This lesson strives to teach young children that God is always with them and gives them what they need if they will just trust him. After the Exodus, Moses led the people of Israel away from Egypt and into the wilderness. At first the Israelites were overjoyed to finally be free, but that joy quickly turned to bitterness and agitation as they realized that there destined to wander in the wilderness before reaching their promised land. They failed to remember that God is in control and with them always. This lesson would be a good follow up for the story of the Exodus. During the part of the story that we will look at today, the Israelites are facing a battle against the Amalekites. Moses sends Joshua and some of his men to fight the battle, while Moses stands overlooking the battle with his hands raised. Miraculously, as long as Moses keeps his hands raised they are winning the battle. At the end of the day the Israelites are victorious and God commands Moses to keep a written record of this event as a reminder that God is always with us.
Lesson Title: God Is With Us
Bible Reference: Exodus 17:8-16, Deuteronomy 2:7
Target Age Group: Preschool
Learning Context: Sunday School
Target Time Frame: One Hour
Image Credits: Sweet Publishing and Distant Shores Media
Memory Verse: “The Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast desert. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything.” Deuteronomy 2:7
Learning Aim:
- God is always with us.
Basic Supply List:
- Bible
- Construction Paper
- Radio/CD player
- Chairs
- Pencils/Crayons/Markers
- Stickers
Note: In the teaching plan below the words in italics are meant to be read aloud. The regular text is simply directions for the teacher.
> > > > Basic Teaching Plan < < < <
Introduction: Greet each child as they arrive. Lead them in a game of Freeze Dance with a twist. The teacher will put her hand in the air and as long as her hands are in the air the kids will dance. But as soon as she/he puts their hands down the kids must freeze. Play until all the kids have arrived.
Biblical Evidence: Begin by setting the background for the story. Say, Moses was a leader of God’s people, the Israelites. For many years, the Israelites were slaves in Egypt, and then they were finally set free. Now that they are free, they are forced to walk through the wilderness for 40 years (that’s a long time) before they reach their new home. They should be happy because God is with them, but they forget to trust God and start to complain. Nobody likes a complainer. So God shows them again that He is always with them and they should always trust.
Now, the Israelites are getting ready to fight in a battle. Who do you think might help the Israelites win their battle? God! Now let’s read and see what happens.
Read Exodus 17:8-13. Say, What did Moses tell Joshua to do when the Amalekites attacked? He told Joshua to go and fight them.
What is Moses going to do while they are fighting? Moses is going to stand on the hill over the battle with his hands raised.
What happens when his hands are raised? As long as Moses’ hands are raised they are winning the battle.
What do they do when his hands get tired? They give him a stone to sit on and help him hold is arms up.
Who helped to Israelites overcome the Amalekites? God.
Read verses 14-16. Say, What happens after the battle is won? God tells Moses to build an altar in remembrance of what He has done here. Say, God wanted the Israelites to remember now and forever that God is with them. He made sure that the story was written down and it has been passed down even to us. Our God is amazing isn’t he?
Read Deuteronomy 2:7. Say, After the Israelites made it to the promised land, Moses spoke these words. While they were walking in the desert God never left his people. No matter how difficult their lives were God was with them. It is the same for us. God will never leave us. He is always with us.
Musical Chairs: As a reminder that Moses kept his hands raised during the battle, the kids will keep their arms raised as they play musical chairs. Put the chairs in a circle and have the kids walk around them. Whenever the music stops they sit in one of the chairs. Whoever is left without a chair is out of the game. Keep playing until you have a winner.
Hand Prints: On a sheet of construction paper, trace each child’s hand. Let them trace their own hands as long as they are capable of doing so. Write the verse on the piece of paper and allow the class to decorate it with stickers, crayons, etc.
Praise: The Israelites and the Amalekites fought against each other and the Israelites won because they are God’s people and he was fighting with them. Sing “I’m in the Lord’s Army” with the class.
I may never march in the infantry (march)
Ride in the cavalry (pretend you’re riding a horse)
Shoot the artillery (clap hands together and move one hand into the air like a missile)
I may never fly o’er the enemy (fly like a bird)
But I’m in the Lord’s army (point to self and then up to God)
I’m in the Lord’s army, yes, sir! (salute)
I’m in the Lord’s army, yes, sir!
I may never march in the infantry
Ride in the cavalry
Shoot the artillery
I may never fly o’er the enemy
But I’m in the Lord’s army, yes, sir!
Conclusion: Close the lesson by reminding the class that God is always with them and will never leave them. Encourage them to walk with the Lord always and always trust him. Give the class time to share things that are thankful for and close with prayer.