August 7th - 28th 2022
What is this unit about?
Although King Solomon was given exceeding wisdom by God, and he built the temple for the Lord, like Saul and David before him, his grievous sin proved that God’s people needed more than what any human king could provide. While Solomon’s sin should have resulted in the entire kingdom being taken away, God was merciful and allowed it to remain.
Why is this important for our kids?
It is good and right for kids to realise people in positions of authority and responsibility sin and are in need of Jesus’ grace and mercy. As parents and leaders we can too easily come across as always being ‘right’ and give the perception we have nothing to be forgiven for, and in doing so rob the cross of its power. On the other hand, when we (appropriately) help kids to see we too struggle with sin, together we can kneel before Jesus and seek forgiveness. This pattern of repentance is a wonderful model and example that will help our kids to grow into 20 year-olds who live purposefully for Jesus.
Big Picture Question
What is MERCY?
Mercy is when God does not give us the punishment that we deserve.
Key Passage/Memory Verse
As [God] passed in front of Moses, he called out. He said, “I am the Lord, the Lord. I am the God who is tender and kind. I am gracious. I am slow to get angry. I am faithful and full of love. I continue to show my love to thousands of people. I forgive those who do evil. I forgive those who refuse to obey me. And I forgive those who sin. But I do not let guilty people go without punishing them. I cause the sins of the parents to affect their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.” Ex 34:6-7 (NIrV)
Hmm, what does that last bit mean about children/grandchildren and great-grandchildren? The NIV even says “he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation”. Does it mean the innocent will be punished for sins they did not commit? This doesn’t seem consistent with God’s character, rather it shows that God pursue justice completely, not letting any sins just ‘slide by’. For more on this listen to a section of Greg Lee’s MYC22 talk covering Ex 34:6-7.