.” Jesus pays attention to the dealings of man. He has a very astute eye for detail. Attending the weddings and/or events He observed how people clamored for the best; “the chief rooms.” Many may not see a problem for wanting choice seating but let me unwrap it a bit and show this in another perspective.

Imagine a concert with people fighting and pushing their way to get as close to the front as possible. Not caring for others, they would trample and step over others to get to that place. Or, let me pick with some other folk. Imagine . . . are you ready for it . . . BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING . . . enough said.

Seeking after these chief rooms was seeking after the world’s symbol of being lifted above another. The attitudes represented didn’t give thought to their human counterparts. Getting to that prominent position is all that mattered.

Luke 14:8-9 “When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.”

It’s the “not’s” of life that people don’t want to hear about. But Jesus, with His wise perspective instructs the people to live opposite of their natural inclinations. Naturally, people seek the higher, the better. True humility doesn’t vie for the best for self; it vies for the best for others.

One teaching my pastor always reminds us is that you are not the end all to everything. What he means is that God can raise up someone off the streets to take your place and fulfill your ministry if you are unwilling to do it. In other words, you can be replaced. There is always someone who can take your place. To vie for the temporary of your own accord means that you will not have the strength in and of yourself to retain that seat of honor if the one who bids decides that you can be replaced.

Jesus’ advice was not to put oneself in that situation where instead of the honor they fought of themselves to obtain, they actually come to shame. This reminds me of the naughty dog who walks away with his tail tucked between his legs; ashamed and put out. Jesus was actually trying to help Christians save themselves from shame through the fruit of humility. In our success driven generation more of this fruit needs to eaten more often with careful regard. The thrill to seek the “high” will quickly be overtaken with and to take the “lowest.”

Luke 14:10 “But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.”

The way to up is down. How backwards that is to the thinking of many today? But, how glorious it is that when one is in the “lowest” to have another come and place him in the “higher.” This is how things work in God’s economy. Notice in the Bible, it is the lowliest of people that are entrusted with the greatest honor.

People will take notice when you are lifted. “Then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.” Notice the polar opposites of God’s economy. Those that seek to be notice in the “presence” of people are the same ones that can be overlooked or even made to move lower. Yet, at the same time, those who are not worried about self-glorification and such are the ones who are now noticed in the “presence” of all. “Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: For better it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen,” (Proverbs 25:6-7). Choose the “better!”

A good biblical representation of this is the story of Joseph. He was forced into servitude yet through it all he kept his cool and let God work in him where he was be it the pit, Potiphar’s house or the prison. God moved him “higher” in each circumstance until eventually Pharaoh declared, “Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou,” (Genesis 41:40). Now, Joseph was honored or “worshipped” as second in command of Egypt. He didn’t exalt or seek the higher for himself; God was responsible for bidding him to come “higher.”

Luke 14:11 “For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”

Through stories of parable or through direct command of the Word, Jesus is making His point: if one decides to lift themselves up God can and will bring him/her down!

Obadiah 3-4 says, “The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground? Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD.” Arrogance and self-exaltation is deceptive. It is a lie that will fade as fast as any fake substance that tries to stand before a very real God. That’s God’s economy!

When one seeks to exalt themselves not only is it prideful, something that God is dreadfully against, but it shows that one trusts in themselves over God’s sovereignty. “Whosoever” means anybody! There are no exceptions. Nobody is exempt. Any who would seek to lift himself will be “abased;” God will put them down. But, for those that are humble God shows special favor. “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones,” (Isaiah 57:17). These are revived. These are exalted.

Luke 14:12-13 “Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee. But when thou makest a feast call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:”

Instructions for humility included how we treat others. One who is prideful and operates for self-advancement will put on a show for those who can help them reach their goal. Shaking the right hands and scratching the right backs can lift one in certain social circles. It propels them further up the ladder of success.

Humility, Jesus was teaching, operates with compassion and based on love. Love that wants to see others treated fairly. Love that is not concerned with who approves of the guest list. Love that sees people for who they are and not the badges of afflictions such as maimed, lame and blind; and not for the labels of being “poor.” These people, despite how society looks on them, is welcomed to come to the feast!

Are we not a people who will experience the same benefits that Jesus is teaching in this parable? Revelation 19:9 says, “. . . Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb . . .” Were we not the unloved? Were we not the ones maimed by sin and the degradation of this world? Were we not the ones who bore afflictions and were outcast yet when He saved us we became “blessed.” We have received our open invitation to the “marriage supper of the Lamb” which we could have never have been counted worthy of or repay. Jesus is saying for His people to start practicing what He already was going to do for all those who are “called.”

Luke 14:14 “And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompence thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.”

If you will allow me to paraphrase, Jesus was saying, “They can’t repay you, but I can!” Isn’t that exciting? “Thou shalt be blessed!” “Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed,” Proverbs 13:21). Too many are worried with the idea of losing out. They allow thoughts of being shortened by someone or not being returned for their supposed good that they do. But, our God is faithful.

“Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ,” (Colossians 3:24). When one loves people enough to invite the unworthy they are showing that they are servants of Christ because this is what Christ did for all. And, because they “serve the Lord Christ” they “shall receive the reward of the inheritance.”

If you have ever read The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom you know that the Ten Boom family was a family that was used to opening their home out of their meager means to feed any who knocked on the door – people who could not repay them for their kindness. Then, during the German occupation, they rescued, saved and cared for countless Jews while they themselves suffered loss. God does not soon forget such kindness toward one of His own. On this earth it may have appeared that this family loss all, when in actuality they have their reward “recompensed at the resurrection of the just.” In humility, they were just happy to be servants of Christ that could reach out and help others. They were never worried about a here and now reward. They just wanted to help any way they could. That’s compassion. That’s the love of Christ in operation which to me is the meaning of true humility – the love of Christ in operation.

Conclusion:

So many are running after the here and now reward. They are seeking a temporary reward hoping for eternal benefits. This is not how it happens in God’s economy for if one has already lifted themselves in the front of others then they have their reward (see Matthew 6:2). But, if one works with the love of Christ in showing the same humility He lived, then have a day coming where they will reap the benefits of those seeds of humility they planted.

Below you will find activities to help support this week’s lesson. Enjoy!

Word Search: Showing Humility Word Search Answers: Showing Humility Word Search Answers

Crossword: Showing Humility Crossword Answers: Showing Humility Crossword Answers

Draw the Scene: Showing Humility Draw the Scene

Below are more Resources/Links/Activities to help support this week’s lesson:

“A Tale of Two Prayers” (Great lesson ideas and object lesson. It has balloons so you know students will enjoy this one. Enjoy!)

“The Tortoise and the Hare” (This old story with coloring sheet is a great example of humility. Enjoy!)

“Donkey Paper Bag Craft”

“Activities for Kids on Humility”

“Humility Bible Lessons for Kids”

“Boastful or Humble” (Printable activity page that will help kids evaluate what is humble.)

“Pride vs. Humility” (Different lesson but can easily be applied to this one. After all, when you have boxing gloves involved it becomes a whole new way of illustrating such an important truth. Enjoy!)

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January 26, 2014

“Instruction on True Wealth”

Luke 16:19-31

(Click here for PDF: Instruction on True Wealth Sunday School Lesson, or simply click the print button below. Enjoy!)

Introduction:

I have often heard many say that nothing is certain in life. While that may be true in some aspects of life, there is one thing certain that I know of and that is no human can live forever on this earth. One day, whether they are raptured when Christ returns or if they go the way of those who have gone on before, through death; every human being will leave their existence here on planet earth behind. And, from there they will meet up with their eternal futures: be it good or bad. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad,” 2 Corinthians 5:10.

In today’s lesson, Jesus teaches a parable that illustrates the finality of one’s decisions here on this earth. All things outside of Christ that one accumulates while they live, amounts to nothing in the end. All successes, wealth and accolades perish along with the bearer of these things. Too often the whole of one’s life is measured by these temporary things that bring brief satisfaction while keeping the soul thirsty for eternity.

Luke 16:19-21 “There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.”

Many of us have seen them. There standing on the corner with a cardboard sign held up quoting “Will work for food,” or some other notation declaring their plight. Where I live, driving into the city on almost every corner they are there. Under the bridges and overpasses appears little camps made out of old furniture and used blankets. Despite the frigid January temperatures these people live in the outdoors with only these meager things as shelter.

While many of us can’t boast of the life of the rich man, many of us are much better off than a lot of people in this world. In an article written by Anup Shah titled “Poverty Facts and Stats,” (this is a really good source of information) it is quoted that “Almost half the world — over three billion people — live on less than $2.50 a day” (Globalissues.org).

The parable that Jesus teaches compares the lives of two very different people. One was placed at the gate everyday to beg for just a little bit food, a little bit of relief and comfort that would ease his daily suffering. The other, ignored the plight of the suffering one and went on about his daily affairs and celebration without giving it a second thought. His world revolved around him and his comforts of living. He had success. He had everything he needed, or so he thought. That’s why the psalmist left us with this advice, “If riches increase, set not your heart upon them,” (Psalm 62:10b). At another time Jesus is also quoted as saying, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also,” (Matthew 6:21). The rich man’s heart was on himself not showing compassion for human suffering.

The rich man had more than enough. He “fared sumptuously” every day. He never worried about where his next meal was coming from. Opposite of that, Lazarus was “desiring to be fed with the crumbs.” He just longed for the least. The least here wasn’t even scraps or leftovers but bread that was used to wipe dirty hands on. Surely it would not have taken too much effort for the rich man to send out food to the gate to supply nourishment to this wanting soul. Yet, he received nothing.

Worse, the “dogs came and licked his sores.” These were not the household pets we view today. These were pack animals that rummaged in the garbage and were unclean and considered a great humiliation to be licked in the sores by them. In his weakness, did he try to muster enough strength to push the animals away or did he welcome even the littlest bit of kindness that he couldn’t find from a human counterpart?

Luke 16:22-23 “And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.”

Though both lives were lived very differently the one thing they both had in common was they died. As stated in the introduction, “every human being will leave their existence here on planet earth behind.” Yet, when they left this world behind how they lived in it marked them for eternity.

Look at their very different endings. Lazarus was “carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom.” When one is carried it is usually a sign of love and devotion. It’s wanting to lift one up out of misery to a place of comfort and peace. And, this is exactly what he experienced. His days of suffering were behind him. No more did he have to suffer indignity and hunger. No more did he have to depend on man to supply him with his daily basic needs for now he was in a place of paradise and rest. He was ministered to and held on to with love and concern; those very things he sought while he was alive.

“The rich man also died, and was buried.” Where’s the love at the end of his story? Did he live is life solely for himself? His story ends as if he was put in the ground and forgotten. No lamentations are made for him. One almost gets the impression of, “Well folks that is that. Let’s go. He’s gone.”

Then we read that that was not the end of his story. In fact, the end is much worse. “In hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments.” Too often many are convinced that the graveside is the end of the story. Yet, here we see Jesus Himself telling us that there is more to come, be it good or bad. The way the rich man lived and the decisions he made while alive awarded him (if you would want to use the word awarded) with “torments.”

There is no way to make that word sound good. It is as bad as it sounds. Torments means torture! It’s not a glorious time rather it is a time of suffering, oppression, pain and sorrow. What’s worse about his torment is that it is never ending. It will go on through all eternity, forever and ever, without ever experiencing any relief. The next verse tells us of his cry and that he was SUFFERING!

Luke 16:24 “And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.”

Hell is real!!!! We must never lose sight of that. The pain and the suffering of hell are real! It was not a place where this man or any man wants to be. There’s not a party going on down there as some claim. It was a place that made him cry out for mercy. He cried out for meager relief, just a tip of his finger in water (remember Lazarus just wanted less than meager food). It was an everlasting flame that tormented him day and night without relief. The decisions that got him here are permanent. There was no turning back. There were no do overs. This was his final destination. I can’t over emphasize this enough. THIS WAS IT!!!

Luke 16:25 “But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.”

“Remember.” Sometimes to remember is a good thing. But, when this man is instructed after his death to bring back to mind the way he lived his life it did not bring back fanciful memories. I believe it added to his torment because he now realizes how frivolous everything was. He probably would now readily agree with Ecclesiastes where it says, “Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun? One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever,” (Ecclesiastes 1:2-4).

All that he invested in to make his life on that side prosperous didn’t amount to a hill of beans in eternity because all he invested in was himself. In my opinion it wasn’t his being rich but what he did with it that shortsighted his eternal perspective. Psalms 112 speaks of the man that fears the Lord and delights in His commandments. In verse 2-3 it says the “generation of the upright shall be blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth forever.” But, verse 5 goes on to say of this same man, “A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion;” and verse 7 says, “his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.” Finally, verse 9 exclaims, “He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor.” Though this man that the psalmist speaks of is rich he also knows how to use it to think of others also. After all, Abraham himself was rich (see Gen. 13:2; 24:35) but Abraham lived a life of faith (Heb. 11:8-19).

These things the psalmist spoke of are not what the rich man in Jesus’ parable was doing. Also, when I look in Galatians 5:22-23, I see the fruit of the Spirit the Apostle Paul taught to Christians. In that what I also saw was what this rich man WAS NOT doing. In these verses the fruit of the Spirit is listed as “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” How many of those fruit were missing in operation in this man’s life (This is just a thought of mine :))? If he had shown “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness or temperance” would they have led him to relieve the suffering of Lazarus (and others in his condition) while he was alive? What if he would have displayed the characteristics the psalmist speaks of in Psalm 112? Would that have made a difference? We cannot judge rather use this as a time for reflective contemplation.

Instead, he lived for himself and reaped the rewards that that brings. His destiny was reversed. He now suffered while Lazarus was at peace. The temporary decisions of yesterday now become their permanent eternity. This is a very real and thought provoking lesson.

Luke 16:26 “And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.”

This is the part that should bring a tear to every eye. We have said several times in this lesson how permanent this is, and now we see it plainly and clearly here in this verse. Words like “fixed” and “cannot” show the non-reversibility of their lives. Once we leave here there are no more chances to get it right with God! This cannot be overemphasized enough! A lot is spoken of on heaven and how to get there but what about hell and how to avoid it? Sometimes we have to get off the happy Christian prosperity train and tell it like it is. Just as heaven is real, so is hell and the choices we make here can and will affect our time there!

Luke 16:27-31 “Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.”

“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” is a phrase we often hear. It means the rich man knows where he comes from. He has probably adopted his earthly mindset from those whom he grew up with and from his parents. He probably learned in his father’s house how to operate his wealth without lack of compassion for his fellow man. Because of that he seeks for them to avoid this same outcome. He wants a special testimony to go to his father’s house, one that he is sure that would convince his family to avoid this place of torment.

Abraham’s response was they have an equal chance as anyone else on this earth to listen to the Word of God and make his decision to live right. They have Moses and the prophets; they have what God has divulged through and to humanity by His chosen mouthpieces just as anyone else does and they are to trust in that word for themselves to live right.

God doesn’t want anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9). He gives us His word to help us along the way. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works,” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The rich man’s brothers have the same opportunity to learn of the Word and must choose for them to obey or disobey it for themselves. They have to be persuaded by the Word, and not by someone rising from the dead.

Conclusion:

True wealth is not found in the accumulation of money and things. Our lesson showed us that that alone gets one lead to the road of destruction. True wealth is found in how we live this life that God has given us. Have we lived according to His Word? Have we lived our life in faith and trust in Him over the materialistic pull of society? Have we used what He has given us to help our fellow man? Are our lives marked by compassion and love and other fruit of the Spirit that reaches out to others? Are we living for Him or are we living for ourselves?

The rich man lived for himself and he reaped the rewards of that life. How must we now realign our lives to live as He instructs us? Money is one of the leading things that pull man outside of the will of God and takes him on the wide path to destruction, but it’s not the only thing. What can we take away from this lesson that will help us to live like Jesus wants us to live?

Remember, there is one thing that is certain in life and that is we can’t live here forever. We all have an eternity to face. What are we sowing into our eternity now?

Below you will find activities to help support this week’s lesson. Enjoy!:

Word Search: Instruction on True Wealth Word Search Answers: Instruction on True Wealth Word Search Answers

Crossword: Instruction on True Wealth Crossword Answers: Instruction on True Wealth Crossword Answers

Draw the Scene: Instruction on True Wealth Draw the Scene

Below you will find Links/Resources/Activities to help support this week’s lesson. Enjoy!:

“The Rich Man and The Humble Begger Coloring Sheet” (This coloring sheet is ideal for older students)

“The Rich Man and Lazarus Lesson and Activities”

“Rich Man, Poor Man Colored Story Powerpoint” (This powerpoint is a great idea to use as a digital story book for this week’s lesson. Enjoy!)

“Rich Man, Poor Man Coloring Book” (This is the same as the powerpoint above except this is in coloring book form for your students to color themselves. Enjoy!)

“Bible Story Craft for Lazarus and the Rich Man” (This is great and has printables of food and the dog to help students illustrate this week’s lesson for themselves. This is a simple project that any class can benefit from. Simply follow the instructions and enjoy!)

“The Rich Man and Lazarus” (This easy to print and make project perfectly illustrates this week’s lesson especially for teachers short on time and resources. Enjoy!) – Pictured Below

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Photo Credit: Aunties Bible Lessons (Used by permission). (Click to visit site. There you will find instructions and sheets to print out). Background: Bibleauntie Illustrations: Aaron Ernst of Santa Barbara, California. Enjoy!

“Lazarus and the Rich Man” (This one has a great object lesson to get the point of the lesson across in a visual representation. Enjoy!)

“Money Won’t Get You to Heaven”

“The Rich Man and Lazarus” (Ok, this object lesson is GREAT! Balloons, salt, pepper and paper plates. Oh yeah, this goes well with any age group and a definite must try. Go to page 4 to find. Enjoy!)

“The Rich Man and Lazarus Coloring and Activities”

Ideas for Laying up Treasures in Heaven (can be easily adapted for this week’s lesson). Enjoy!:

“Treasure in Heaven File Folder Game”

“Treasures in Heaven Printables”

“Treasures in Heaven Activities”

Money Bible Activities:

“Youth Bible Game – Give the Money”

“How to Teach a Children’s Bible Lesson About Giving” (This is a great way to teach children to look at their money differently instead of all they can gain for themselves. Enjoy!)

“Training a Child About Money” (This site hosts scores of links for parents and teachers to really evaluate and teach children about money. Enjoy!)

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February 2, 2014

“Hear and Do the Word”

James 1:19-27

(Click here for PDF: Hear and Do the Word Sunday School Lesson, or simply click the print button below. Enjoy!)

Introduction:

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver,” (Prov. 25:11). Priceless. But, if you, like I, have ever been the one to put the foot in the mouth and speak at the wrong time, know the consequences are not so priceless. They are quite the opposite, in fact.

James, in his book, really talks a lot about Christian living, particularly when it comes to the mouth (see James 3). His book opens our understanding on living out God’s Word in our lives through deliberate action and not just complacent listening. And many verses found in his book are key to teaching us great human communication skills.

James 1:19-20 “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”

In these verses, James lays out good ideas for human communication. By using the words “every man” he implies that these are good guidelines for anybody to follow when dealing with one another.

First, “be swift to hear.” I must admit in the age where texting and social media is the prevalent form of communication, really learning to sit down and hear someone out is a passing characteristic trait. This being “swift to hear” is not for one who is running to hear gossip of others. Rather, it is the ability to stay oneself in a conversation where another can unload a burden; where another can trust you to be their confidant in the time of trouble.

Secondly, we are commanded to “be slow to speak.” If you’ve ever been in the midst of one of those conversations where the other person is always jumping in and cutting you off, you know how it can put you off. Proverbs 21:23 reminds us, “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.” Many of the misunderstandings that occur between people is because the right words were not spoken at the right time, rather the wrong words were spoken at the wrong time (see James 3 for more on this tongue of trouble).

Lastly, this verse admonishes us to be “slow to wrath.” Proverbs 14:29 tells us, “He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.” The one with a quick temper shows his/her lack of self-control. Oh, how easy it is to let loose and lash out. But, what great strength is shown in the one who doesn’t.

One of the fruit of the Spirit is “temperance,” (Gal. 5:23), which means self-control. In other words, passions of the flesh that provoke one to rise in anger are not to have the final rule or say. We, as Christians, are to allow the working of the Spirit to have free course as opposed to that of the fleshly desire. That’s why Paul said, “I keep my body, and bring it into subjection . . .,” (1 Cor. 9:27a). He, as well as we, are running this Christian race and often that requires putting the things we feel under obedience of Christ who Himself was our living example (see Is. 53:7).

“For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” “Man” operates with fleshly inclinations. What that means is man is not infinitely wise and all-knowing as our heavenly Father is who said, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD,” (Is. 55:8). Man judges according to his finite knowledge and abilities especially in times of anger where his judgment could be clouded and impaired by raging emotions.

This often causes man to lash out on his own without first prayerfully considering the consequences and recourses of his actions, thereby not producing the “righteousness of God.” That’s why the Apostle Paul admonishes us, “Be ye angry and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath,” (Eph. 4:26). Proverbs 16:32 tells us, “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” He that can control his emotions through inner strength is stronger that the man that can conquer a city with his outer strength.

James 1:21 “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”

“Lay apart.” Take it off! There are things that can hold an individual back from being all that God has called them to be. Hindrances that get in the way of one fulfilling God’s Word in their lives. James said lay it apart – take it off, because it is not profitable to “save your souls.”

Rather, “receive with meekness the engrafted word.” “Receive” means to bring into one self. This is what we want to lay ownership to and put on: “the engrafted word.” The Word is an essential component in the spiritually mature life. It upholds us (Ps. 119:116). Through the Word faith is increased (Rom. 10:17). The Word is our weapon to fight with (Eph. 6:17). The Word lights the pathway for us (Ps. 119:105). The Christian cannot live without the Word. God freely gives it to us “for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” (2 Tim. 3:16), that when we “receive” it with “meekness” we will know how to operate like Him and not according to our fleshly wrath.

James 1:22 “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

“But be ye doers of the word.” A “doer” is a person marked by activity and action. It’s a person who is not complacent, content with just sitting on the side lines. This person believes in getting in there, rolling their sleeves up and working the Word to its fullest capacity.

God’s Word is not an aquarium. In an aquarium we view the fish from the outside. We don’t go in and interact with them. We just watch them swim along thinking how beautiful and peaceful they are. God’s Word is beautiful and peaceful but it is also meant to be lived out; it is meant to be interacted with. One is not just to be an observer or a “hearer” but a “doer.”

They that only hear are “deceiving your own selves.” Many pack churches out on Sunday’s to fulfill their weekly obligation of attending church without having a personal relationship with the Word; without contemplating and applying its truths to their own lives. This may make one appear spiritually rich on the outside but on the inside they have cheated themselves out of its rich rewards. This is deceptive to self.

James 1:23-25 “For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”

There, in the morning rush to get out of the door, a dash to the mirror to make sure every hair is in place and the face is in order. Walking away, another dash to the mirror to verify once again that everything looked okay. Again, in the car, adjust the mirror once again to reaffirm what one looks like, and so on; readjusting and running back to the mirror so that outwardly things may appear right.

One who doesn’t have an active relationship with the Word does not have it as a constant measuring stick to live by. Think of a level which is used in construction to make sure everything lines up evenly and according to plan. Without that level walls could end up slanted and out of place causing the entire structure to be unstable. Just taking a quick glance or eyeing it will not give a good representation. You need the tool to be absolutely sure.

The Word is that tool that keeps us in line so that we won’t “forget what manner of man he was.” He who is a “doer” of the Word has an active relationship with the Word and keeps coming back to it to align his or herself aright. This is the one who looks intently into the Word, here referred to as “the perfect law of liberty,” and sees it for the truth marker that it is.

“This man shall be blessed in his deed.” Luke 11:28 says, “Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it;” a promise that is spoken over and over again in the Bible (see also Deut. 4:40; John 13:17 and Rom. 2:13). God’s blessings are poured out on the “doers,” not the “hearers.” The “doer” is the one whom despite his/her feelings does the will of the Father (see Jesus’ parable in Mt. 21:28-31). Jesus was a “doer!” In agony He declared, “Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done,” (Lk. 22:42).

James 1:26-27 “If any man among you seem to be religious, and brideth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”

Here is a reiteration of where the lesson began with instructions on being swift to hear and slow to speak. One can seem holy and pious on the outside but if that little inside member known as the “tongue” is not brought under control, “this man’s religion is vain.”

If the Word is not active in his life causing him to operate in love and concern for his fellow brethren, rather seeks to tear others down, his religion is not fruitful. It’s not producing what will draw men to Christ, instead it is repelling. The Word is meant to go beyond just believing it, it is meant to be put into operation and lived.

James, in essence, was saying if you really want to know the Word is at work in one’s life watch what they do. “Pure religion and undefiled” fulfills the command of God in their lives. “Pure religion” is seen in action. It shows in their care of others like “to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction.” It goes beyond just being a hearer and displays evidence of being a doer. It is also shown in how they line themselves up to the Word “to keep himself unspotted from the world.” The proof is in the pudding, so to speak. A “doer” shows what they believe, whereas a “hearer” is only a complacent bystander.

Conclusion:

There are enough hearers, observers and viewer of the faith. God needs some action heroes that will allow the Word to work in their lives. God needs more “doers!”

Below are activities that will help support this week’s lesson. Enjoy!:

Word Search: Hear and Do the Word Word Search Answers: Hear and Do the Word Word Search Answers

Crossword: Hear and Do the Word Crossword Answers: Hear and Do the Word Crossword Answers

Word Scramble: Hear and Do the Word Word Scramble Answers: Hear and Do the Word Word Scramble Answers

Draw the Scene: James 1 22 Puzzle Print Out (For this Draw the Scene students can make their own pictures on the printable puzzle, cut out and enjoy. Don’t forget, using cardstock is best).

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For accurate printing click PDF above. Enjoy!

Below are Links/Resources/Activities for help support this week’s lesson. Enjoy!:

“Follow God’s Word Maze”

“James – Genuine Faith Lesson Ideas and Coloring”

“Whistle, Listen, Do” (This is a really fun, get into it game to play with children to help them learn James 1:22. All you need is a whistle and kids. Gotta try this one. Enjoy!)

“James 1:22 Lesson Ideas” (Play a game of Jesus says (based off of Simon Says) or do a mirror object lesson. Here you will find these great, easy and inexpensive ways to really bring out this week’s lesson. Psst . . . and hardly no prep work involved. How cool is that? Enjoy!)

Children’s Activities for Listening:

“Listening Ears Craft” (This craft is so easy with simple preparation and can easily be adapted to this week’s lesson. Enjoy!)

“My Listening Ears Headband” (Simple and Printable. Enjoy!)

“Speak, Lord, For Your Servant Hears” (This is such an adorable way to do a listening craft. A picture of the student with huge, listening ears glued to the side. If you already have pictures of your students on hand this one will be a snap for you. Oh, how they will enjoy seeing themselves like this. Just change the verse to match our lesson but this is easily applied here also. Enjoy!) – Pictured Below thanks to my friend Deanna at His Treasure Seekers (Used by Permission)

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Photo Credit: His Treasure Seekers (Click to visit her site) Isn’t this adorable?

Children’s Activities for Mirrors (vss. 23-24):

“Blank Printable Mirror” (Originally these are used for party invitations but how great to just print out and have students draw a picture of what they think they look like in the mirrors. Add verse to the back and there you go. An easy alternative activity that really brings out this week’s lesson. Enjoy!)

“Aluminum Foil Face Mirror Craft” (How creative! Here is a chance to use old cereal boxes, aluminum foil and crafting sticks. Together they make this cute craft. Goes very well with this lesson. Enjoy!)

Children’s Activities for Obeying God (which is what being a doer of the Word is):

“O is for Obedience Coloring Pages”

“Obey the Lord Your God Puppet/Teacher Skit” (What a way to teach a lesson on obedience! With practice and a puppet from the dollar store (oh yeah, dollar store, I have lots) this can be really easy to do. Don’t have or can’t get a puppet, make a paper bag puppet. The students can make one to of themselves who will be doers of God’s Word. Awesome! Enjoy!) – Below are some I made for a previous lesson with templates from Teachershelp.org: boy and girl (cardstock is best to use) – Add verse cut out below to the back of your puppet

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Click PDF link below for accurate printing

PDF: James 1 22 Verse Cut Out

“Obedience Games for Kids” from Ehow.com (This is great! Some of the old classics are brought out to teach children about obeying/following directions like Simon Says, Red Light, Green Light and more. Enjoy your play time with your students as you revisit your past with this idea. :))

“Warning Signs” Activity from Kids Sunday School Place

“The Rewards of Obedience” from Ministry to Children

“Obey Donuts” (If you are looking for a treat to go with this lesson than this is it. Refrigerated biscuit dough is all it takes. I often make treats similar to these for my students. Enjoy!)

“I Will Obey God Crafts for Kids” (Here you will find several ideas to implement for this lesson. Enjoy!)

“I Obey God Coloring Sheet”

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February 9, 2014

“Avoid Showing Favoritism”

James 2:1-13

(Click here for PDF: Avoid Showing Favoritism Sunday School Lesson, or simply click the print button below. Enjoy!)

Introduction:

We all remember those playground days when the team captains stood in the front of the group declaring in order the people that were worthy to be on their team. One by one they would call out the names, from the greatest to the least that would help them win the game. Sometimes this decision was not made on ability so much as favoritism. Some in the crowd dared not look up, afraid of the desperation showing in their eyes of not being called last again.

This playground mentality humiliated some for the benefit of others, something James would not let Christians get away with in the church. Have you ever seen in your own church some treated unfairly due to their lack of prestige as opposed to others?

In light of the verse that says, “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags,” (Is. 64:6a), how would we feel if God look at our sin-stained stated and judged us unworthy to receive His favor? Let’s get into this lesson so that we may learn to appreciate all that God has done for us and that we might “Avoid Showing Favoritism.”

James 2:1 “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.”

“Have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . with respect of persons.” Let’s view our “faith” in light of what it really is. We were no good – period. We have not righteousness on our own, Philippians 3:9. Our world before our faith in Christ is described as being “dead in trespasses and sin,” (Eph. 2:1). We were tore-up from the floor up (as they say :)), not fit for a heavenly home. Check out these two Youtube video links to see how these young people illustrate this point: “Before We Met Christ” and “After We Met Christ” (Love it!)

But, “He was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification,” (Rom. 4:25). “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on a tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed,” (1 Pet. 2:24). Knowing what He did for us and where He brought us from we are commanded not to use our faith as an occasion to have “respect of persons.” One is not to use their time of assembling together to belittle some and exalt others through favoritism.

James 2:2-4 “For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?”

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Clik here to view.“Goodly apparel” versus “vile raiment.” These were the precursors by which men “become judges of evil thoughts.” Outward appearances become the criteria by which one determines where one is worthy to be seated. If this is the case then one shows their way of thinking that they are “then partial in yourselves.” This spirit of dividing and categorizing people based off of a superficial standard dwells in them.

It’s so easy, by human standards, to fall into the trap of viewing with the eyes and judging one’s status. This is called “stereotyping,” when one thinks they know you by how you appear and places you in a certain category and deems that’s where you belong.

Even the prophet Samuel fell into this dangerous mindset in searching for the next king of Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.Israel. Judging by the mighty men before him, one of these, all appearing to fit the outer criteria, had to be the one. God rebuked such notions and told him, “Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart,” (1 Sam. 16:7). Check out my article on: “God’s Heartward Perspective.”

With such a profound biblical example of exactly what James is teaching let us take heed to this warning found in Leviticus 19:15 where it says, “Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, no honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbor.”

Our faith is founded in Christ who Himself said, “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment,” (Jn. 7:24). Place seating according to “goodly apparel” versus “vile raiment” is judging “according to appearance.” It’s sizing people up according to what they can afford buy or do for another.

This is unjust thinking. God wants equal opportunity Christians for God Himself shows no partiality, Romans 2:11. His Son came and died so that the whole world, not just some specific groups whom we count worthy, might be saved, John 3:16. When one goes against His basis of salvation and opts to show favoritism according to what is seen, on the outside of a man, they “become judges of evil thoughts.”

James 2:5 “Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?”

“Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom?” Jesus once taught, “The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment,” (Luke 12:23). Yet, these temporary things are what man strives for the most to achieve. One can have all the treasures in the world and “is not rich toward God,” (Luke 12:21). These shall never inherit His “kingdom” in that coming day.

Those whose boast is in their material wealth; those whose pride rests in all they have acquired are actually lacking the most important thing to enter that kingdom: a “love” relationship with “Him.” Revelation 3:17 shows how things will never satisfy that holy requirement: “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.”

In other words, according to the world’s system of judging success these thought they have what it takes to enter that “kingdom.” Yet, they were really the ones who lacked the most. Jesus’ instructions were, “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich . . .,” (Rev. 3:18). Jesus has been proven as the only way to enter that “kingdom” and He wants people to depend on a “love” relationship with Him, not material possessions.

Matthew 5:3 tells us, “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Those that recognize their depravity are prone to be more dependent on the grace of another, be it in the natural or spiritual. The natural poor have nothing great to boast of, no apparent accumulation of goods and accolades, to give just cause to receive favor. The same is true for the spiritually poor. These are usually the ones marked as being “rich in faith” because they depend on what He can do and has done for them and not their own selves or riches.

James 2:6-7 “But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?”

James really drew his readers in to really examine their unjust actions. Their inequality of treatment toward the “poor” was wrong and they did their fellow man a great disservice by despising them. This treatment of being “despised” for their lack goes beyond just making them feel rejected; rather through their preference of the rich they are showing hatred toward the “poor.”

To James this made no sense because it is the rich who are always at enmity with them. He questions them, “Do not the rich oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?” This, to him, was all backwards thinking.

Those in power and authority often act with great contempt toward the common man and sometimes toward God also, thinking their status in life affords them special privileges. They would “oppress” their fellow man and take them to court, using their wealth to gain favor not normally available to the poor.

If you will allow me to paraphrase, James said, “Not in here. Not in the church.” This is a place for all to humbly submit in worship before the Lord and there is no favoritism allowed. When they come into this building the only thing that matters is what the inner man possesses; and not the outward possessions.

James 2:8-9 “If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love they neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.”

“If ye fulfill the royal law according to scripture.” One day, a lawyer thinking to trip Jesus up on His words, asked, “Master, which is the great commandment in the law?” (Mt. 22:36). Jesus took no time in answering him and immediately said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment,” (Mt. 22:37-38).

But, Jesus didn’t stop there. This was a prime teaching opportunity to let them know how they treat people matters, also. So, He went on to say, “And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thy self,” (Mt. 22:39), words James also reminds them of.

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Photo Credit: Wallpaper4god

Treat people as you yourself would want to be treated. This is reminiscent of our lesson: “Living as God’s People” on January 12, 2014 (www.wordforlifesays.com, click to read more). “God is love,” (1 John 4:8), and those that belong to Him should operate in love also. Love is an energy that supplies the deepest crevices of man, filling a longing that has been present since the time of conception. Everybody wants to be loved, no matter their status in life and the church should be a supply source of His great love. More is found in other articles: “Covered By Love!” and “Love Without Hypocrisy!”

“But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin.” In Matthew 22, when Jesus listed these two greatest commandments He also stated, “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets,” (vs. 40). How we treat people really does matter. Showing “respect” to one who seems to be more affluently endowed could cause unfair actions toward those who are not, thereby committing sin.

Think about it. One of the greatest commandments spoken by our Lord was focused on how we treat others. To go against that grain of love that He lived and died for is to go against Him. When one chooses to side with the rich (or any unjust group) they choose to partake in the oppression that that one exudes.

James 2:10-11 “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.”

Sin is sin! If one treats his fellow man wrong he is just as guilty as if he had committed any other sin. This is why he is teaching for the Christians to avoid it. It’s not just an unpleasant way of acting; it is sin!

One can cross every “T” and dot every “I” of the law, but if “they offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” “All unrighteousness is sin,” exclaims 1 John 5:17. If it goes against His commands, it is sin no matter how small or large we may view it. “For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee,” the psalmist said in Psalm 5:4. God hates all sin, Psalm 11:5.

James 2:12-13 “So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.”

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.One day judgment is coming and how we treated others will come back on us. If no “mercy” was shown toward one’s fellow man than don’t expect “mercy” for you, James taught. In other words, he was teaching them the same way they judged whether one was worthy to sit here or there is the same way they will be judged. “For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again,” (Mt. 7:2). All decisions have repercussions. Measure for measure, pay day is coming.

Conclusion:

This is a phrase I’ve mentioned several times in this lesson and I’m going to say it here again as my conclusion, “The way we treat people matters.” It even has with it its eternal rewards or judgments so let us “Avoid Showing Favoritism.”

Below you will find activities to support this week’s lesson. Enjoy!

Wordsearch: Avoid Showing Favoritism Wordsearch Answers: Avoid Showing Favoritism Wordsearch Answers

Crossword: Avoid Showing Favoritism Crossword Answers: Avoid Showing Favoritism Crossword Answers

Draw the Scene: Avoid Showing Favoritism Draw the Scene

Below are more Resources/Links/Activities to support this week’s lesson. A lot of the “Love One Another” Activities are great to go with Verse 8 of today’s lesson. Enjoy!

“Don’t Play Favorites Lesson Idea”

“Are You Playing Favorites? Lesson Help”

“All the Children of the World Lesson and Activities”

“Let Us Love One Another”

“Playing Favorites Coloring and Activities”

“Playing Favorites Group Activities”

“My Favorite Teen Sunday School Lesson”

“Love Each Other Coloring Page”

“Love One Another Coloring Page”

“Be Kind to One Another Coloring Page”

“Bible Crafts for Children on Friendship” (Scroll down to the Love One Another craft idea. Love this thumbprint idea. Enjoy!)

“Love Bible Crafts and Activities” (Here are several unique and great ideas that can be easily applied to this week’s lesson. Enjoy!)

“Love One Another Bible Activity” (If you have old magazines laying around ready to be cut up then this is for your class. Learn how to make friendship stickers here. Very creative! Enjoy!)

“Heart Laced Bookmark” (Can someone say, “Easy!” Yes, this is. Simply print out onto cardstock, have students decorate with a verse from today’s lesson and lace it up with yarn or ribbon. What a nice reminder for them to take home and use. Enjoy!)

“The One Who Unites Hearts” (This isn’t the first time I have listed this one. Yet, when we get an easy printable that applies well to a lesson, it’s hard to let go of. Don’t forget to use cardstock. Enjoy!)

“Love One Another Bible Bookmark” (Print and color. It’s that easy. Enjoy!)

“Christian Crafts for Kids About Judging Others” (There are several ideas that can easily be adapted for our lesson this week but I especially like the idea of a Stop Sign Keychain. What a great way for one to remember to “stop” before judging people based on their outer appearance. Enjoy!)

THE GOLDEN RULE:

“Jesus and The Golden Rule Activity”

“The Golden Rule Coloring Page”

Filed under: Christian Living, Christianity, faith, Inspirational Photos, Inspirational Pictures, Inspirational Posters, religion, Sunday School, The Word of God, Uncategorized Tagged: "Avoid Showing Favoritism" Sunday School Lesson James 2:1-13 February 9 2014, 1 John 5:17, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 Samuel 16:7, All our righteousness is a filthy rags, and was raised again for our justification, Authorized King James Version, Avoid Showing Favoritism Sunday School Lessons James 2:1-13 February 9 2014, Bible, Bible Verses, By whose stripes ye are healed, children's activities, Children's Bible Activities, Children's Bible Printables, Children's Coloring Pages, Children's Printables, Children's Sunday School Lessons, Christ, Christian, Christian Sunday School Lessons, Christianity, Dead in trespasses and sin, Ephesians 2:1, God, He was delivered for our offences, Isaiah 64:6a, Jesus, John 3:16, John 7:24, Judge not according to appearance, Leviticus 19:15, Life is more than meat, Lord, love one another, Love One Another Activitiesa and Crafts, Luke 12:21, Luke 12:23, Man looks on the outward appearance God looks at the heart, Matthew 22, Matthew 22:36, Matthew 5:3, Philippians 3:9, Religion and Spirituality, Respect of persons, Revelation 3:17, Revelation 3:18, Romans 4:25, Sunday School, Sunday School Lesson, The Golden Rule, The Golden Rule Sunday School Lesson and Activities, We have no righteousness of our own Image may be NSFW.
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Just want to take some time to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! God has used each one of you to bless me in one way or another this year. You guys are awesome and I pray His very best for you now and into the next year.

Also, unless I become deeply inspired Image may be NSFW. Clik here to view. (we all know how that is), I will be taking the week off from writing. There will be no new posts or Sunday School lessons until January.

Be blessed. Enjoy your Savior, your family, your friends, your holiday!

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Also, unless I become deeply inspired Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view. (we all know how that is), I will be taking the week off from writing. There will be no new posts or Sunday School lessons until January.