13 September 2020 Junior Church Resources
For our Younger Children
Parting the Red Sea
https://youtu.be/urFAkDHI-Os
Theme
God’s Power and Protection
Object
Ceramic or plastic plate, water, pepper, dish soap, paper towel
Bible Reading
Exodus 14:19-31New International Version – UK
Then the angel of God, who had been travelling in front of Israel’s army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them, coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel. Throughout the night the cloud brought darkness to the one side and light to the other; so neither went near the other all night long.
Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.
The Egyptians pursued them, and all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots and horsemen followed them into the sea. During the last watch of the night the Lord looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud at the Egyptian army and threw it into confusion. He jammed the wheels of their chariots so that they had difficulty driving. And the Egyptians said, ‘Let’s get away from the Israelites! The Lord is fighting for them against Egypt.’
Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians and their chariots and horsemen.’ Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea went back to its place. The Egyptians were fleeing towards it, and the Lord swept them into the sea. The water flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen – the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived.
But the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left. That day the Lord saved Israel from the hands of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians lying dead on the shore. And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.
Story & Activity
Our Bible lesson today is about one of the most spectacular events in the entire Bible. The Israelites had been slaves in Egypt for over 400 years. But Pharaoh refused to let God’s people go until God sent 10 plagues to all of Egypt. After so many bad things happened, Pharaoh finally decided it was best to let the Israelites go.
The Israelites followed Moses out of Egypt.
Pour enough water on the plate to cover the bottom.
But Pharaoh changed his mind again. He sent his giant army to bring the Israelites back to Egypt. And the Israelites were caught between the army and the Red Sea. When God’s people saw the Egyptian army and chariots coming, they were afraid.
Shake pepper all over the water. Put your finger into the water and touch the bottom of the plate.
What happened? (Pause for a few responses.) You’re right; nothing happened! The pepper just stuck to my finger. Hmm. The Israelites were afraid that the Red Sea would cover them completely.
But Moses said, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch God save you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord Himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”
Then Moses raised his hand over the sea, and God opened up a pathway through the water with a strong east wind.
Put a drop of dish soap on the tip of your finger. Then put your finger into the water again and touch the bottom of the plate. The pepper on top of the water will instantly spread apart.
The people of Israel walked right through the middle of the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on each side! The Egyptians, with their horses and chariots, followed the Israelites through the sea, but God twisted their chariot wheels, making them difficult to drive.
When the Israelites reached the other side of the water, God said to Moses, “Raise your hand over the sea again.” When Moses did, the water rushed back and all of the chariots and horses and the entire army of the Pharaoh were drowned. Not a single one survived.
When the people of Israel saw the mighty power God had unleashed against the Egyptians, they were filled with awe.
Imagine that—God caused the waters of the sea to separate. That’s kind of like our pepper trick, but on a giant scale. God is powerful and He protected His people, and He protects us, too.
God, thank You for saving the Israelites. Thank You for showing us in big ways and in small ways that You are powerful. Remind us that when we feel afraid or confused, You protect us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Daily Discussion
Daily Discussion – click here to view
For our older Junior Church Members
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