These lessons teach us the importance of choices. We see that we always have a choice. When we choose to praise and thank God even when we are going through tough times, our lives bring Him the most glory.
Jeremiah 28:5 – 9
Jeremiah lived during a time when Israel was surrounded by enemies and there was trouble everywhere in Israel. Jeremiah shows us that our lives can glorify God even when we are going through hard times. Jeremiah chose to stand up for God’s Word even though he was hated for it. We bring glory to God also when we stand up for God’s Word no matter what.
Today’s lesson gets its full meaning when we read all of Jeremiah 28. Read this Jeremiah 28 and act it out with your mom or dad. Choose one of you to be Hananiah and the other person will be Jeremiah. Then talk about what the verses in today’s lesson mean for you after you have acted out this passage.
Psalm 89
Most psalms were written by King David. This psalm was not. The writer of this psalm is Ethan, the Ezrahite. Ethan lived while King David was king. Ethan may have been a cymbal player in King David’s court and Ethan was famous for being very wise. Psalm 89 was written during a time when Israel was in trouble. Psalm 89 starts with praising God. The middle part of Psalm 89 shows us that Israel is in a very bad place. But, even though Israel is in trouble, the last part of Psalm 89 ends with praising God. Praising and thanking God is a choice we make. Make it a habit to start and end your day praising and thanking God.
Cymbals were used when the psalms were sung. Remember the word psalm means song. Watch the below youtube showing what cymbals are and when they are used. We think that the Psalms were quietly read but the Bible tells us they were sung and often with all the instruments of an orchestra.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1rFyPGd95U
Below is Psalm 89 being sang. Sing and clap along with the singers on this video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYoSb1JZ4OI
Romans 6:12-23
Paul is telling us that we have choices. Our choices lead to consequences. When our choices lead us away from God, we will not have a close relationship with God. When our choices lead us to God, we will have a close relationship with God.
Matthew 10:42-44
Read the two verses with your family. Jesus tells his disciples that when we welcome other people in His name we will be rewarded. It is easy to think that Jesus is speaking about rewards here on earth. But, these rewards are the heavenly rewards that God will give to us for welcoming others while we lived here on earth.
Below is a children’s message on Matthew 10:42-44. Please watch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ihiDN3Tpjs
How will you welcome other people this week? Decide what you will do and then do it.
Christ Jesus, draw us to the margins so we may welcome you in those who are marginalized.
Amen.