Sunday 10th May 2020 - Gideon

Gideon

Worship

‘My Lighthouse’ by Rend Collective - our safety and hope is found in Jesus!

Word

How does Gideon’s story show us that there is always reason to be hopeful?

In Gideon, we see someone who is struggling to hold onto faith, because of his personal circumstances, but in whom God puts the nation of Israel’s rescue.  God sees in Gideon the potential that is in us all!

Watch ‘God’s Story: Gideon’ by Crossroads Kids Club to gain an overview of the story from Judges 6 and 7.

Alternatively (or also), read Judges chapters 6 and 7 from a suitable child-friendly Bible.

Chat through the key points of the story from these two chapters; the fact that the Israelites had forgotten all that God had done for them, that Gideon was chosen by God; Gideon who believed that he was of the weakest clan and that he was the least in his whole family, that Gideon needed proof from God of his promises to be with him in the form of miracles (signs), that Gideon had to follow God’s instructions and risk making his army very small, that Gideon and his 300 men defeated the enemy (Midianites) with only rams horns, smashing jars and shouts!

- What did God call Gideon when the angel of the Lord appeared to him Ch. 6 v. 12)?

- How did Gideon react when God told him he had been chosen to rescue Israel from their enemies (the Midianites)?

- What assurances does God give to Gideon?  (Look at the things he said and did throughout the whole story)

- In chapter 6 verse 13, Gideon asks God why his people, the Israelites are suffering.  Gideon is hopeless.  What had changed by chapter 7, verse 15 to make Gideon hopeful?

- Matthew 19: 26 states that with God all things are possible.  What do you think about this?  Do you believe that God could use you in a seemingly impossible situation?  Can you keep hopeful in the face of challenges because you know that God is with you?

Now watch this video which focuses on how God is with us at all times - this certainly helps keep us hope-FULL!! 

Activity suggestions

Under 7’s Make a ram’s horn (trumpet)!! 

Cut out two horn shapes out of poster paper, see weblink for images.

Then glue the shapes around the paper tube (use white glue if possible).  Your child might want to decorate and add ‘buttons’.

Weblink: http://biblestoryhour.blogspot.com/2009/05/unit-1-lesson-10-gideon.html

7-11’s Either print out and colour a scripture picture or create your own around Matthew 19: 26 or Luke 1: 37 showing that nothing is impossible with God!

Please see two separate PDF’s for print-out’s:

Reflect

The angel of the Lord called Gideon a ‘mighty hero’ before he had done anything to deserve that title.  God knew that Gideon had nothing to fear.  Gideon believed of himself that he was from a weak tribe and was the least important member of his family.  God however, loves to speak names over us that will release us into the plans that He has for us.  He always speaks words of faith and life and never words of fear.  Ask God what names He is calling you today.

As you do this together as a family, if any negative words that have been spoken over you come up, write them down and tear up the paper and place it in the bin, to physically reject these labels. 

For the powerful, positive words that come from God as you prayerfully consider how God sees each of you, you may want to record these alongside a photo or picture of yourself, to display to remind you of how God sees you, to encourage you in the coming days and weeks, to keep you hopeful.