Brain Teaser:
You might see me in the sky, by a waterfall it’s lower. Some say that I was first seen after a flood by Noah. What am I?
Answer: A rainbow
I am something you might read when you’re sitting in a pew. I contain two testaments: one that’s old and one that’s new. What am I?
Answer: The Bible
Last Week Recap:
Nehemiah did not allow opposition or mockers to stand in his way of repairing the walls around Jerusalem.
Nehemiah’s obstacles were those who opposed him with disbelief, discouragement, and doubt.
Despite the overwhelming odds, Nehemiah conquered the disbelief by stating that he had God’s approval to repair the walls. He gave God all the glory.
Memory Verse:
Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour. Proverbs 14:9 KJV
Quick Questions:
- What purpose do gates serve?
- Do you think Nehemiah could rebuild all of the gates in a timely manner, or would it be wiser to ask for help?
- How long would it take to repair so many gates spread out over many miles?
- Have you ever had a big job to do?
Bible Reading: Nehemiah 4
Discussions:
- In Nehemiah 4:2-3, which ridiculous question sticks out to you and why? (Allow children time to read and pick one of the ridiculous questions.)
- According to scripture, what do the people work with in order to rebuild the wall? (They work with all their hearts.)
- How does Nehemiah respond when the enemy plotted to fight against them and stir up trouble to prevent or stop the wall from being rebuilt? (He prays to God and then posts a guard 24 hours per day to fight against the enemy.)
- In Nehemiah 4:10-12, as the enemy seemingly gains in strategy, how do you think the people feel? How does Nehemiah respond? (They are afraid. Nehemiah posts people behind the lowest points of the wall, by families, with their swords, spears and bows. Nehemiah encourages the builders to continue, asking them to remember the Lord, who is great and fights for their families and homes.)
- What are some of the strategies God gives Nehemiah to protect the people and the rebuilding of the wall? (Half the men do work while the other half are equipped with spears, shields, bows, and armor. Officers are posted behind builders. Anyone who carries material also has to hold a weapon in the other hand. Each builder wears a sword at his side. Nehemiah announces that when they hear the sound of the trumpet, they should gather there. Every man and his helper serve as guards by night and workers by day. They never remove their weapons.)
- it seems rebuilding the walls was not a quick process. How long do you think it will take them to finish?
- Read Nehemiah 6:15-16
Discussion Questions:
- How long did it take God’s People to rebuild Jerusalem’s gates and walls? (It takes them 52 days to rebuild.)
- Their enemies are now afraid of them. Why? (They realize that this work was completed with the help of God.)
Summary:
Applications & Key Thoughts:
- There will be many times that you will have a task to complete, maybe a project from school, chores around the house, even reaching the end of a video game. Whatever the task, with Jesus all things are possible.
- God gave Nehemiah the task and was with him. Sure, Nehemiah probably looked at the task wondering how long, who would help him, and where would he get the materials. Yet, it’s the attitude that drives the task to completion.
- When you are given a task or a job to do, what is your attitude? Do you waste time complaining before you even begin, or do you respond immediately by asking for God’s help and guidance?
- Do you try to complete it on your own, or do you call in other resources to help you? When the task or job gets difficult or frustrating, do you give up, or do you push through adjusting your strategy and stay the course?
- Nehemiah had a good work ethic. Good work ethics are not just doing it on your own, but finding the proper and most effective way to complete the task.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for being the God who provides us with strategies. Thank You for fighting for us. Help me face challenges with prayer first and trusting in You. Surround me with people who will encourage and help me. Give me self-control to respond in a godly way to those who mock me. In Jesus name…Amen 🙏🏽
The Grace:
By Jemima
Next week at THC Kids:
Come back next week to continue the story on Nehemiah. Physically rebuilding Jerusalem wall was a great accomplishment but now Nehemiah will help reform the people’s hearts and lives.