Heart Prep:
While the Northern Kingdom of Israel had been destroyed by Assyria, the Southern Kingdom of Judah remained. During the years prior to Babylonian captivity, God continued to send prophets to Judah who called the people to repent of their sin. Even though the prophets pronounced the impending captivity, they also offered hope to the people: God would restore His people and provide salvation. God sent prophets to share the message of judgment, repentance, and restoration. Jesus willingly took on our judgment so we could turn from our sin and be restored to Him. When we trust in Jesus we are restored to a right relationship with God. This week, encourage kids to see God’s goodness through His Word. Like the prophets to Judah proclaimed a message of hope, the Word of God shares good news: Jesus died and rose again to save people from sin and death. Rejoice in the God of salvation.
Message:
God loved His people so much that He sent messengers, or prophets, who called the people to repent of their sin so they could be restored to a right relationship with God. The prophet Micah said that God was going to judge the wicked leaders of His people. They had become rich by stealing from others. Micah warned that God would send foreign nations to destroy Israel, and called the people to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Micah’s message also included hope—he said that God would one day send a new king from the line of David, who would be born in Bethlehem and rule over the restored people of God. Years later, God gave a message for the prophet Nahum to share. The main message of Nahum’s writings is this: “God is slow to anger and great in power. He will not let the wicked go free.” Nahum comforted God’s people and gave them hope by showing that God will punish their enemies, the evil nations and empires that love violence. Nahum’s message was also a warning to not act like these nations, and to remain faithful to God. Zephaniah was another prophet. He saw that the nation of Judah was going to be judged for worshiping idols and that God would send a great nation to destroy the city of Jerusalem. Zephaniah begged the people to turn away from sin while there was still time, so that they might be spared from God’s righteous anger against sin. Zephaniah said that God will also judge all the evil nations and Judah because they acted like these evil nations. The prophet Habakkuk was also sent to the people of Judah. Habakkuk spoke directly to God, asking Him why He would not stop the violence and sin of the people of Judah. God responded by saying He would gather the army of Babylon to destroy Judah. God shared that even though this disaster would come, the righteous will live by faith in Him. Habakkuk ends his message by pleading for God to be merciful to His people. Even though God’s judgment would come, Habakkuk said: “I will celebrate in the Lord; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!”
Main Point:
Christ Connection: God sent prophets to His people to warn them to repent of their sin and turn to God. Jesus gave the same message, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” When we trust in Jesus, we are restored to a right relationship with God and have the hope of eternal life.
Discussion:
What was the similar message the prophets told the people of Judah?
Remind kids that God sent prophets to tell the people to repent of their sins. Share how each prophet warned of God’s judgment on sin, both for Judah and also for the nations. Discuss how God is just and holy; He will punish sin. Read 1 Thess. 1:8-9 together.
Did the prophets share any message of hope? What?
Discuss how God also promised hope for His people, even though they would face judgment. Through the prophets, God shared that His people would be restored to their homes and that the Messiah would come to save those who trust in Him. Tell kids that salvation is available to those who repent and trust in Jesus, the promised Messiah. Read Zech. 9:9 together.
What sins do you need to repent of? Pray, ask God to reveal any sin, and repent of it.
Allow time for kids to sit in silence, praying to God. Then discuss how repentance is an act of God’s grace as He shows us our sin so we can confess it and be forgiven. Encourage kids to continually confess sin to God, asking Him to help them turn away from it and follow Jesus. Read Psalm 32:5 together.
