The Parent Weekly for January 23rd (God is the one and only)
What we learned today
Big Idea: God is the one and only
King Ahab and Elijah. 1 Kings 16—18. God proved He is the one true God in a showdown on Mount Carmel.
Where we're headed next time
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
Did you know?
Share these facts to get the conversation started:
Josiah led a nationwide renewal by destroying the articles of pagan worship scattered around the nation.
In 2 Kings 23, we read that God led Josiah to remove things made for false gods, animals dedicated to false gods, and pagan priests serving in the high places, among many other things.
Josiah was so thorough in his cleansing process that he “covered the sites [of ruined relics, etc.] with human bones” (2 Kings 23v14).
By using human bones, Josiah made sure the area would never again be used for idol worship, because no Jew would want to become ceremonially unclean by coming into contact with the bones of dead people (Numbers 19v16).
Connect as a family
With your family, read 2 Kings 22v1–11; 23v1–14, 21–24. Ask your children what happened when King Josiah heard God’s Word for the first time. Share that Josiah renewed the Israelites’ covenant with God, cleaned the temple of things used to worship false gods, and led his people to celebrate a special festival. Spend some time as a family celebrating God’s Word. You might choose to sing, dance, pray, or participate in another act of worship. Rejoice in the fact that God uses His Word to awaken our hearts to obey Him and be in right relationship with Him.
After reading the Scripture passage, discuss these questions together:
What had happened to the Book of the Covenant?
How did King Josiah respond to God’s Word?
How did the people respond to God’s Word?
In what ways has God spoken to you through His Word this week?
These questions can easily extend into the rest of the week. Look for opportunities to bring conversations about how God awakens 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 God grow in you a love for His Word. May He awaken you through His Word, and may you respond to Him in obedience.
