ELEMENTARY KIDS & FAMILIES date:
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 it at HomeFrontMag.com. You can also access the HomeFront app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
2.8 God Awakens Part of The Big God Story 2 Kings 22—23 King Josiah
Younger Kids
Did You Know?
Your younger child is beginning to develop a more meaningful connection to his faith. Providing plenty of opportunities and space for him to respond to God’s leading in his life will help him continue to grow and to stand strong in his faith.
• Josiah led a nationwide renewal by destroying the articles of pagan worship scattered around the nation. • In 2 Kings 23, we read that God led Josiah to remove things made for false gods, animals dedicated to false gods, and pagan priests serving in the high places, among many other things.
Older Kids Your older child is growing more capable of complex thought. This development of abstract thinking will allow her to go deeper in her faith and begin to see how different passages of the Bible relate to her personally. As you read Scripture together, provide opportunities for her to respond to what God may be teaching her.
• Josiah was so thorough in his cleansing process that he “covered the sites [of ruined relics, etc.] with human bones” (2 Kings 23:14). • By using human bones, Josiah made sure the area would never again be used for idol worship, because no Jew would want to become ceremonially unclean by coming into contact with the bones of dead people (Numbers 19:16).
Teachable Moments
Remember Verse
r Fun , 21–24. Just fo22:1 –11; 23:1–14
With your family, read 2 Kings n King Josiah heard Ask your children what happened whe Josiah renewed the that re Sha . time God’s Word for the first le of things used temp the ned Israelites’ covenant with God, clea people to celebrate a special his led and , gods false hip to wors ly celebrating God’s Word. festival. Spend some time as a fami , or participate in another pray e, danc , You might choose to sing God uses His Word to act of worship. Rejoice in the fact thatHim and be in awaken our hearts to obey right relationship with Him.
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” Luke 4:8
After reading 2 Kings 22:1–11; 23:1–14, 21–24, discuss the following together: • What had happened to the Book of the Covenant? • How did King Josiah respond to God’s Word? • How did the people respond to God’s Word? • In what ways has God spoken to you through His Word this week?
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 God grow in you a love for His Word. May He awaken you through His Word, and may you respond to Him in obedience. © 2015 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.