Unlike other books and bestsellers, God’s word–the Bible has an effect on us that can’t be measured accurately. There’s just something about knowing what God thinks, how He looks at things that changes lives. A person may have a favorite book, kids often do but when that child is in trouble or afraid, the word of their favorite book probably aren’t going to help him or her. No, in times of trouble, it God’s book brings us comfort and instruction.
Remember this verse? “This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. ‘I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” (Jeremiah 31:33) Wow! God promises to WRITE his law on our hearts and put it in our minds. That doesn’t happen unless we read it, hear it, know it. In my “Empty Hearts” object lesson, I wanted to demonstrate that God does indeed write supernaturally on our hearts. Here’s what you will need:
A large construction paper or cardboard heart
- Red paper
- Empty pen
- Broken pencil
- Chalk
Before the class, write the second verse, 2 Corinthians 3:3 on one side of the heart but keep that hidden from the class. Show them the blank side.
Read the verse first then hold up the heart (blank side) to show the class. “See this? Let’s pretend that this is my heart. As you can see, it’s pretty empty but I want God’s words written there. Which one of these should God use to write on my heart?” Pick up the most popular item.
For the empty pen say, “Oh no! This thing won’t work! It has no ink inside it. I guess I’ll have an empty heart. Maybe if I shake it! Nope that didn’t work. What else can God use to write on my heart?”
For the broken pencil, pick it up and say, “Oh no! This pencil is broke. Maybe it will work…nope! It’s a goner. That pencil needs a good sharpening. What else can we use?”
Pick up the chalk and write John 3:16 on it. Then rub it away. “Oh no! As you can see, chalk is not a good choice. It just rubs away. I wonder what God uses to write on my heart? I think I know the answer! Somebody turn to 2 Corinthians 3:3 and let’s read it!”
“You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” (2 Corinthians 3:3)
God doesn’t use ink, pencil or chalk but His own Spirit to write on our hearts! Isn’t that wonderful!
Read more from Mimi by following her blog at Tools for Kids Church.