“Blackrock Desert Milkyway” from everystockphoto.com. Used under Creative Commons license.
God’s Covenant with Abraham
Scripture: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
Creative Reading Idea: If it isn’t too cold, go outside and enjoy reading this text under the stars! If you are a city dweller like my family, perhaps you put that Pillow Pet Dream Light to work.
Memory Verse: The Lord took him outside and said, “Look at the sky and try to count the stars; you will have as many descendants as that.” ~Genesis15:5
Prayer: God of faith and God of Promise, in this season of Lent, remind us again of your sacred love. Remind us to trust in You. Shower us with patience, and give us perseverance along this 40-day journey. Amen.
Thoughts:
When I was an 8th grader, I can remember going to Camp Bernie with my 8th grade class. This was a much-coveted trip; everyone always looked forward to it. One of the most talked about parts of the weekend is the 6-foot trust fall. The fall was supposed to help build trust among our classmates. Trusting a group of 8th graders is hard. Trust can be a difficult thing; even Abraham had his doubts (re-read verse 2). God had to show Abraham tangible, visible proof in order for him to remember and believe the promise.
As 8th graders gathered beneath the trust fall platform, I can remember saying words of encouragement: “We are here.” “Don’t worry.” “We won’t drop you.” These words of assurance where much like God’s sign of the stars, a symbol of the promise to never leave us. God promises to love us, and to be our shield.
Jump Off Questions to Spark Conversation:
~ When have you had difficulty trusting someone? What made trusting that person difficult?
~What promises and commitments shape your life?
~Can you name some people that have believed without proof?
~Imagine you are Abraham. As you read the text, what emotions do you feel?
Spiritual Practice: Star Gazing
In this biblical story, we are reminded of God’s promise to Abraham that he will have as many descendants as there are stars. As you gaze in wonderment at the beauty of night sky, maybe even identifying a few constellations, remember that:
God promises to never leave us
God promises to always love us
And God promises to be our shield.
Can’t get outside? How about making Star Snow Globes. Kids love stars and they love glitter so anything involving the two would be great for this week’s spiritual practice of remembering that God keeps God’s promises.
What you need:
Glass jar with lid (can be as big or small as you would like)
Distilled water (either purchase it or boil some water and let it cool)
Star confetti (or silver glitter)
Glue gun (or another type of sealant)
A few drops of glycerin or baby oil
And if you would like to add a bit more pizazz: star stickers, figurine and food coloring
Instructions:
1) Fill jar with distilled water
2) Add glitter to the water (plus glycerin/baby oil and food coloring if you are using)
3) If you have a figurine, glue the figurine to the inside lid of the jar
4) Use glue gun or sealant to secure the lid to the jar
5) Want some extra stardom–decorate the outside of the jar with star stickers
6) Shake your globe, turn it upside down, and see the multitudes of stars as a visual reminder that God keeps God’s promises.
Practicing Families 