The Ark of God is Captured

14 Pages·2013·4.39 MB·English

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The Ark of God
is Captured
1 SAmuel 4:1-4:18
Kids will understand:
• The story of the Philistines capturing the Ark of God.
• That the Israelites acted on a bad idea because they
didn’t depend on God.
• That God wants us to depend on Him instead of try to
act on our own.
MARCH 16
2014
ObjeCT leSSOn SuPPlIeS
• box
• Bible
Gather a few items that represent things in your life that are important
• picture of your family/
to you and put them in a box.
friends
• book
If you had a box that had to hold all of the most important things in
• items that represent
your life, what would be in your box? Some things might be too big
things that are
to fit in the box, so you’ll need to choose something to represent
important to you
them. Ask a few kids to share what they would put in a box to represent
what’s important in their lives.
Then, pull out each item from your box and talk about its importance
in your life. Some examples might be: a Bible that represents your
relationship with the Lord, a picture that represents your family, a
seashell to represent vacationing, and a dog collar to represent the dog
you’ve had for 15 years.
In today’s Bible story, the Israelites had a box that was filled with
important things—things that God said were important! This box was
called the Ark of the Covenant or the Ark of God. Don’t confuse it
with Noah’s Ark; that was something totally different. This Ark was a
beautiful box that was very special. In today’s Bible story, something
crazy happened to this box—this Ark—so let’s listen together to learn
more about it!
KnOw YOur bIble SuPPlIeS
• PowerPoint slide of Ark

Show the slide of the Ark of the Covenant.
Before we start today’s Bible story, it’s important that you know what
the Ark of the Covenant is. This is a picture of what it probably looked
like. Notice how ornate and special it looks. What do you think was
inside it?
The Bible says that inside the Ark were the tablets of stone with the
Ten Commandments written on them. The Ark also held the rod that
belonged to Aaron (Moses’ brother) and a gold jar of manna. There
were very strict rules and regulations around the Ark. It was supposed
to stay in a place called the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle, which
was a place people came to worship and sacrifice to God. The only
people who could be near the Ark were priests who had gone through
a special cleansing to make them holy and clean. Even they were only
supposed to go in to see the Ark once a year.
Where did the Ark come from? Moses built it out of acacia wood
(Exodus 25:8-13). God told Moses exactly how to build it. He told
Moses to make it out of wood and gold and to make two golden
angels called cherubim to put on the top of it. God also told Moses to
put two poles on the box so it could be carried. He told Moses that in
this place God would be with the Israelites.
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Back then, people couldn’t have access to God and have a relationship
with Him like we do, because Jesus hadn’t come yet as the sacrifice.
So, this Ark provided a way for people to have God’s presence with
them. God had lots of special rules and regulations about the Ark,
because it was so important and so special.
Note to the Leader: To give you a little more background on the Ark,
view this YouTube video called “In Search of the Ark.” This is not
necessarily something to show the children, but will benefit you as you
prepare. It’s a 6-minute CBN News documentary.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhe8RvHxDns.
bIble ACCOunT SuPPlIeS
• PowerPoint cue card
slides
Divide the kids in half so that one side will be the Philistines and the
other side will be the Israelites. As you tell the story, the kids will look at
the slides on the screen and shout out their line.
The story starts with the Israelites, who were God’s people, going to
battle against their enemies, the Philistines.
(Show slide #2 and point to each group.)
Philistines: BEAT THE ISRAELITES!
Israelites: BEAT THE PHILISTINES!
The two groups fought a big battle and the Philistines won! They
defeated the Israelites and killed about 4,000 men!
(Show slide #3 and point to the Philistines.)
Philistines: WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!
The Israelites were disappointed and heartbroken that they lost the
battle. They came up with a plan to try to beat the Philistines. Hmm
… what could they do? That’s when they had an idea! They would take
God’s special box, the Ark of the Covenant (also known as the Ark of
God), and carry it into battle against their enemies.
(Show slide #4 and point to the Israelites.)
Israelites: GET THE ARK OF GOD!
So they took the Ark of God out of its home, which was a place called
the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle. They knew that the Ark was
supposed to stay in the Tabernacle; it was never to leave there. But,
they REALLY wanted to beat the Philistines. They thought bringing the
Ark into battle with them would give them victory. So they took it to
their camp. When the Philistines heard this, they were afraid … very
afraid!
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(Show slide #5 and point to the Philistines.)
Philistines: OH NO! THE ARK OF GOD IS HERE!
The Philistines didn’t know what to do! They had heard of the Ark of
the Covenant and about its power, but they had never seen it before.
Even though the Philistines were terrified, their leader told them to be
brave and fight hard in battle with the Israelites, so they did. But, the
Israelites thought they would surely win this battle.
(Show slide #6 and point to the Israelites.)
Israelites: WE WILL WIN THE BATTLE!
The Philistines fought hard and wouldn’t give up. They defeated
the Israelites AGAIN! They killed around 30,000 men this time! The
Israelites were very sad and absolutely terrified! Then, the most
terrible thing happened! The Philistines captured the Ark of the
Covenant!
(Show slide #7 and point to the Israelites, and then the Philistines.)
Israelites: OH NO! THE ARK OF GOD IS GONE!
Philistines: WE’VE GOT THE ARK! NA-NA-NA-NA-NA-NA!
The Philistines took the Ark of the Covenant away, and the Israelites
who were left returned to their camp, empty-handed and defeated.
They wondered why they hadn’t listened to God and trusted Him.
Instead they had acted on their own idea and done something
foolish—they had taken the Ark of God into battle without asking God
or depending on Him. What they thought was a good idea, turned into
a bad idea, because they didn’t ask for God’s direction. Now it was
gone! If only they had trusted God to begin with, they could have won
the battle.
SCIenCe exPerImenT SuPPlIeS
• 2 tall clear glasses
• chocolate chips
Fill one glass with the clear carbonated beverage (Club Soda, Sprite,
• clear carbonated
7-Up) and the other glass with water. Set the glasses where the kids can
beverage
see them. They should look very similar, so remember which one has
water and which has the carbonated beverage.
In the Bible story, the Israelites were defeated time after time, and
they were sad, scared, and discouraged. They needed God’s strength
and power. Instead of seeking after Him and depending on Him for
strength and power, though, they came up with their own solution
without consulting God. They thought they had a good idea. But, they
were foolish, and they sank.
Drop the chocolate chip in the glass with water.
They were defeated again, and NOT ONLY were the Israelites
defeated, but the very thing that represented God’s presence and
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power in their lives—the Ark of the Covenant—was stolen … captured!
The chocolate chip represents the Israelites sinking in defeat.
When we try to do things on our own power without God, this is what
happens to us too. When we take off with our own ideas without
praying for God’s guidance, this is what happens. We can’t get far
without God. We can’t do the things He wants us to do and be the
people He wants us to be. We can’t experience His presence and His
blessings if we don’t depend on Him and if we try to do everything on
our own. We sink like this chocolate chip in the glass.
BUT what if we depend on God’s strength and allow Him to lead us and
give us power? This time, I will drop the chocolate chip in the other
glass that represents us depending on God. Watch what happens.
Drop the chocolate chip in the glass with the carbonated beverage. It
will go straight to the bottom, and then after 10-15 seconds, it will rise
straight up to the top. The bubbles will cause it to rise, so make sure the
soda isn’t flat! (Remove the chocolate chip from the glass. If you don’t,
the bubbles that are causing it to float will pop and it will go back to the
bottom only to rise again. As long as there are bubbles in the soda, it
will continue the up and down cycle.)
When we trust God, we will rise to the top. We will experience victory
and blessings. We will get God’s power and strength. Why would you
want to be like the chocolate chip that sinks to the bottom and stays
there when you could rise to the top with God?
meSSAGe SuPPlIeS
• PowerPoint slides
• 3 soda cans
Before the service, cut the paper so it fits around each soda can and
• paper
write on the papers:
• tape
• markers
I CAN have courage.
• Bibles
I CAN do anything.
I CAN be free.
Tape one paper around each can, so you will have 3 different cans with 3
different phrases taped on them. Then, use a permanent marker to write
the corresponding verse reference on the bottom of each can.
Psalm 27:1
Philippians 4:12-13
2 Corinthians 3:17
So many times we think of all the things we CAN’T do, and today we’re
going to talk about 3 CANS. These 3 cans represent 3 things we CAN
do with God’s help.
(show slide #2) I CAN have courage.
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Call on a student to hold the first can. The student will read the verse
on the bottom of the can and everyone will look it up. Read the verse
together.
Psalm 27:1, “The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The
Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
The Bible talks about the Israelites who were so afraid when they
should have been trusting God! They had forgotten how powerful God
was, but He never left them! They became afraid, but they didn’t have
to be afraid. God ALWAYS gives courage.
We need to remember our “cans.” Hold up the can. Say this with me: I
don’t have to be afraid; I CAN have courage.
We know we can face anything, even if we’re afraid. What is something
that makes you afraid? Tell a person next to you one thing you’re
afraid of. You don’t have to be embarrassed to share what you’re
afraid of; we’re all afraid of something. Your challenge for the week
is to let go of that fear and face it with God’s courage. Think of Psalm
27:1 whenever you feel afraid. Fear holds you captive, but God CAN set
you free by giving you courage.
(show slide #3) I CAN do anything with Christ.
Call on a student to hold the second can. He will read the verse on the
bottom of the can and everyone will look it up. Read the verse together.
Philippians 4:13, “I can do everything through him who gives me
strength.”
We are all in different circumstances in life right now. For some of us,
everything’s going great. Some are going through family problems.
Some just won a big game. Some are having trouble in school. Some
are being bullied. Some just celebrated a birthday. Some are having
doubts about God. There are so many different things happening, but
one thing is sure about all of our lives: we CAN do anything with God’s
strength. Paul wrote this verse when he was in jail! None of us are in
jail today, but some of us are held captive by other things—some of
them beyond our control. We can conquer anything and do anything,
NOT on our own strength, but only with the strength of God.
Hold up the can. Let us remember our “cans.” I can’t do anything on
my own, but with Christ, (say it with me) I CAN do anything.
• What did the Israelites try to do on their own? (win the battle with
the Philistines)
• What did they do to try to win the battle? (took the Ark of the
Covenant into battle with them)
• How did that work out for them? (They didn’t win the battle and the
Ark was captured.)
What are you trying to do on your own strength? How is that working
out for you? God wants us to turn to Him. He will give us His power
and strength to conquer anything that He wants us to.
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(show slide #4) I CAN be free.
Call on a student to hold the third can. The student will read the verse
on the bottom of the can and everyone will look it up. Read the verse
together.
2 Corinthians 3:17, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the
Lord is, there is freedom.”
When we try to do things on our own without depending on God,
we are held captive to that attitude. We can become slaves to our
circumstances and ourselves if we try to do them without God.
How is that possible? Let me share an example to help you understand.
Jenna is a girl who just found out she has a bad disease. She is always
sick and in and out of the hospital. She is mad at God and doesn’t
trust Him or turn to Him. Instead, she doubts that God cares or has
the power to help her. She turns away from Him. She looks for her
own way of dealing with the disease and her circumstances. Her
family tries to be there for her, but all she feels is anger and fear. She
pushes her family away. She is always scared. She won’t go out of
the house, because she’s afraid of getting germs. She won’t talk to
anyone, because she’s always upset. She spends each day worrying
and sulking. She doesn’t trust the doctors, and she doesn’t try to have
a good attitude. That’s a bad idea!
• How would it look differently if Jenna trusted God in this situation?
• How is Jenna held captive and what is holding her captive?
Now, let’s imagine this story as if Jenna trusted God. Jenna just found
out she has a bad disease and she’s afraid. But she won’t let that stop
her from trusting God and believing that He is with her. She’s sure
that God has a plan for her. She pours over the Scriptures and draws
close to Him. She memorizes Scripture verses that give her strength.
She allows God to help her have a positive attitude, and lets His light
shine through her. She praises God every day, even during the really
bad times, and celebrates even in her sickness. She tells the doctors
and nurses how good God is, and their lives are changed because of
her faith. Her family draws close to her and her friends, as well. She
doesn’t spend her days worrying and hiding, but rather, seeking God
and sharing His love with others. She has peace about her disease. She
knows that whatever happens, God is with her, and He is good. She
knows that she can do anything through Christ who gives her strength.
Now, that’s a good idea!
How is that story different from the first one? There are many
differences, but the biggest one is that Jenna trusted God. She
depended on Him; He gave her strength and courage.
We must remember our “cans.” I don’t have to be a slave, God CAN set
me free. Say that: God CAN set me free! Will you allow God to set you
free? He will give you power and strength, if you only trust Him.
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SuPPlIeS
ACTIvITY – vIdeO
• YouTube download
Download the following “Good Idea, Bad Idea” video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8PhzrmBgMI.
What was the good idea the Israelites thought they had? Why was it
really a bad idea? Anytime we make a decision and we haven’t taken
time to talk to God about it or look to see what His Word has to say,
it’s a bad idea. It may not turn out as awful as what happened to the
Israelites, but it’s not a good idea to leave God out of your decision-
making. God wants to be included in every part of your life. Including
God is always a good idea!
SuPPlIeS
GAme
• 2 people with shoes
that have shoelaces
When we are USED to doing things on our own and depending on • 2 unused toothbrushes
ourselves, it can be hard to let go and trust someone else. Have you • 2 miniature tubes of
ever had a hard time trusting God and depending on Him? Why do toothpaste
we try to do things on our own without God? Because we’re used to • 4 cups (2 with water, 2
it! We’re not used to depending on God … and that’s a bad idea. We empty)
become slaves to doing things on our own, unless we learn to depend • 2 new hairbrushes
on God alone … that’s a good idea. • 2 ponytail holders
• paper towels
How can we do that? We need to have more faith. Pray that God would
help you have more faith. We also need to practice daily dying to
ourselves. That means making ourselves less important and God more
important. That way He’s in control … good idea.
Let’s admit it. It’s hard to give up control and let God take control.
What are some things in life that are hard to give up control of? What
are some things that you’re used to doing on your own? Here are
3 things that you are probably used to doing on your own, without
someone else’s help. Today, we’re going to play a game to practice
trying to do those things with the help of someone else.
The three things are: tying your shoes, brushing your teeth, and
combing your hair into a ponytail. Choose whatever number of kids you
want to participate, but keep in mind that you’ll need shoes with laces
for one challenge, new toothbrushes, and kids with hair long enough to
go in a ponytail for another challenge.
The first task will be tying your shoes. To start the game, each person
playing will remove his/her shoes and lay them on the floor. That partner
will stand up with arms crossed, while the other partner picks up the
shoes, puts them on the partner’s feet, and ties them. The first one done
is the winner of that round.
The next task will be brushing teeth. This one could be funny and messy!
Get some paper towels ready to wipe up toothpaste. One partner will
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stand with mouth open, while the other partner puts toothpaste on a
toothbrush and brushes their partner’s teeth. Then the one doing the
brushing will give the other person a drink of water to swish around;
hold up the empty cup to spit. The first pair done with this wins that
round.
The last task will be combing hair into a ponytail. One partner (with
longer hair) will stand backwards while the other partner combs all the
hair. The hair must be put up in a ponytail on top of the person’s head.
The first pair done with this task wins this round.
Ask the teams:
• Was it hard letting someone else do something for you that you
were used to doing yourself?
• Which task was the easiest to do for someone else?
• Why is it hard to let God have control in our lives?
SuPPlIeS
CrAfT
• 6 cardboard boxes
• construction paper or
Kids will make their own “ark” boxes. Form small groups and give wrapping paper
each one a cardboard box, construction paper, glue, crayons and • crayons
markers. It doesn’t matter what kind of box, because they’ll be covering • markers
the outside. Each team will work together to cover their box with • glue
construction paper. Then they will use the markers and crayons to
decorate it.
Just like the Ark of the Covenant represented God’s presence to the
Israelites, this box is your own pretend Ark. You’ll use the boxes during
prayer time.
SuPPlIeS
PrAYer
• boxes (from earlier)
• paper
Use the decorated boxes the kids made earlier and group the kids the • pencils
way they were when the boxes were created. The box should be in the • crayons
center of each group. Provide paper, pencils and crayons.
The kids will write or draw a way they can depend on, submit to, or trust
God. Examples: I will trust God to give me courage when I’m afraid. I
will give him the things that tempt me. I will depend on God to help me
make friends. I will trust God with my future.
After you’ve written or drawn something on your paper, wait until
everyone else in your group is finished; then, take turns reading them
aloud and putting them in your box one at a time. This box in the center
of your group represents God’s presence and power in our lives. The
papers represent some ways you can depend on and trust God more.
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You can start trusting Him today. You can trust Him with your whole
life.
Instruct the kids to put their papers in the box and commit to depending
on God. We don’t want to make foolish decisions because we try to
do things on our own, the way the Israelites in today’s Bible story did.
When the kids are finished, close in prayer, asking God to continue to
help you trust in and depend on Him.
SuPPlIeS
TAKe HOme remInder
• mini gold boxes
Purchase mini gold boxes, 24 for $3.25 at orientaltrading.com. Give each
child a tiny gold box to remind them of the special gold box called the
Ark of the Covenant or the Ark of God.
In the Bible story, the Ark was captured by the Philistines, but it was
eventually returned to the Israelites when a lot of bad things started
happening to the Philistines. They knew the power and truth of the
Ark. They knew its value and importance and where its rightful place
was. God intended the Ark to be in the Holy of Holies.
God wants you to trust Him. When you do, He CAN give you power,
strength, and courage to face anything. Take this box home as a
reminder to depend on God. Keep it in a special place where you can
see it and be reminded of God’s power and presence.
bleSSInG
Depend on God and include Him in every decision.
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