Big Picture
WELCOME TO WEEK 3
Have you ever stood in the Grand Canyon? Have you ever climbed to the summit of a tall mountain? Have you been in the proximity of a tornado? All of these things can be bigger than life and we can see how small we are in comparison. This week Job asks God questions but gets questions in return to help Job see who God is.
BIBLE STORY
Let’s play Play 21 question. Have each player write down 3 character names, each on its’ own card. Shuffle the cards into a pile and have each player choose a card, place it on their forehead, and take a turn asking the audience questions to see if they can figure out what character they are. Continue playing by choosing a new card if they guessed their card.
How well did you do answering a big question by asking a lot of little questions? Did you know who the character was from the very beginning? We often have a lot of questions in life that sometimes are left unanswered. Who knows thee answers to all of our questions? God knows the beginning from the end and He is in control of everything. Even though we can’t see the big picture and we don’t have all of the answers, we can trust that God knows the answers. Job asked God why there were so many things happening to him. God did not answer Job’s questions exactly, but answered Job with moire questions. He helped Job remember that He created the Universe and He is the one that keeps it in its place. Although Job was righteous, He could not begin to fathom how God created a Universe from nothing. In this, Job was able to remember that God is in control of the universe and is also inn control of his life. His problems were not too big for God to handle or for God to forget. We can also know that God can handle your problems and He is in control of it all. There is nothing too big for God to understand.
Read or listen to Job 38:1-7, 34-41
Who was the Lord speaking to? (Job)
What question did God ask Job about the earth’s foundations? (Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundations)
Who measured out the dimensions for the earth? (God)
When God speaks to the clouds what happens? (Their is a flood of water)
Who send the lightening bolts? (God)
Who do the lightning bolts respond to? (God)
When does God tip over the water jars of heaven? (When the dust becomes hard and clods stick together)
Who provides the food for the lioness and birds? (God)
BIBLE STORY ACTIVITY
Activity
Play this trivia game. We all want to know God’s plans, but sometimes we have to wait to see what God has in store. Listen to these examples in the Bible and see if you can figure out the bigger picture, the plan God had. If you get it right, give yourself a point.
God told Abraham to leave his family and go to a new land. (He would go to Cana and be the father of many)
God told Moses to place his rod in the water (God parted the water for the Israelites to cross the Red Sea)
God told Noah to build a big ark (to save the animals and Noah’s family from the flood)
Jesus told Peter to cast his net to the other side of the boat (Peter caught so many fish his nets began to break)
Jesus asked for the boys small lunch (Her used the 5 loaves and 2 fish to feed 5,000 people)
Moses lifted the snake on a pole for the people to look at (they would be healed from their snake bites)
Materials:
Alternate
think about these scenarios and tell the bigger picture that your parents, teachers, or coaches see that is for your good.
Parents tell you not to run in the street (so you don’t get hit by a car)
Mom says not to eat too much candy at one time (so you don’t get a stomach ache or bad cavities)
The doctor says eat your fruits and veggies (so you can continue to grow and not have health problems later in life)
The coach says tie your shoes (someone could step on them and make you fall in the middle you running and you’d get hurt)
Dad says putt your homework folder in your backpack as soon as you are finished with homework (so you don’t lose the folder and to practice good organization habits)
Teacher says practice these math facts (so you will have a strong foundation in math as it gets more challenging)
Dad says look people in the eyes when they are talking to you (so that you grow up with confidence to speak and communicate with others)
Mom says non arguing with your siblings (so you learn to get along with other people and solve problems peacefully)
Teacher says to memorize these bible verses (so you hide Gods Word in your heart to remember throughout life when you may need an encouraging Word from God)
Coach says keep your eyes on the ball (so you will learn to be coordinated and follow the ball throughout the game)
Materials:
Independent activity:
God answers some of our questions now through our parents, teachers, the Bible or our pastor. and some questions we may have to wait for heaven to have answered. Think of a few questions you would like to ask God that only God will have the answer to. Maybe you are curious about how God created gravity or how we will keep time in heaven. Write a list of your questions, see if you can find the answers in the Bible or decide to wait until Heaven for your answer.
Materials: activity sheet
ARTS & CAFTS
CRAFT 1
Coloring page
Materials: printed coloring sheet, scissors
Craft 2
Coloring page
Materials: printed coloring sheet, crayons
FOLLOW-UP
Read or listen to Song of Solomon 2:8-13
What do you think this poem is about? Its sounds like a poem of love! Perhaps its a love poem written by Solomon to his beloved wife! The poem does show love of a man and woman. Although this love may seem strong by the words that are shared in this poem, we can know and trust that only God’s love is perfect. Only God’s love never changes and loves unconditionally.
How did Solomon show other nations that he loved God?
How did Solomon witness to the nations around him?
What did the Queen of Sheba think of Solomon and his kingdom?
What did she proclaim about God after seeing Solomon?
How did Solomons wisdom help others see God?
Why is God’s love more important than others opinions?
Practical Application at Home
We all suffer pain and hardship at some point. Although it may seem as though it will last forever we can know that God sees the bigger picture and knows what’s to come. When we know God sees the big picture, we can also know the small part we see is not everything. We can not fathom all of the ways God can see an answer to our problems, answer we have not thought of. Job suffered and asked God for a reason for his suffering. God’s response was simply to tell Job that He created the world, put everything I its’ place including him! If God an hang the universe in place, surely He can handle my life.
What are some problems you worry about? Make a list of all of your worries or problems you do not see a solution to. Know that God has a plan for it even if you can not imagine a solution. Then draw a picture of what you think God’s big picture includes (the earth? The universe? the galaxy?). Then remember, if He can handle managing the universe, yet knows the hairs on your head, He can also handle whatever problems or difficulties you may have.
Additional Resources
Outings to Reinforce Lesson
Enjoy the cool weather and take a nature walk. As your family hikes, count your blessings. Talk about the blessings God has given your family as well as the blessings God created in nature. How can You show gratitude for your blessings?