ELEMENTARY KIDS & FAMILIES date
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he will (and does) prove Himself to be creator, father, and friend.
Inspire (for parents) It’s difficult for us to remember that “God is the Provider” when He’s not giving us exactly what we’re praying for. This was most evident to my wife and me over the past few years with our struggles to have a baby. It’s strange, though, that in the midst of praying for something specific (and not getting it), we are blinded to other provisions. Our frustration seems to be born out of some idea that God is our “genie in a bottle,” and we deserve what we ask for.
and rejoiced. It’s a roller coaster of emotions that could have easily divided us. But God proved Himself to be the Provider long before He granted us with a gift of conception. He gave us one another and a faith community to pray for us and strengthen us. He also reminded us that when we are united as a family to believe in faith and sacrifice our own plans, He will prove Himself much more than the Provider. He will (and does) prove Himself to be Creator, Father, and Friend.
Isaac’s birth is a fulfillment of God’s by Tommy Larsen promise of provision to Abraham and Sarah—a promise that initially moved them to laughter as they were in a state of disbelief. But after delivering on His promise, God then asks Abraham to sacrifice that promise. How could God do this? Isn’t He the Provider? Why give and then take away? is 16; 18; 21—22 Scripture: Genes ) Abraham must have asked (Sacrifice of Isaac ide ov Pr ill W these questions, but he continued he Lord Main Point: T your family to on a path of obedience despite signed to allow de is ce ur so re This ur children his grief as he headed up the Word before yo ve time in God’s ha n is for parents mountain with his son, the Because God’s pla ren’s faith, attend church. rers of their child sacrifice. In these past few years rtu nu l ua irit sp e to be th lly, your children of our own prayers for a child, my you grow spiritua as at th ow kn we lly as well. wife and I have questioned, cried, will grow spiritua
Getting Started
Equip (for parents) This story of Isaac’s birth offered a picture of God as mysterious and sovereign, yet loving and attentive. Through the Scriptures, we can infer that Abraham must have felt extreme heartbreak at the moment of the sacrifice. Though God did not require an actual sacrifice from Abraham, God required obedience. Even in the face of horrible heartbreak, God required Abraham to have faith He had a plan. And God did provide. He provided a new sacrifice. (To read more about Abraham’s faith in the context of the New Testament, read Hebrews 11.) God also provided the reward for Abraham’s faith—His covenant promise. Not only that, but God added more to the promise. For the first time, God mentioned Abraham’s descendants would have future military triumph. Abraham was fully ready to receive the promise. Because of Abraham’s obedience, we are blessed to be a part of the covenant too. As parents, we make many sacrifices for our children. Some sacrifices we make joyfully. Other sacrifices are painful. We may give up job opportunities, living near family, friendships, or suffer financial difficulties. God is a God who understands sacrifice, and He is tender toward our emotions. Reflect on the sacrifices you have made and the ones yet to be made in raising your children. Bring the conversation of your heart to Him and allow Him to provide for you in ways that might be unexpected!
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(for parents & kids) Sometime this week read through the biblical account of Isaac’s birth and Abraham’s sacrifice in Genesis 21:1–6 and 22:1–18. Then ask a question that reviews what you just read such as, “What just happened that made Abraham and Sarah so excited?” or “What did God provide for Abraham to sacrifice?” As you get ready to hear God’s words, spend a few minutes praying together as a family. Ask God to show you who He is and to remind you of His great love for you. Just for fun, get out some baby pictures of your children. Let them look through the pictures, and tell them a little about the day they were born. Tell them about the excitement and anticipation that came with watching them be born and the love you felt before they existed. Then read the passage. When you are finished, let them know what they just heard is a part of The Big God Story in the Bible and that they will hear it in church. Ask your children to share with you their thoughts and questions about what they just heard. Remind them the Bible is true and that, just like God provided for Abraham, He will continue to provide for us today.
© 2010 David C Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.