THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED TO THE CHILDREN AROUND THE WORLD!
Children in the
BIBLE By Cristina Marques
Children in the Bible Š Scandinavia Publishing House Drejervej 15,3 DK - Copenhagen NV Demark www.sph.as info@sph.as Text: Cristina Marques Illustrations: Belli Studio Graphic design: Gao Hanyu Translation: Ruth Marschalek, Lissa Jensen Printed in China ISBN: 9788772478081
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronical or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the permission in writing from the publisher.
Children in the
BIBLE By Cristina Marques
INTRODUCTION Jesus said, “Become like little children.” The Children of the Bible series brings attention to the littlest of Jesus’ flock. Each of these characters has an inspiring story to tell. God has used their lives to teach the world about his love. As you read these stories aloud, remember God’s image inside every child’s spirit. The simplest stories sometimes hold the greatest power. May these stories be the beginning of a lifelong love of the Bible for your children. It holds treasures to find for young and old alike.
CONTENTS
Isaac Miriam Moses Naaman’s Servant Girl Samuel David Josiah Jesus as a Boy The Children and Jesus The Boy with Bread and Fish
8 26 44 62 80 98 116 134 152 170
Isaac (GENESIS 21:1-4, 22:1-19)
Abraham and Sarah were getting old, but they wanted to have a child. God told Abraham they would have a son. Sarah thought it was impossible. “We’re too old!” she laughed. But God kept his promise, and she gave birth to a happy boy. They named him Isaac.
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Abraham adored Isaac. He taught him all about God’s love. He taught him that God doesn’t just love us. God wants us to love Him, too. One night God said to Abraham, “Take your son Isaac by the hand. Hike up to the mountain top. I want you to sacrifice Isaac to show that you love me.”
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Abraham felt sad. He didn’t want to sacrifice Isaac. But he trusted God. He saddled his donkey, and brought along two servants. He took Isaac to the mountain top just as God had asked.
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Finally they reached the top. Abraham told his servants to wait with the donkey. He took Isaac’s hand, and led him to the spot that God told him about.
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Isaac looked at his father, and asked, “What now, Daddy? Where is the lamb?� Abraham told Isaac that God would provide the lamb. Then he sighed. His heart was heavy.
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Abraham knew Isaac would have to die. But he obeyed God. He tied Isaac to a bundle of wood. He lifted his knife, and then an angel appeared. “Stop,” the angel shouted. “Don’t hurt Isaac!”
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The angel smiled. “Now God knows how much you love Him. You obeyed His word even though it meant giving up your only child. Be happy! God will protect you and Isaac forever.� 20
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Abraham and Isaac were happy. They offered a ram up to God. Then they worshiped him there on the mountain top.
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Isaac never forgot that day. Abraham obeyed God. God blessed them both. Abraham tickled Isaac. Isaac laughed and felt God’s love all around him.
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ISAAC - TRUST
Isaac’s story can be difficult to understand, even for adults. But the heart of this story is about trust. Sometimes we can’t understand why people do certain things. Even God can be difficult to understand! Abraham didn’t understand why God wanted him to sacrifice Isaac. Isaac didn’t understand why his father took him up to the mountain. But both Abraham and Isaac put their trust in the Father. Sometimes we don’t have all the answers. But when we trust, we show we believe inside our hearts. Just like Isaac, our faith will pay off. God rewards those who trust in him.