The Parent Weekly for September 19th (God is the beginning and the end)
What we learned today
Big Idea: God is the beginning and the end.
The promise of Jesus’ Return: Revelation 19v11–21; 21—22. Jesus is coming again!
Where we're headed next time
Big Idea: Remember & Celebrate
Festival of Jubilee: Celebrating God's Gift of Freedom
Did you know?
Share these facts to get the conversation started:
The Israelites celebrated seven annual festivals: Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Festival of First Fruits, Feast of Harvest, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles (or Booths).
During the festivals, the Israelites ate, danced, sang, played instruments, prayed, and offered sacrifices to God.
The Year of Jubilee occurred on the fiftieth year following the seven cycles of seven sabbatical years. This festival celebrated God’s gift of freedom. It was a consecrated year set aside to proclaim liberty and restoration for all the inhabitants of the land.
During the Year of Jubilee, debts were forgiven, and those who had sold themselves to settle a debt were set free. Through this festival God reminded His people that He would always provide for them and that He “held the deeds” to everything they held as possessions.
Connect as a family
During your child’s bedtime story, tell him you’re going to share a part of the best story of all time—The Big God Story. Then read Psalm 111. As you read the psalm, explain that this passage highlights some of the amazing things God did as He redeemed His people throughout His story.
After reading the Scripture passage, discuss these questions together:
What is God praised for in this passage?
What does this psalm say that God provides for His people?
How can we celebrate God’s gift of forgiveness?
These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversations about God's gift of freedom into your everyday life as a family.
Blessing
Blessings are often used in the Bible. A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words to encourage and guide.
A blessing to pray over your child: (Child’s name), may you remember God loves you very much and is always with you.
