WELCOME TO WEEK 4

In our last week this month we will see how remembering God helps us trust him for now and in the future. We can think of all the things God has done in the past and then know that God will continue to be with us in the future. 

BIBLE STORY

Gather as many of the following items as possible: a candle (Or candlestick), a rock or stone, a piece of cloth, a candle, a cotton ball, a match, a bottle of water, a toy person, a toy donkey or horse, and the ark craft made earlier this week or a small box/chest. Keep all items hidden in a bag or container until time to reveal them.

Today we are continuing in our story about Joshua and the Israelites. They had been through so much but they were finally ready to go into the promised land with Joshua as their new leader. The Israelites had made many mistakes before but this time they needed to remember how God had provided for them in the wilderness and that He would continue to provide for them as they moved forward. Today we will do a test of your memory! I have several items, I am going to give you a minute to look at the items and then I will hide them again. I want you to see how many of the items you can remember.

Show the items to your child, give them an appropriate amount of time to look at them depending on their age, about a minute. Then hide the items again. Have your child either write down or say out loud the items they remember seeing laid out in front of them. Once they are finished show them how many items they remembered.

It is important for us to remember what God has done for us in the past so we can trust He will continue to provide for us in the present and future.

Materials: candlestick, rock, cloth, candle, cotton ball, match, water bottle, toy person, toy donkey/horse, craft ark (made in week 1)

Read or listen to the scripture Joshua 3:10-4:9  

What river were they about to cross? (The Jordan River)

What was to go into the water first ahead of everyone? (The Ark of the Covenant of the Lord)

What happened when the priest stepped a foot in the Jordan River? (The water from upstream stopped flowing and piled up a great distance away)

Once all of Israel crossed the Jordan River, what did God tell them to do? (Choose 1 man from each tribe to collect a stone from the river where the priest were standing to take over the other side of the river where they would stay that night.)
What were the 12 stones to represent? (a memorial or reminder to the people of Israel that God had stopped the Jordan River before the Ark of the Covenant, so they could cross over)

BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY

God has blessed us with the ability to remember things that have happened in the past. We can remember how God was with us during the happy times of our lives but also during times of sadness. The stones the Israelites gathered were to serve as a reminder that God was going to deliver them as He had promised. We can remember God’s promises to us as well.

Activity

Go for a nature walk. During the walk collect 12 stones as a family, that are a good size and easy to carry. As you pick up the stones, retell the story of Joshua and the Israelites crossing the Jordan River. As you choose the stone, describe what it looks like and it’s texture, relating it to the story if possible. Keep the story simpe or add more details depending on your child’s age and ability.

Alternative:

The Israelites were a large family. Each tribe went into the Jordan and pulled out a stone to represent their family that crossed the Jordan River. Print the following activity sheet. On each stone write the names of people in your family or friends who love and follow God. Then cut out each stone and paste them on a separate piece of construction paper to represent your memorial of how God is leading your family.

Materials: printed stones, pencil, glue, piece of construction paper

Create:

Collect a few smooth or rough stones that are of medium size. Use paint to decorate the stones in any way you like. As you decorate the stones, think about ways God takes care of you. Extended Activity: once the stones dry, use a permanent marker to write characteristics of God. (example: protector, loving, kind, just, merciful, etc). You can give these stones to others as a way to remind them of God’s love for them, or you can leave them along a path or sidewalk for others to find and read. 

Materials: stones, paint, permanent marker

ARTS & CAFTS

CRAFT 1

Create a diorama of the scene of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River. Remember to include the 12 rocks, cut-outs of the Israelites, the river, and the ark.

Materials: Small box or shoebox, variety of craft item: scissors, glue, crayons, cotton balls, yarn, construction paper.

Craft 2

Coloring page

Materials: Printed coloring page, crayons

FOLLOW-UP

Crossing the Jordan River with Joshua as the leader was very similar to how the Israelites started on their journey with Moses.

What event happened with the Israelites and Moses that was similar to crossing the Jordan? (Crossing the Red Sea)

What were both groups trying to do? (Go into the Promised land)

Moses sent spies into Canaan to explore the land, where did Joshua send spies? (to survey the land, especially Jericho)

Both times their were spies sent out to report on what they saw in the land. The first spies reported the land was good but the people were too big to overcome. What did the second group of spies report back to Joshua? (Joshua 2:24 The Lord was giving them this land because the people were melting in fear)

Practical Application at Home

The Israelites saw many things from their time in Egypt and traveling through the wilderness. They surely shared those stories with their children and told all the wonderful things God did for them, how they lacked faith and suffered the consequences. Our parents and grandparents also have stories of what God has done for them. They have stories of times they’ve been delivered, times God provided when they didn’t see a way, or miracles that can not be explained.

As a family talk about how you have seen God show up in your life. Tell stories of the miracles you have seen, the times you felt His presence, and how you’ve seen Him work. No story is too small. Allow time for each family member to share a story and take time to rejoice and see God’s hand. Include a grandparent if you are able and allow them to share a story as well.

Just as the children of Israel shared the exciting stories of the Red Sea and the plagues, we can also share our stories so that we can always remember what God has done for us. When we remember what God has done in the past, it gives us strength and faith to know that He will continue to deliver us. We can choose to not make the same mistakes of unbelief and fear but walk in faith, choosing to trust God.

Additional Resources

Outings to Reinforce Lesson

Go to a park and spend time in worship and prayer. Ask God to show you ways to trust him and listen to his voice.