Family Connections by Children at IBC

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This morning, we started a new unit called, "Return to the Land". As we progress through the story of the Bible, we have seen the Israelites freed from slavery, wandering in the wilderness, finally reaching and taking over the Promised Land, ruled by judges, ruled by kings, split into two kingdoms, and most recently taken captive by Assyria and Babylon. And over the next four weeks, we will see the Israelites restored to their land as we dig into the Books of Obadiah, Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah. If you are thinking, "I don't even know what's in the books of Obadiah, Ezra, Haggai, and Zechariah," don't worry. Join us as we look at them. Invite your kids to help teach you. Learn together. What a great opportunity to embrace this journey together. Start with Obadiah, which is where we were today.

Obadiah was a prophet who shared that the people of God, the Israelites, would be restored to their land, from which they had been exiled. Remember that Israel was not only a place, but the name given to Jacob by God. Jacob had a twin brother named Esau. Esau was referred to sometimes as Edom, which is also a place where Esau's descendants lived. The Edomites were not kind to Israel and even contributed to their captivity in exile. And thus, part of Obadiah's prophecy was also directed toward the justice that the Edomites would receive for their evil ways. Obadiah was sharing the message that God was still taking care of His people when it was hard to tell. God was going to punish the sins of those who harmed the Israelites and return the Israelites to their land. God will not allow sin to go without atonement. Isn't it amazing that God sent Jesus for just that purpose, to atone for our sins and to restore our place of relationship with Him! He loves us so much!  

To help you carry on the conversation this week:

Elementary

  1. If God planned to restore the Israelites to their land, why do you think He let them be captured in the first place?
  2. How is the prophecy of Obadiah encouraging? How is it discouraging or uncomfortable?

Preschool

  1. Talk about a toy or blankie or something important that was lost/taken away and then found/given back. How did it feel to have that important thing back?
  2. God wants to give us good things. Does He always give us exactly what we want? Does He always give it to us when we want it?

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