USE
WELCOME TO WEEK 5
This month we have looked at the ministry of Elisha and seen how much we can call and count on God. This week we will see that Elisha was used by God to heal a man as well as lead him to God. We can be used by God as well.
BIBLE STORY
We’ve learned this month that the sky isn’t the limit with God. We can ask and do hard things with God. We might have limitations as humans, but God does not have any limitations. God can use us to reach the people around us, so they can know God better. Something that shoots high in the air is a rocket. Let’s make a homemade rocket of our own and see how high it goes in the sky. See this website for directions on how to make the rocket.
Materials: Baking Soda, colored pencils, vinegar, plastic bottle, wine cork, tape
Was our rocket able to work? Did it go as high as the sky? Even though we have limitations on how high we can go, God is not limited. He helps us go beyond our own limitations. We can do something for God too! We can witness to others and obey what He wants us to do. We can share the good news of Jesus and we show others God’s love. This week we will see several people be used by God to help others. First the servant girl shares with her master when he should go to be healed. She helps him see that there are prophets in the land of Israel. Elisha is used by God to share God’s message to Naaman. Elisha’s servant then gives the message to Naaman to bath in the Jordan River 7 times in order to be healed. All 3 people take God’s message to Naaman for him to not only be healed but also see that the God of Israel has the power to heal. Let’s read or listen to the story to see what happens to Elisha and Naaman.Read or listen to the scripture
Read or listen to the scripture II Kings 5:1-14
Who was the commander that had leprosy? (Naaman)
Who did the young captive girl live with and attend? (Naaman’s wife)
Who did the servant girl recommend Naaman go see to cure his leprosy? (The prophet in Samaria)
What did the King of Israel say when Naaman’s master told him naaman would come to Israel to be healed? (Can I kill and bring back to life…he is trying to pick a quarrel with me)
What did Elisha tell the king? (Have the man come and he will know there is a prophet in Israel)
What did Elisha tell Naaman to do to be healed of his leprosy? (Go wash yourself 7 times in the Jordan and be healed)
Why was Naaman upset at Elisha’s instructions? (He thought Elisha would call on God and wave his hand to cure him.)
Who convinced Naaman to stay and follow Elisha’s instructions? (His servants)
What happened to Naaman’s skin after he dipped in the river 7 times? (His skin was healed and clean like a young boy)
BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY
Activity
The servant girl of Naaman’s wife was concerned enough for her master that she suggested he go to Samaria to meet Elisha and be healed. Although the servant girl had be taken captive by Naaman’s army, she still allowed God to use her to bring healing to Naaman. She didn’t have to use anything but kindness to be used by God. We don’t need to have any special skill or talent to share God with others. Complete the following activity sheet by coloring a picture of yourself in the middle and on the stars write ways you can be used by God.
Materials: Printed activity sheet
Alternate
Retell the story of Elisha and Naaman by acting out the story. Use washable marker or small stickers to represent the leprosy on Naaman’s skin. Naaman wanted to be healed and Elisha told him what to do in order for him to be healed. God used Elisha to witness to Naaman so that he would know that the God of Israel had the power to heal the sick.
Materials: various props for storytelling
Independent activity:
Create your own list of ways you can be used by God. Decorate a jar or small box and place your cards in it. Each week pull out a card and complete the task on the card. Replace the card to the box or jar or write a new one to replace the one you completed. The servant girl and Elisha allowed God to use them to help the Captain Naaman know that God could heal him, we can allow God to use us to bring others to Him as well.
Materials: jar or small box, stickers or markers for decorating
ARTS & CAFTS
CRAFT 1
Make a large Naaman puppet face out of a paper plate. On one side of the paper plate decorate Naaman’s face with leprosy and a frown face. On the other side of the paper plate decorate Naaman’s face with a smile. See this example.
Materials: paper plate, craft stick, construction paper,
Craft 2
Coloring page
Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons
FOLLOW-UP
Read or listen to Colossians 3:1-4.
What does it mean to set your mind on things above and not on earthly things? God wants us to think about heavenly things, which are the things God has for prepared for us, and not just the daily things we think about here on earth. When we focus on our own needs and desires we are focusing on ourselves. God wants us to think of the plans he has for our lives, here on earth and in Heaven. When we think about the plans God has for us and the message He wants us to share with others, we are thinking on heavenly things. We can use the talents and gifts God has blessed us with to do God’s plan.
What disease did Naaman have?
Who told Naaman where to go for healing?
What special talent or skill did the little maid have that she used to witness for God?
What did Elisha do or say to help Naaman?
What special talent of skill did Elisha have that he used to witness for God?
How was Elisha and the little maid used by God?
What special talent or skill can you use for God?
Practical Application at Home
The bible has many examples of people who used the talents God gave them for His purpose. Their talents and skills pointed others back to God and showed the goodness of God. We can use our talents and gifts that God gave us for him as well. When our actions and words reflect God and help others see Him more clearly, we are being used by God to witness to others. We don’t have to have any specific talent, but the ones God gave us are special enough for Him to use, no matter how big of small they are. Think about the following characters and see if you can determine how they used a talent for God.
David… used his harp to sing praises to God and worked in the palace to soothe the king
Esther… used her beauty and personality to become queen and save her people
Peter… used his strong willed personality to push the gospel of Jesus to far reaches of the land
Moses …used his training from the palace to help lead his people our of slavery
Joseph… used his leadership skills to organize and feed a nation during a famine
Can you think of any other bible characters who used the gifts and talents God gave them to be a witness or be used by God in big or small ways?
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?