Grace Church Children’s Ministry ProgrammingCloud of WitnessesUnit OverviewFall 2014 – Fall 2015

Moses :: Unit OverviewMoses was a man who faced many trials as he led God’s people. God showed up in his life in an unexpected way and called Moses to stand before Pharaoh and to lead His people out of slavery in Egypt and into the Promised Land. God also used Moses to teach the people all of His commandments, statutes, and laws. Moses taught the people about the great blessings of God that would come as a result of obedience to His Word. During this unit, we will spend the first couple of weeks looking at how God called Moses to obey, and how in turn, Moses called the people to obey God. In Week 3, we’ll transition to Jesus as our example of perfect obedience. Although He had all the authority and power of God, He submitted Himself to the will of the Father in perfect obedience. Because of Jesus’ obedience, we have been given the chance to be reconciled with God.

We end this unit in kind of an unexpected way: By looking at Moses’ disobedience at the waters of Kadesh (Numbers 20:1-13). It is clear that God loved Moses deeply, and yet He remained faithful to His word. He had promised blessings to those who obeyed Him and discipline to those who disobeyed. Although Moses was used mightily by God, he was expected to heed the words of the Lord just like everyone else (Deuteronomy 28:1-57).

Obedience Definedobedience

compliance with an order, request, or law submission to another's authority biblically: doing what you are told, when you are told, with a willing (submissive) heart

Obedience to the Lord is crucial for every follower of Jesus. In order to walk with God, we must choose to obey Him, even in the little things. Even more than obedience, God wants us to serve Him with a willing heart (Philippians 2:14-15, 2 Corinthians 8:12, 9:7). Although he felt inadequate at first, Moses embraced the Lord’s call and sought to obey the Lord’s very specific directions for him and the people of Israel. He obeyed the will of the Lord in spite of his own doubts and the many trials that came.

Key Verse“You shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies and his statutes, which he has commanded you. And you shall do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD, that it may go well with you.” —Deuteronomy 6:17-18

Obedience in the Lives of Other SaintsThere are many men and women of faith who have lived lives of obedience to God.

Two of them followed God in obedience to the point of losing their lives while serving and honoring Him. These two were Jim Elliot, missionary to the Huaorani Indians of Ecuador, and Perpetua, a young woman in the early church who lived during a time of great persecution under the Roman authorities. Eric Liddell shocked the world with his choice to obey God by honoring the Sabbath and giving up the chance to compete in an event where he was expected to win an Olympic gold medal. Lastly, the prophet Jonah's life, like Moses', was not always marked by obedience, but God called him to bring about the repentance of the Ninevites.Grace Church Children’s Ministry Programming

Cloud of WitnessesUnit OverviewFall 2014 - Fall 2015

Obedience in the Lives of Other Saints

Eric LiddellEric Henry Liddell was a man with a heart for God. He lived a life of obedience to God, even at great

personal sacrifice. Eric was training to run in the 100 meter and 200 meter races in the 1924 Olympic Games. However, the Olympic trial for the 100-meter run (his preferred race) was scheduled to take place on a Sunday. Eric shocked the world by refusing to run on a Sunday; he was committed to obey and honor the Lord on the Sabbath. Eric ran in the 200 and 400 meter races, taking bronze in the 200 and gold in the 400; all the while he gave all glory and praise to God. He continued to live a life of obedience, remaining in

China when WWII broke out. He sent his wife and kids ahead of him to Canada and stayed in a Japanese concentration camp and ultimately died there. His life of obedience to God was used to bring about the obedience of faith in the lives of many people.

PerpetuaPerpetua was a follower of Christ in the third century AD. She loved the Lord and her brothers and sisters in Christ deeply. She was from a wealthy family from the city of Carthage. Because she chose to follow Christ and be a part of the church, she was arrested and sentenced to death. At the time of her arrest, she was young, married, and had an infant son. Her father pleaded with her to renounce her faith and make a sacrifice (to the gods of the authorities) in order to save herself and care for her son. Perpetua refused to deny Christ and to please men - even her own father. Like Christ, her love for God was so great that she was willing to obey in the most difficult of circumstances, even if meant suffering and death. Her diary can be found at: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/religion/maps/primary/perpetua.html

Jim Elliot Philip James "Jim" Elliot was an evangelical Christian who was one of five missionaries killed while participating in Operation Auca, an attempt to evangelize the Huaorani people of Ecuador. Years before this event, he entered college with a clear goal of committing himself entirely to God, and spent many years submitting to God’s leading in preparation for life on the mission field. Though ultimately killed by the people that he was trying to reach, we can see that his death reflects the heart of Christ: to be obedient to the will of God even

unto death. His obedience, and his death, helped pave the way for the Auca tribe to soften to the Truth of Jesus, and some eventually accepted Christ. "Rest in this: It is His business to lead, command, impel, send, call, or whatever you want to call it. It is your business to obey, follow, move, respond, or what have you." –Jim Elliot

JonahGod chose Jonah to preach the Word of God and bring about repentance in the people of Ninevah. Jonah was not obedient at first. Although he was a prophet of the Lord, he had his own opinions about the people of Ninevah; he didn’t agree with God’s plan to show mercy toward such wicked people. He not only refused to preach to them, but he actually tried to run from God (Jonah 1:1-3). God disciplined Jonah and ultimately gave him a second chance. Jonah obeyed and the people repented (Jonah 3:3). Sadly, Jonah did not rejoice at this work of God, but rather complained to Him (Jonah 4:2-3). Jonah's disobedience, like Moses', shows us the importance of obedience and the discipline that comes when we choose not to obey.

Grace Church Children’s Ministry ProgrammingCloud of WitnessesParent Partnership Documents - Preschool & KindergartenFall 2014 – Fall 2015

Moses :: August 16 th :: Week 1 — Called to Obey

Background for Today's LessonFrom birth, Moses was set apart for a purpose. God chose to have a very special relationship with Moses and later referred to him as the most humble man on earth (Numbers 12:3). God distinguished him from other prophets in that he spoke face-to-face with Moses (Exodus 33:11). As Moses grew

older, God revealed His special calling on Moses’ life. This began at the burning bush when God first spoke to Moses. God used Moses to lead His people out of slavery, a task that required Moses to appear twelve times before Pharaoh. Each time the message was the same: “Let my people go.” God was faithful to deliver His people out of Egypt, but there was a long journey ahead of them that would test Moses’ obedience.

Today's LessonAs the Israelites finally left Egypt, God led them, with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, to the edge of the Red Sea. At that same time, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened again and he set out with his army to find the Israelites and bring them back to Egypt. As Pharaoh’s army drew near, the people rebelled against Moses and Moses cried out to God. God’s response was, “Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward. Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground” (Exodus 14:15). Moses obeyed, and by God’s mighty hand His people were saved while Pharaoh and his armies were destroyed.

Key Concept: Moses obeyed God in spite of his own fears and doubts.

This Week at Home

Read Read Exodus 14:10-14.

Engage

Grab a small action figure of your child’s, ideally a “good guy”. Now grab a “bad guy” or many of them if that is an option. Demonstrate the bad guys chasing the good guy to a body of water (could be a kiddie pool or an actually river/lake). Liken this example to Moses and children of Israel. Discuss how they would have had to trust God and obey in this scary situation. Describe what it would be like if God provided for your good guy in the same way that He did for Israel!

Ask

Ask your child if they can tell you who was leading the Israelites out of Egypt. (As a bonus question, ask if they know who was leading Moses.) Share your own story of following God in a hard decision/time in your life. Encourage them that they can always trust God, no matter how difficult things might seem.

Pray

“Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that will make a habit of obeying You. I pray that he/she will know your voice. I ask for a heart that trusts you even when things are scary. I pray that would be one that obeys You even when he/she does not fully understand Your purposes. I pray that You would be able to gain honor for Your name through his/her life, just like Moses.” (Exodus 14:1-4)

Grace Church Children’s Ministry ProgrammingCloud of WitnessesParent Partnership Documents - Preschool & KindergartenFall 2014 – Fall 2015

Moses :: August 23 rd :: Week 2 — Love and Obedience

Background for Today's LessonLast week, we learned from Moses’ example of obedience. Moses was called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. It’s easy to look back and celebrate God’s deliverance and to think about how awe-inspiring it must have been for Moses to stand before Pharaoh or to see the Red Sea parted. However, as we studied the life of Moses, we learned that there was a humble, and at times fearful, man behind these mighty acts of deliverance. Moses was called to trust God and obey Him in all things. God’s leadership in his life continued as Moses led the people for 40 years in the desert and prepared them to settle in a land of their own.

Today's LessonIn today’s lesson, we’ll teach the kids that God was looking for more than obedience from His people. Moses learned this lesson as he led the people of Israel for many years. Time and again, God asked Moses to walk by faith and to lead boldly and courageously, even in the face of tremendous adversity. Through this process, Moses came to know God more deeply and personally. This relationship paralleled the work that God was doing among His people. God wasn’t just providing for His people, He was revealing himself to them. They depended on Him in the wilderness because they had to, but their obedience would be tested even more once they experienced the blessing of the Promised Land. The book of Deuteronomy, which means “Second Law,” records God’s commands to His people at the end of this time of wandering in the desert. Moses challenged the people to love the Lord with all of their heart, to walk in obedience to Him, and to hold fast to His commands.

Key Concept: We can obey God without loving him, but the best kind of obedience is motivated by love.

This Week at Home

Read Read Deuteronomy 6:4 –9.

EngagePlay the “Deuteronomy 6 Game.” Sit down and say, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart (point to your heart), with all your soul (point to your head), and all your strength (make muscles.)” Repeat the whole process walking along, lying down, and getting up.

AskAsk your child how he/she thinks a person could love God with “all your heart, or mind, or strength.” (Just choose one.) Explain a time when you used your heart, mind, or strength to love God. (Choose one.)

Pray

“Almighty God, I lift up to you. In the name of Jesus, I pray that he/she will be taught your laws and ways through the adults in his/her life. I pray that he/she will be faithful and obedient to you and will value obedience to You over all other voices in his/her life. Thank you for the blessings that come with obedience to Your ways.” (Deuteronomy 6:17-19, Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

Grace Church Children’s Ministry ProgrammingCloud of WitnessesParent Partnership Documents - Preschool & KindergartenFall 2014 – Fall 2015

Moses :: August 30 th :: Week 3 — Obedient Even to Death on a Cross

Background for Today's LessonThis week we will take a break from Moses’ life and focus on Jesus. Although Moses' life was marked with obedience, Jesus' life exemplified perfect obedience to the Father. He chose to come to earth in humility, to be born a helpless child, to be tempted in every way, and yet to live without sin (Hebrews 4:15). At the end of His time on earth, Jesus faced the greatest test of His obedience.

Today's LessonAlthough Jesus was the Son of God, Hebrews 5:8 is clear: “Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.” The greatest test of Jesus’ obedience came in the final hours of His life, when it was time to complete the work of redemption by bearing our sins upon the cross. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus pleaded three times with the Father to "take this cup from (Him),"

and yet His last words were, "not my will but yours be done" (Matthew 26:39, 42). He chose to humble Himself and obey the Father even though it meant death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). As with all of the character qualities that we have studied this year, Jesus is our perfect example. “And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.” (Hebrews 5:9).

Key Concept: Jesus is our perfect example of obedience.

This Week at Home

Read Read 1 John 2:6.

EngageAfter you read the verse stand up and ask the child, “How do you think Jesus walked? Did He walk like this?” Then do a silly walk. Do this with a couple different silly walks and proceed with the “Ask” portion.

AskAsk the child if he/she thinks this (how Jesus literally walked) is what the verse is talking about. Explain that when the Bible says we should “walk like Jesus” it means that we should follow His example; we should do the things He did. In order to know what Jesus did we need to read the Bible.

Pray

“Heavenly Father, I lift up to You. I pray when he/she is struggling to obey, he/she would think of Christ. I pray that he/she would see Christ as a partner in suffering and a friend in times of difficult obedience. Please, because of this demonstration of His love and camaraderie, let him/her quickly run to you and not hesitate to ask for help when it is needed.” (Hebrews 5:8-9, Philippians 2:5-8, Hebrews 4:15-16)

Grace Church Children’s Ministry ProgrammingCloud of WitnessesParent Partnership Documents - Preschool & KindergartenFall 2014 – Fall 2015

Moses :: September 6 th :: Week 4 — Moses’ Disobedience

Background for Today's LessonThis week we return to Moses and the Israelites as they continued on their journey to the Promised Land. Though God was leading them every step of the way, their journey was full of challenges and trials. Not long after God parted the Red Sea, the people camped at place known as “Rephidim,” where there was no water for them to drink. They argued with Moses and demanded that he provide water for them (Exodus 17:2-3). Moses cried out to the Lord and God told him to "strike the rock” so that water would “come out of it for the people to drink" (Exodus 17:1-7). Moses obeyed, and the Lord provided water.

Today's LessonIn today’s lesson, many years had passed and God’s people were in the wilderness of Kadesh where they faced a familiar problem—no water! Again, the people reacted with outrage and fear. They opposed Moses and Aaron, complaining that they would rather have died than remain in the wilderness (Numbers 20:3-5). Again, Moses and Aaron sought the Lord, but God’s instructions to Moses were different this time: “Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water” (Numbers 20:8). However, instead of speaking to the rock, Moses struck it twice with his staff. Water came forth and the people and animals were able to drink. God was not pleased with Moses’

disobedience, and the consequences were great; neither Moses not Aaron would be allowed to lead the people into the Promised Land (Number 20:12). In one simple verse, we are reminded of the grave consequences of disobedience, even for God’s chosen servants.

Key Concept: The Lord disciplines us for disobedience.

This Week at Home

Read Read Hebrews 12:11-13.

Engage

Find a stuffed animal or doll and use it to role-play the child disciplining the toy out of love. Say something like, “Now teddy, we told you not to run out into the street because it is not safe. Now we have to discipline you.” Have the child discipline the toy by putting it in time out or some equivalent punishment. Then say to the toy, “We had to punish you because we love you and we don’t want you to get hurt.”

AskAsk the child if they sometimes have to be disciplined. Talk with your child about how you discipline them because you love them. Liken this to God and how He also disciplines his own children, us, because He loves us.

Pray

“Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that You would come to know you as their Father. I ask that he/she would not scorn your discipline or give up when he/she is corrected by You. Even though Your discipline will seem painful at the time, not joyful, thank You that it will produce the fruit of peace and righteousness if they are trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:5-13)