ELEMENTARY KIDS & FAMILIES
Did You Know?
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This resource is designed to allow your family to have time in God’s Word BEFORE your children attend church. Because God’s plan is for parents to be the primary spiritual nurturers of their children’s faith, we want YOU to be the one to introduce this part of The Big God Story to them. For additional support in spiritual parenting and to learn more about creating transforming environments in your home, be sure to pick up HomeFront: A Spiritual Parenting Resource from your church or download at HomeFrontMag.com. You can also access the HomeFront app for your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
Younger Kids
2.7
God Calls Us to a Greater Purpose Part of The Big God Story 1 Samuel 15—20
Saul chooses to go against God’s greater purpose by trying to hurt David. However, Saul’s son, Jonathan, answers God’s call to follow Him. Instead of getting angry because he won’t ever be king, Jonathan chooses to love and protect David. In this way, God uses Jonathan to play a very important role in The Big God Story.
• Because he was King Saul’s son, Jonathan—not David—was the heir to the throne.
Older Kids
• Jonathan humbly accepted that God had chosen David to be king instead and surrendered to His will. • Jonathan and David had a very strong friendship. Jonathan made a covenant to always be David’s friend, vowing to treat him as a brother. • God used Jonathan to save and protect David while Saul threatened David’s life.
Remember Verse for the environment of STORYTELLING
Your child will be very loyal to his friends, and he may even choose a best friend. Encourage him to invite over his favorite friends so you can get to know them too.
Your child may have a great interest in social activities and may have many friends. Encourage her to develop healthy and positive friendships. Help her to know how to discern when a friendship may not be a positive influence.
Teachable Moments
God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
After reading Scripture, discuss the following together: • Why do you think God rejected Saul as king? • What was God’s greater purpose for Jonathan? For David? • What do you think God’s purpose for you might be in The Big God Story?
Just for Funhis best friend
Have each family member share who k carefully about is and why. Ask each person to thint it is about that wha and d frien why she loves that “best” friend. Next, friend’s character that makes her a about two best read to g goin ’re tell your kids you Big God Story. friends, David and Jonathan, in The your kids what ask rd, rwa Afte 20. Read 1 Samuel with them that God Jonathan did to save David. Share to bring Jesus plan His e tinu con used Jonathan to your children Ask . line to earth through David’s family . God ut abo them tells what this © 2013 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.
Blessing For more information about blessing your child see the Blessing section in HomeFront: A Spiritual Parenting Resource.
A blessing to pray over your child: “(Child’s name), may you live as a child called to God’s greater purpose, spreading God’s kingdom here on earth.”