Intro by: Brian Dembowczyk; Gospel Project for Kids
“It’s a trap!"
If you are a Star Wars person, you know exactly where that phrase comes from and perhaps even read it in the voice of the character who said it: Admiral Ackbar. If you are not a Star Wars person, I will spare you the whole backstory and simply give you the immediate context. The Rebels, believe they have the advantage on their foe, the Empire, only to find out that their surprise attack was far from it.
That’s right; it was a trap. At which point Admiral Ackbar declares what had become obvious. And the rest, as they say, is history. Admiral Ackbar is now a meme. You probably have seen him or heard him, maybe without realizing who he was.
In our story today, we see God lead His people exactly where He wanted them. But it was not in the relative safety of anywhere but Egypt. It was closer to the Egyptian army with a large body of water at their back. Understand, God intentionally trapped His people between the most powerful army of the day and an uncrossable body of water. All the while knowing His people would be unable to defend themselves. Why?
We don’t have to guess.
Notice this verse from this week's reading:
Then I will receive glory by means of Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.” So the Israelites did this. (Exodus 14:4 CSB)
And that is exactly what happens. The Egyptian army comes roaring onto the scene, full of confidence that they will crush the Israelites like bugs. The Israelites cry out in despair. And then God steps in and rescues His people once more. And once more by miraculous means—through the Red Sea, the very waters that He would use to bring judgment on the Egyptians for their iniquity.
Our tunes for today!
Now, go ahead and read this week’s Bible story without hearing Admiral Ackbar in the background. (Sorry about that!)
Here's our story summary for today! CLICK HERE
Connection to the promise: Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, and God provided a way from them to escape through the Red Sea. The bible says that Jesus is greater than Moses (Hebrews 3:3). People who trust in Jesus escape the penalty of sin and have eternal life.
If you have a bible at your house, open to Exodus 13-15 and have a parent read it out loud to you! If you don't have one, that's okay! CLICK HERE.
Here are some Questions from Kids:
Movement Game-
Stretch two jump ropes (scarves could work!) across the room parallel to each other. Invite the class to step or hop over the two ropes as though jumping over a big puddle. Each time everyone makes is over, move the ropes further apart so that gap is larger. Play until kids can no longer make it over the gap (or, as long as you want)!
Remind kids that today we learned about a time God's people came to a body of water that was much too big of jump over. Pharaoh was chasing them, so they did not have time to go around it either. God put the Israelites right where he wanted them and was able to show off his awesome power!
This week's Craftivity!
To make this craft you will need a pair of scissors, one printout page and a glue stick. Grabbing a ruler to help your fold in a straight line and a pencil to curl round may help too, but isn’t necessary. If you didn't get a Sunday School bag and are doing this on your own strongly recommend printing on thicker paper. You can print from HERE.
These templates have valley and mountain marks on them to help folding.
Valley folds create a valley with the printed sides touching
Mountain folds create a mountain with the printed sides on the outside.
First, cut out the pieces – I’d strongly recommend following the dotted lines round the crowd pieces.
Fold the base so you form a gully in the paper
Snip the waves along the middle of the lighter lines and attach them to the main piece.
Curl the waves – rolling with fingers really is enough for this craft but you could also wrap lightly round a pencil or by using a flat edge such as a ruler or scissors.
Fold and glue the people in the middle of the sea.
Your scene is now complete! Try adding a few cotton balls on the back to represent the cloud God sent!
Parents, is this quarantine getting to you? If you need a few extra minutes today,
have the kids check out this episode of Super Book. Feel free to watch it here, or go
check out all the seasons at rightnowmedia.org which is free through Stony point).
Don't have it yet? Call or email the office and they can get you a subscription.