In the stories of the judges, and later in the kings, we see the importance of leadership. With strong, godly leaders, the Israelites please God and prosper. We also see how weak and worldly leaders lead the people away from God and the consequences of those actions.
In Judges, we see the results of strong, but flawed people leading the Israelites. Like Moses, Gideon was hesitant to lead as God called him, but in faith did defeat the enemies of God and His people. Key Themes:
Memory Verse
Joshua 24:15
“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Songs
Books of the Old Testament
The B.I.B.L.E. He’s Got The Whole World in His Hands Hear, O Israel Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus I'm in the Lord's Army My God is so Big The Battle Belongs to the Lord Story
Begin Class with Songs, Games, Table Activity, or Sharing Time
Open Class in Prayer Introducing the Story Ideas 1. Gideon's Fleece Introduce this story by telling/reminding the children about Gideon's backstory and how he asked God for a sign to make sure he was doing the right thing. If possible, show the children a lamb's fleece. 2. Gideon’s 300 Challenge – Obstacle Course
Story: In this story, Gideon is called by God to lead the Israelites. But, Gideon is hesitant at first. He wants to make sure that God was actually giving him this message. He makes a deal with God using a lamb's fleece. Both times, God showed Gideon that he was calling Gideon and promised him success. Leadership requires faith and courage, but as we see over and over again, the Israelite people are only as faithful as their leaders. SHOW the power point Gideon's Battle with the Midianites or read Judges 7:1-25. EMPHASIZE that:
Visual AidsGod is...
Challenge the children to come up with "God is" statements based on this story such as God is faithful, God is powerful, etc.
Activities
Gideon’s Army Banner Activity: Let children create a banner or poster representing Gideon’s army. This is a craft that helps them reflect on how Gideon’s army was small, yet God used them to win the battle.
Materials: Poster board or shield, markers, crayons, fabric scraps (to symbolize the army’s gear), stickers, and glue. Instructions: Have the children draw or glue fabric pieces to make a banner or shield representing God’s victory through Gideon’s small army. As they do this, remind them how God used the little things to accomplish great things.
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