Voice
WELCOME TO WEEK 2
God can speak to us in many different ways, but we have to be ready to listen. This week we will practice using our sense of hearing to grow closer to God and listen to His instructions.
BIBLE STORY
Let’s take a moment to listen to our environment and see what things we can hear. On a sheet of paper, list as many sounds as you can hear until the timer goes off. Then we will compare our lists to see if we heard the same things and how many things we were able to hear.
We use our sense of sound to hear all types of things and it is one of our senses that we can use to get to know God better too! Last week we learned that John the Baptist was sent to prepare the people’s heart for Jesus’ coming. Jesus gives us a clearer view of who God is. This week we see that God can speak to us if we listen. John the Baptist heard God speak over Jesus and declare Him his son in whom He was pleased. WHen Jesus came to where John the Baptist was baptizing people in water, John recognized Jesus as the Savior. He knew that One that was greater than he had arrived. Although he didn’t see himself as worthy to baptize Jesus, he listened to what Jesus asked and obeyed. He was then able to witness and hear God proclaim Jesus as His son. What a wonderful experience. Although we may not hear an audible voice from God, we too can know when he speaks to us and listen.
Materials: Sheet of paper, outdoor space
Read or listen to Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
What did John say he baptized with? (Water)
Who would come after him? (One mightier than he whose sandals he was not worthy to loose)
What would he baptize with? (The Holy Spirit and fire)
What would he do with the wheat? (Gather it to the barn)
What would he do with the chaff? (Burn with unquenchable fire)
What happened after Jesus was baptized? (The heavens opened)
How did the Holy Spirit descend on him? (In bodily form like a dove upon Him)
What did the voice say? (You are my beloved son; in you I am well pleased)
BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY
John the Baptist witnessed God speaking over Jesus. When John the Baptist saw Jesus coming he knew this was the Savior he had been proclaiming. It was confirmed when he heard God declaring Jesus was his Son in whom He was pleased. John was willing to listen and obey God and we can listen for what God wants to tell us as well.
Activity
God speaks to use in various ways. He spoke to those in the Bible, such as his prophets, sometimes in an audible voice, in a dream, or through a prophet. God can speak to us through the Bible, spiritual leaders, teachers and parents. We can trust we are hearing God’s instructions when it is aligned with the truth in God’s bible. Listen to the times God spoke to people in the Bible and decide who God is talking to or other details from the story.
-I Am that I Am (Moses at burning bush)
-“Let there be Light, and there was light” (at creation)
-“Go out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and your sons’ wives with you” (God to Noah)
-Go from your country, your people, and your father’s household to the land I will show you (Abraham leaving his country)
-“Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” (Jonah after Nineveh repents)
-“Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” (Cain when jealous of Abel)
-You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” (Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden)
-“My servant Moses is dead. Now you and all these people go across the Jordan River into the land I am giving to the Israelites” (Joshua in the wilderness)
Materials: bible (optional)
Alternate
Go on a sound scavenger hunt. Find objects around your house or outside that make the following sounds. Complete the Bingo card and write or draw a picture of the object in the box that makes the corresponding sound.
Materials: Scavenger hunt printed, pencil
Independent activity:
God can speak to us in many different ways. Think of some ways God may speak to us. Create a list of ways God can speak to you or has spoken to you in the past. Complete the following activity sheet, writing the ways God has or can speak to you. Keep this sheet to remind yourself to listen for various ways God can speak to you.
Materials: printed activity sheet, crayons
ARTS & CAFTS
CRAFT 1
Coloring page
Materials:printed coloring sheet, crayons or other coloring utensils
Craft 2
Coloring page
Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons
FOLLOW-UP
Read or listen to Psalm 29
In this scripture David describes God’s voice in a variety of ways. He gives very descriptive words for sound. Listen to the sound words David uses to describe God’s voice. What are a few sounds you hear after reading this scripture?
How does David describe the strength in God’s voice?
How does David describe the sound in God’s voice?
How does David describe the volume of God’s voice?
Is there only one way to hear God?
Have you ever heard God speak to you?
Was it in an audible voice, or a small voice from within?
Although David describes God’s voice as thunderous, mighty, and powerful, we often don’t hear from God in that way. Think about Elijah hid in a cave in Beersheba after Jezebel threatened to kill him. He was afraid and there was a mighty wind, and earthquake and a fire, but God was not in any of those things. Then a still small voice spoke to Elijah and that was God speaking and comforting Elijah. God is able to speak to us through fire, wind, and many other powerful ways, but He can also speak to us through a small voice, His bible, our parents or church leaders. We can practice listening to God’s voice in the stillness or quiet times.
Practical Application at Home
When we pray we often make requests of God but sometimes it may not be answered right away. We might forget we made the request or not even realize our requests were answered. When we pray, it is important to see God’s hand at work even when our prayers are not answered in the way we thought they should be answered. When we take time to reflect on God’s answered prayers, we can see God’s hand in all parts of our lives and see how things worked together for His good.
Make a prayer box out of a hat box, shoe box or any other small box. Take a little time to decorate the box with stickers, pictures, and your favorite bible verses. Cut a small slit in the top of the lid for papers to pass through and then place the lid on the box. As you have prayer request, write them on a small sheet of paper and then place them in the box. After some time has passes, go through the box and read through your prayers to see if any have been answered. You can then get rid of those request as you offer a prayer of thanksgiving, or glue them into a notebook for answered prayers.
Additional Resources
Outings to Reinforce Lesson
Enjoy the cool weather and take a nature walk. Observe the things God created and how they work together in His plan. What part do each of us play in God’s plan for us?