The Parent Weekly for January 21st. God Awakens
What we learned today
Big Idea: God Awakens
King Josiah. 2 Kings 22—23. King Josiah discovered God's plan for Israel when the Book of the Covenant was found while cleaning the temple.
Where we’re headed next time
Big Idea: God Rescues
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Daniel 3. God rescued Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego when they were thrown into a furnace.
Did you know?
Share these facts to get the conversation started:
When Babylon defeated the nation of Judah and destroyed Jerusalem, the conquerors took captive Hebrew men of nobility to serve the Babylonians.
Part of the Babylonians’ strategy as a world power was to assimilate any potential leaders from the next generation of Hebrews into the Babylonian culture. One way they did this was by changing all Hebrew names to Babylonian names.
Daniel and his friends may have spoken like Babylonians, but the men’s hearts did not serve their gods. Daniel and his friends chose to serve only the one true God, even in the face of death.
Connect as a family
If you have a fireplace, build a fire. If not, light a candle. Have everyone gather nearby, and together read Daniel 3. After reading this part of The Big God Story, ask your children what stood out to them. Share with them what amazed you in this passage of Scripture. Remind your children that when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the fiery furnace, they didn’t even smell like smoke! Pray about any areas where your family needs God to be your Rescuer, and thank Him for always working on your behalf.
After reading the Scripture passage, discuss these questions together:
Why didn’t Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego worship the gold statue?
Why weren’t they afraid to go into the fiery furnace?
How did King Nebuchadnezzar respond when the men came out of the furnace?
These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversations about God rescuing us 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 know that God rescues and protects. He is always with you.
