Elementary Level, Block 2—Noah to Isaac
Week 16 (Revised)
Abraham—Responding and Obeying God
Point to Emphasize: We can be those that respond and obey immediately.
Reference Reading: Genesis 22
Memory Verse: Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing in the Lord. (Colossians 3:20)
Story Sample
Abraham was a very important person in the Bible. God had many conversations with Abraham. God would come and talk to Abraham in the same way that two friends talk to each other. Well, God did not just talk to Abraham. God also came to ask Abraham to DO certain things. It was like God was giving Abraham some tests.
Who in this room likes tests? Some do and some don’t. Well, when I was in school, I always wanted to be the first to answer the teachers’ questions. I always wanted to get 100% or A+ in all my tests so that I can tell my parents that I have done my best every time. In school, you are given math tests, spelling tests, reading tests, all kinds of tests! All that the teacher wants to know when she asks a question or gives you a test is to see HOW you respond to her questions. At home, your parents, uncles, aunts and grandparents also give us tests. The tests are not school tests. They are different kinds of tests. For example your dad might say, “Caleb, come here and pick up this toy form the floor.” Or your grandma might say, “Malachi, can you please bring me some water.” Every time you are called and asked to do something, how do you respond? Let’s see how Abraham responded to God so we can learn from him.
One day God called Abraham. He said, “Abraham,” and Abraham said, “Here I am.” Wow! Abraham responded politely! I’ve seen some children who, when their name is called, don’t respond at all. I’ve also seen children who when someone calls their name, they respond, “YEAH!” or “WHAT?” or “Huh?” Oh, if we would all respond like Abraham! I would love to hear you all responding politely every time your name is called! What other ways can we use to respond politely when someone calls us? [Help the children say, “Yes, Mom,” “Yes, Ma’am,” “Did you call me, Mom?”]
This happens to me every day. I am 15 years old now and I have heard my mom’s voice every day. “Samuel, it’s time to wake up and get out of bed. Samuel, pick up your clothes from the floor. Samuel can you please bring me a blanket.” My parents taught me to respond politely and to obey immediately so that is what I have been practicing. [Storyteller, insert your personal story.]
Well, even though God had tough tests for Abraham and Abraham had hard decisions to make, Abraham didn’t just respond politely, but He obeyed immediately. The Bible says that one day Abraham rose early in the morning to do what God had asked him to do. Abraham responded immediately. Immediately means instantly or right away. It also means fast, quickly. This is how we need to obey.
So, when a test comes your way, whether at school or at home, I want you to do our very best! I hope you respond politely and obey immediately just like Abraham.