Look Back
WELCOME TO WEEK 4
Welcome to week 4! We’ve learned a lot this month! Sometimes when things are hard, we have a hard time remembering that God has been with us in the past. This week lets remember, and look back at what God has done for us in the past so that we can trust He will remain faithful in the future.
BIBLE STORY
Let’s test your memory and see how good it is! We are going to play a memory game. Gather about 10-12 items from around the house and place them in a group between you and your child. Look at the items I have here. See if you can remember all the items that are here. Give the child a minute or so to look at all the items. Now close your eyes. Place a towel over the items and remove one item from the group and hide it behind your back or under another towel. Then remove the towel from over the remaining items. Now, I’ve removed 1 item, can you tell me what item is missing? Give your child a few minutes to figure it out. You may repeat the game by removing a different item or replacing all the items and starting again.
Let’s review what we know about the story of the Israelites going into the promised land. First the Israelites were with Moses, freed from slavery and crossing the Red Sea. When they crossed the desert and came to the promised land, Moses sent 12 spies to see the land. They said it flowed with milk and honey but the people were giants and could not be overtaken. They began to doubt and didn’t want to go further. Joshua and Caleb were the only 2 who believed God would be with them and they could overtake the city. God made the Israelites wander in the wilderness for 40 years before the children of those Israelites could enter the promised land. With Joshua as their leader they once again moved forward toward the promised land. Joshua also sent spies to survey the land, especially Jericho. This time the spies returned and said they believed God was giving them this land. This time they believed! Before they came to Jericho they had to cross the Jordan River. God wanted to assure them He would be with them and help them overtake the land.
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 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
Our memory is a tool we use to recall important dates, remember what we studied for the big test, or to recall a special occasion. God wants us to remember our relationship with Him as well. We can remember how God has walked beside us throughout our life through the good and bad times. We can remember how we have walked through life’s journey with God in the past and know that no matter what happens in our future, God will be there with us.
Activity
Play this game called “I went Shopping” to test your memory. The first player starts the game by saying “I went shopping and bought a _____” saying 1 thing they bought. The next player says “I went shopping and bought a ____(saying the first players items) and _____ (saying a new item they bought). The game continues in this way. Each person lists all the things previously bought and then adding another item on, until someone forgets an item. The winner is the last person who can correctly name the items in sequence.
Alternate
Remembering all that God has done for us helps us know that He will not leave nor forsake us in the future. Complete the following activity sheet. ‘I Remember…’ In each section write of a time you remember when God ‘provided for me, protected me, answered my prayer, sent me a friend who helped me, and loved me”. Share your stories with someone.
Materials: printed activity sheet “I remember…”, pencil, crayons
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: Gathered 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 sheet, crayons
FOLLOW-UP
Read or listen to Psalm 136 When reading this chapter it repeats the phrase “His loves endures forever” Every time you get to that part of the verse, say it aloud.
Create your own verse by changing some of the vocabulary to make it personal to you.
Give thanks to the Lord for He is __________
His love endures forever
Give thanks to the God of _________
His love endures forever
Give thanks to the Lord of ___________
His love endures forever
To Him who alone does great __________
His love endures forever
Who by His understanding made ____________
His love endures forever
We can go on and on about the attributes of God and what He has done to make our world and love each of us. It is important to remember all that God has done for us in the past and that his love for us will endure, or last forever.
What are some ways God has showed you His love?
What do you have that reminds you of how God is good?
Do you have an object that reminds you of a story of something God has done?
What are some things we do at church that remind us of things God has done?
What are some things your family does that remind you of what God has done?
What is your favorite memory of something God has done for you or your family?
Practical Application at Home
The Israelites tried to enter the promised land twice! The first time with Moses they did not have enough faith to believe that God would deliver them. Even though they saw God deliver them out of slavery they couldn’t see how he would give them the promised land. When the next generation of Israelites (the sons and daughters) were ready to enter into the promised land, this time it was different. Just as their parents spied on the land, ate manna, and crossed the sea, they also did similar things. But this time they believed. This time the Israelites chose to have faith and remember God was with them just like He had been with them in the past. They remembered all God had done for their parents but also saw all that God was doing for them. We can also remember the God of our parents, grandparents, and the same God who has done so much for you.
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.
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.