Scripture: Ezekiel
Learning Objectives:
- Students will learn living in a fallen world sometimes means bad times can go on for a very long time.
- Students will learn God is with us even in the bad times.
- Students will learn in bad times our hope is found in God.
- Students will participate in an activity to help them keep their faith from becoming like “dry bones”.
Guided Question: What are some things we can do to keep our faith from becoming “dry bones” like the Israelites?
Materials: cardboard pre-cut door hangers, markers, other decorations like ribbon, glitter, etc. and glue
Procedure: Tell students about the prophet Ezekiel. Remind students Ezekiel was taken into captivity in Babylon like Daniel and his friends. His book was to remind the Jews that even though they would be in captivity for 70 years, God had not forgotten them. Ezekiel reminded them God was still in charge and they could worship Him even if they now lived in Babylon.
One of the most well known chapters in Ezekiel is in chapter 37. It’s about the valley of dry bones. Read some or the entire chapter to students. Explain that the bones represented something (young students will have a hard time understanding the abstract nature of the chapter – that’s okay – explaining it in detail can help them begin to develop more abstract thinking). The Israelites in both parts – Israel and Judah had forgotten to stay close to God. They disobeyed Him. Many probably stopped studying God’s Words and praying to him. Some had even started worshipping idols. The dry bones were God’s way of explaining to the people that abandoning God and their faith had caused their faith to dry up like old bones. He reminded them if they turned back to God, their faith could be strong and healthy again with God’s help – just like the bones in the story became live people again.
Ask students to think of ways they can keep their faith strong and not have faith that becomes like “dry bones”. Explain that one important thing they need to do is spend time studying the Bible and praying every day. They need to spend some time quietly thinking about what they learn in the Bible and what God wants them to do.
Give students the materials. Explain they can design a Quiet Time With God door hanger to hang on their door when they are studying their Bibles or praying. This will let family members know what they are doing.
As students work or after they have finished, you may want to talk about different tips for studying the Bible. (See our free printable parenting Bible bookmark for tips to share. http://www.teachonereachone.org/wp-content/uploads/Printable%20Resources/TORO%20Bookmark.pdf