Unit 12: Elijah and Elisha OT12.13 Elisha and God’s …...1 OT12.13 Elisha and God’s Invisible...

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OT12.13 Elisha and God’s Invisible Army ©Beverly Wilson 2019

Unit 12: Elijah and Elisha OT12.13 Elisha and God’s Invisible Army

Scripture: 2 Kings 6:8-23

Lesson Goal: Elisha was a prophet in the land of Israel during the reign of the kings. Elisha followed in Elijah’s footsteps and demonstrated the power of God to perform many miracles. In this lesson God protects Elisha and his servant by revealing His powerful heavenly army and then teaches us how to treat others.

Introduction: This lesson is found in the book of 2 Kings. This book tells the history of the kings of Israel and the kings of Judah. It is in the second group of Old Testament books called the historical books. These books begin with Joshua and go through Esther. Let's say these books--Joshua, Judges, Ruth, I Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther

Attention Getter: “Be Kind” Have you ever had someone in your school, family or neighborhood get angry with you? Maybe they they borrowed something without asking. Or perhaps you broke a neighbor’s window on accident. What happened? Did anyone ever get upset? Did they call names or try to do something to hurt you back? What would be a response that you wouldn’t expect? Being kind to someone who is mean to you would not be the usual thing to do would it? In this lesson God sends his heavenly army to protect Elisha and his servant. We will learn that God not only protected those who love and serve Him but he taught us how to treat others.

Opening Prayer: “Dear Father in heaven, thank you for this lesson about your great power and kindness toward us. Help me to be like you! When someone treats me unfairly or is unkind to me, I ask that you fill me with the power of the Holy Spirit so that I will hold my anger and not lash out or say and do anything that would displease You. Please give me the power to love my enemies. Thank you that you love us and will protect us with your power. Help me to trust in you like Elisha did! In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.”

Memory Verse: The memory verse is Luke 6:27-28 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Lesson Video: https://youtu.be/XhFtuasKrV8 Elisha was a prophet in the land of Israel during the reign of the kings. Elisha followed in Elijah’s footsteps and demonstrated the power of God to perform many miracles. He taught the people of Israel to worship God and to obey His laws. He often showed great compassion for those who were around him. People who trusted in God soon learned that if they had a problem they could go to the prophet Elisha for help. Elisha’s name even meant “God is Salvation.”

During the time of Elisha there was a kingdom to the northeast of Israel called Aram in the land of Syria. Although Israel and Aram were neighbors they were rarely on friendly terms. The Syrians were growing in power and the King of Aram would have his army make raids in Israel.

But hundreds of miles to the south in the town of Dothan the prophet Elisha would often kneel to talk to the Lord and listen to His word. There he prayed that the Israelites might be protected from their fierce enemies the Syrians.

https://youtu.be/XhFtuasKrV8

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For a long time Ben-Hadad the cruel king of Syria had been at war with the people of Israel. Now he planned a surprise attack which he hoped would crush them once for all. With his mighty well equipped army ready to fight he was sure that this time they could wipe out Israel’s army. He called the captains of his army together and they carefully planned where they could camp and how they would trap the unsuspecting Israelite army.

King Ben-Hadad warned his men that not a word must leak out. The whole success of their plan depended on secrecy and a surprise attack.

While the Syrians secretly plotted, Elisha stood quietly by the window of his house. God then miraculously allowed the prophet Elisha to overhear every word of the enemies’ plots. Then Elisha called his servant and said to him. “Go at once to our King and warn him that the King of Syria is planning a surprise attack on our army.” Elisha was able to explain just where the Syrians would be lying in wait, for God had told him all about the Syrian plans!

The young servant raced down the long dusty road from Dothan to Samaria with the message for the King of Israel. He was allowed to see the king as soon as he arrived because the King knew Elisha was a true prophet of God. And when the servant told him about the Syrian plot the king sent orders to the captains of his army.

In the meantime the Syrian army reached the place where they planned to hide. They moved cautiously as they hid among the shrubs and trees. They thought that soon the king and the army of Israel would pass close by. But they waited and waited and nothing happened. At last the captain of the Syrian army sent a messenger back to BenHadad to tell him they had waited hours without seen a sign of the Israelite army.

“Strange!” Ben-Hadad muttered. So he made new plans making doubly sure to keep them secret. Again the Syrian armies hid and waited, while their scouts kept a watch on the road, but there was no cloud of dust raised by approaching horses and chariots. The Israelite army did not come! The king was furious when their plans failed again and again! “There is a traitor in the camp! Which of you is giving our secrets to Israel?”

The captains were afraid of the king’s anger but then one of the soldiers remembered about Elisha and his power to work miracles. “There is a prophet in Israel named Elisha. Nothing is hidden from him. Why he knows everything that’s going on, even before it happens!”

Now Ben-Hadad had heard of Elisha and the God he served. He thought that if only he could take Elisha prisoner the prophet would be powerless and they could carry out their plans. So Ben-Hadad sent spies to the land of Samaria.

Finally one of them found Elisha’s house in Dothan, and stood outside the window. Was that the old man who knew all their secrets and told them to the King of Israel? Ben-Hadad would not need an army to take him prisoner. But Ben-Hadad was not going to take any chances. He ordered his soldiers with chariots and horses to move during the night and surround the house of Elisha. They would hide in the darkness and then capture him in the morning!

Very early the next morning Elisha’s young servant went to the window to open the shutters and he stared in wonder at the sight that he saw! A great army surrounded the city. The morning sun shone brightly off the shields and spears of the Syrian army. There were chariots and horses as far as he could see! It was the enemy, the Syrian army! Could it be that this time Elisha had not known that they were coming?

“Help, master, what can we do?” the young man cried. There wasn’t a chance that they could escape. The Syrians surrounded them, every road and gate was locked.

But Elisha didn’t even look worried. He said, “Fear not. They that are with us are more than they have with them.”

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The servant stared at him. What was Elisha talking about? They were just two defenseless men against a whole army!

Then Elisha said, “They have just human power but we have the Lord our God.” Then Elisha prayed that God would open his servant’s eyes. “Go and look out of the window again.” The young man looked…

The enemy was still there, but now he saw horses and chariots of fire standing ready to defend Elisha. God had sent his heavenly army to defend Elisha and his servant! What could the Syrian horses and chariots do against all this great heavenly host?

The forces of the Syrian army began to come toward Elisha’s house. Then fearlessly, Elisha walked into the midst of the whole Syrian army. “Lord, strike these enemy soldiers with blindness!” he prayed. God answered Elisha’s prayer. Suddenly a terrifying darkness fell upon the soldiers. They did not know where they were going because they could not see!

Men shouted in fear and bewilderment and their army ranks began to fall apart. Everyone was in a panic! “You are going the wrong way. Follow me and I will lead you to the man you are looking for.” Elisha told them quietly.

The dazed Syrian soldiers followed Elisha for ten miles. He led them right into the capitol city of Samaria. After the Syrian soldiers were all safely within Samaria and the city gates had clanged shut behind them, Elisha prayed, "Lord, now open their eyes and let them see." The Lord then took away the blindness of the Syrian troops. The Syrians looked around in fear and terror. They were surrounded by the swords of the Israelite army!

The Syrian army had been trapped by the man they had come to capture! King Joram of Israel was so excited! What an opportunity! The whole Syrian army was captured! But he didn’t dare act without Elisha’s consent and advice. "Shall I kill them; shall I kill them?" he shouted to the prophet Elisha.

But Elisha would not permit the Syrian prisoners to be killed. Instead he answered King Joram, “Do not kill them. Would you kill prisoners of war with your own sword or bow? No, instead you are to set food and water before them so they may eat and drink and then go back to their master!” So a great feast was set before the Syrian army!

After they finished eating and drinking, King Joram set them free to return home back to King Ben-Hadad. Elisha wanted the Syrians to know about the power and wisdom and mercy of God. This was certainly "loving one's enemies" in a way that was very unusual!

Can you imagine how the people of Syria reacted when the army gave the report to the king and the people of Syria? They were stunned and amazed at such power and such kindness to their enemies. People all over the land of Syria heard about the greatness of the God of Israel. From that time on the bands from the King of Aram stopped raiding Israel’s territory!

It probably wasn’t easy for the king and his servants to prepare a huge feast for the enemy soldiers but when they showed kindness to their enemies and let them go home, God blessed them! The Syrians stopped attacking Israel. Elisha’s kind actions were unexpected and they had some very unexpected results.

Our memory verse is Luke 6:27-28 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” God wants us to be kind to people who call us names and tease us. We should learn to walk away from an argument with a brother or sister rather than keep the argument going. Let’s say our verse again together again. Luke 6:27-28 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

Being kind to others is not always easy! When Jesus was here on earth his enemies sinned against him. They said bad things about Him and even killed him! But Jesus still loved them and died for their sin! That

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is how God wants us to treat others even our enemies! We should always treat others with love and respect because that is how God has treated us!

Elisha’s young servant also learned a important lesson that day. He discovered that the angel of the Lord protects those who love God and delivers them. He learned that we serve a prayer-answering God who encourages us to bring Him our problems, burdens, joys and sorrows! He stands ready to help and work on our behalf.

In this lesson we see that Elisha had great faith in the Lord. He had confidence in God’s power to protect him! We should remember that God never changes. He is just as able to protect us today as He was to help Elisha and his servant. We should never be afraid.

We are not a prophet like Elisha nor do we have his extraordinary powers, but the Lord is pleased when we come to Him in prayer. We can ask, seek, knock, and confidently expect Him to answer, if we ask in faith with His honor as our aim.

God is the same now as He was in Elisha's day—a God who delights in doing the impossible to help His children and to bring others to Himself. Is there something you would like to ask God for today? He would be glad to listen to you. Let's bow our heads, and you can pray silently to God right now.

Remember “Love your enemies!”

Review Questions: “Scrabble” Letters Preparation: You will need at least one letter per child in your class from a set of wooden scrabble letters. You will also need to collect a set of scrabble letters of the entire alphabet placing 1 set of letters in a container for the teacher or leader. Procedure: Distribute the scrabble letter to the children. If you have extra letters in the alphabet left continue to distribute the letters. Be sure to give each student an equal number of letters. Say: “I will pull a letter from my container. If you have the matching letter, stand up and answer the review question.” You can keep score of the number of correct answers that each student gives, if desired.

1. Who was Elisha? (Elisha was a prophet that God had chosen to take over the ministry of Elijah. Elisha demonstrated the power of God to perform many miracles. He often showed great compassion for those who were around him. People who trusted in God soon learned that if they had a problem they could go to the prophet Elisha for help.)

2. What did Elisha’s name mean? (Elisha’s name even meant “God is Salvation.”) 3. Who was one of Israel’s enemies during the time of Elisha? (During the time of Elisha there was a

kingdom to the northeast of Israel called Aram in the land of Syria. The Syrians were growing in power and the King of Aram would often have his army make raids in Israel.)

4. When the Syrian army attacked Israel, why were there no Israelites there? (God had told Elisha the Syrian’s secret plans.)

5. When the King of Syria found out that Elisha was telling his secret plans to the king of Israel, what did he do? (He wanted to kill Elisha so he sent a powerful army to surround Dothan, the city where Elisha was staying.)

6. What did Elisha’s servant see that frightened him so much? (The morning after the soldiers surrounded the city, Elisha’s servant got up early and went outside and saw the dreaded Syrian army.)

7. How did Elisha comfort his servant? (Elisha told him not to worry because their army was bigger than the Syrian army.)

8. What did Elisha ask God to show his servant? (Elisha asked God to show the servant his heavenly army.)

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9. When the Syrian army started to come into the city what did Elisha do? (He bravely walked out into the midst of the army and ask God to strike the enemy soldiers blind.)

10. What did Elisha tell the Syrian army when they were blind and confused? (He told them to follow him and he would lead them to find the man they were looking for.)

11. Where did Elisha take the Syrian army? (He led them over 10 miles to the capital city of Samaria and took them inside the city, locked the city gates, and had the Israelite army surround them.)

12. When they got to Samaria what did Elisha do? (He asked God to restore their sight. When they opened their eyes they were surrounded by the Israelite army.)

13. When the Israelite King Joram wanted to kill the Syrian soldiers, what did Elisha tell him? (He said “Do not kill them. Would you kill prisoners of war with your own sword or bow? No, instead you are to set food and water before them so they may eat and drink and then go back to their master!”)

14. Why was Elisha’s command to King Joram so surprising? (Ordinarily an army would kill their enemies if they are given the opportunity. Being kind to your enemy is not the ordinary thing to do.)

15. What happened as a result of Elisha and the Israelites being kind to their enemies? (The King of Syrian and the Syrian army did not attack them for many years.)

16. What is our memory verse? (Our memory verse Luke 6:27-28 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”)

17. How does our memory verse tell us to care for people we dislike or who may dislike us? (We are to care for them, love them, and be kind to them. God promises to bless us if we treat others like He would.)

18. What are some ways you can do good to people who dislike you at school? At home? In your neighborhood? (Pray for people who dislike you. Choose to be kind to them and include them in games at recess. Share a treat with them from your lunch. Sit by them on the bus if they have no friends. Be patient with your brothers and sisters.)

19. How do students your age usually treat people who dislike them? (They often will be unkind and mean to them in return.)

20. How does Jesus command us to treat people who are mean to us? (Review memory verse.) How might that help them to learn about God? (God was kind to us when we were His enemies. Jesus died for our sins before we loved Him. We are to treat others like He has treated us.)

Bible Memory Verse Activity: “Concentration Grid Game” Our memory verse is Luke 6:27-28 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Have students locate the verse in scripture and read together aloud several times.

Say:”God wants us to be kind to people who call us names and tease us. We should learn to walk away from an argument with a brother or sister rather than keep the argument going.”

Procedure: Write each word of the memory verse on an index card. Write the words of the verse on cards and turn them face down. Now, let the kids turn them over in the correct order. Have them place the cards on a grid in the correct order of the verse. See photo at right. Encourage the students to say the verse aloud without looking at the cards. If your class is large, divide into small groups of three of four children and make a set of cards and grid for each group.

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Group Learning Activity: “God’s Arms of Protection” (Grades K-3) Preparation: You will need two sheets of news print or a long roll of white drawing paper. Use the arm pattern illustration to draw a large set of arms. Cut out the arms. Use the drawing as a template for the children’s drawings of arms. Say: “What does a hug mean to you? (Someone cares about me.) How can you show someone else that you care about them? (Help them; hug them; speak kindly; be respectful; pray for them, etc.) In this lesson we learned that Elisha was protected by God’s arms! How did God protect Elisha and his servant? (He showed them his heavenly army of angels. He blinded the Syrian army so they could not capture Elisha.) How did Elisha show God’s mercy and kindness to the Syrian army? (He prayed for the healing of the soldiers’ blindness. He had the King of Israel treat the army as prisoners of war and give them food and drinks. He told the King to send the army back home to tell the King of Syria about the God of Israel and about His mercy and kindness to His children.” “Let’s find and read our memory verse, Matthew 7:12, together. Read aloud. In our lesson Elisha was an example of how Jesus wants us to treat others.” Procedure: Give each child two sheets of newspaper and some tape. Show them how to tape the newspapers together to make a large sheet. Or give them a section of the roll of white drawing paper. Have them draw “giant arms” on the newspaper. (If possible, make a pattern of the arms at least 30 in. [75 cm.] wide out of heavy poster board (see illustration below) for the children to trace around.) Have them cut out the arms, and walk around giving each other a gentle hug with the newspaper arms.

Ask the children to find the following Bible texts and answer the following questions:

1. How did Jesus treat people, including His enemies? (Matthew 5:44) 2. How does God treat us when we pray to Him? (Matthew 7:7-11) 3. Since we are a part of God’s family, how will we treat everyone we meet? 4. How do you feel about a God who treats you so well? (I love and appreciate Him and want to

make Him happy by treating others as He treats me.) 5. Is it always easy to treat others kindly? Why or why not? Who will help you to treat others well,

even when you don’t feel like doing so?

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Group Learning Activity: “Golden Spark” (Grades 2-5) Preparation: You will need to draw or make a spark or flame of fire from gold or yellow paper for each child and cut it out. Say: “What is a spark? (It is something small, bright, and burning that comes from a fire, or could start a fire.) In this lesson we saw that Elisha treated the enemies of Israel with kindness. It was very unexpected because the usual thing for people to do is to treat their enemies with revenge and harshness. The result of Elisha’s kindness to the enemies of Israel was that the enemy King Ben-haddad no longer conducted raids on the nation of Israel for many years. More important was the fact that the nation of Syria learned about the kindness and protection of the God of Israel. Today we are going to see how kindness toward other has the result of paying it forward.” Procedure: Pass the sparks out to each child. You can have the children draw their own sparks on gold or yellow construction paper and cut them out if you wish. Have each child hold their spark and sit in a circle. Teach them the song “Pass it On.” You can use the following new words:

“It only takes a spark to get a kind act going, And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing; For Jesus made the golden rule; once I experience it, I will be kind to everyone; I want to pass it on.”

Ask the children to write on their spark the name of a person for whom they will do something special and unexpected in the coming week. Who has plans? (Accept responses.) What will Jesus do to help you keep your promise to be kind? (He gives us the strength of His Holy Spirit.) Invite the children to form a prayer circle. Pray that God will help them treat others the way they want to be treated.

Group Learning Activity: “Blind Man’s Bluff” (Grades K-3) Preparation: You will need a blindfold for one child. Say: “In this lesson we learned that Elisha prayed and ask God to blind the Syrian army. God answered his prayer and miraculously made a terrifying darkness to fall upon the soldiers. They did not know where they were going because they could not see! We are going to play a game that will help us understand what it is like to be blind.”

Procedure: Play “Blind Man’s Bluff.” Blindfold one person who will be “it.” As you are spinning the person around 5 times, the other children find a spot to hide. When finished spinning, “it” shouts “stop and everyone must freeze in place. Then “it” begins to search for the others by yelling “Blind man’s” and the other players must yell back “bluff.” “It” searches until he/she tags someone. “It” can continue to yell to help find a person. Have students imagine how it feels to be blind. Say: “Why would this be a good way to confuse the Syrian army so they could not capture Elisha and his servant? Why do you think God chose this way to help Elisha?”

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Group Learning Activity: “Angel Messengers” (Grades 3-5) Preparation: Each student will need a Bible. Procedure: Distribute Bibles to every student. Say: "In this lesson we saw that God sent an army of angels to defend Elisha and his servant. Angels are ministers from the Lord who have helped God’s people in many different ways in the Bible. Today we are going to use our Bibles for find out about some times that God has sent angels as His messengers.” Introduce the scripture or story with a riddle called “Who am I?” Allow students to guess who the angel was. Have students read the corresponding scriptures. Discuss times that angels are used to accomplish God’s purpose and plan for man. Review the Biblical story and task that the angel or angels did.

Genesis 3:24 “After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.”

I am a guard. My weapon is a flaming sword. Watching over a tree, Who am I? Answer: I am the angel standing guard over the tree of life. Because man had sinned Adam and Eve were not allowed to live in the Garden of Eden. Living in the Garden of Eden was like living in heaven. Everything was perfect. But when Adam and Eve sinned, man was judged and death entered the world. Sin separated them from God and so they were no longer allowed to live in this perfect place.

Genesis 19:1-26; 15-16; 26 “With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished.” When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the Lord was merciful to them……But Lot’s wife looked back and she became a pillar of salt.”

We came to a city. To rescue a family. Lost one to salt. Who am I? Answer: These are the two angels whom God sent to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The angels warned Lot and his family and led them out of the city before bringing destruction. The family was warned not to look back or they would be punished with the city. Lot’s wife disobeyed and was judged for her lack of obedience and faith.

Genesis 28: 12-13 “He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. 13 There above it[a] stood the Lord, and he said: “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying.”

We had a parade. Going up and down a ladder. It was like a dream.

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Who are we? Answer: These were the angels that God sent to go up and down a ladder that reached from heaven to earth. This dream came to Jacob to show Him that He and his family had been chosen by God to be the one who would have the birth of the Messiah Jesus. He would be the “ladder” in which God would descend to earth in the form of a man. He would bring salvation to Jacob and His family as well as the all those who would believe in Him as the Savior.

Matthew 2:1-13; vs. 13 “When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

I am the angel Who came to a man and woman To warn them about a plan to kill their child. Who am I? Answer: I am the angel that was sent to Joseph in a dream. I told him that King Herod was seeking to kill the baby Jesus. I told him to take the money and gifts that the wise men had brought and use them to travel to safety in the land of Egypt. He was to stay there until I told him to return to Nazareth.

Acts 5:19 “But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out.”

I am the angel who came at night to a prison. Picked a few locks And set some great men free. Who am I? Answer: I am the Angel of the Lord who opened the prison gates to set free Peter and John after they had been arrested in Jerusalem for preaching and teaching the people about the resurrected Jesus. I told them to return to the temple and begin preaching again about the new life in Christ they could have by believing in Him as the Messiah.

Say: “God often used angels as His messenger to tell people about His plans for them. These are only a few examples of how angels have helped God’s servants. God is still at work in our lives and protects us!”

Read the following scriptures and facts about the work of angels in the Bible:

Angels are created beings who can speak audibly and appear as men. ( Colossians 1:16; Job 4; and Hebrews 13:2)

Angels worship God and are God’s ministers or messengers. (Revelation 5; Psalm 103)

Angels are ready and willing to do God’s bidding. (Matthew 26:53)

Angels execute God’s judgment. (1 Chronicles 21)

Angels protect God’s children. (2 Kings 6:8-23; Psalm 91:11,12; Psalm 34:7)

Have students record what they have learned from these verses in their spiritual journals.

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Craft Learning Activity: “Foil Etching” (Grades K-4) Preparation: You will need heavy aluminum foil, ruler, scissors, cardboard, craft knife, crayons, pencils and tape. Cut the aluminum foil into squares at least 8” x 8” in size, one square for each student. Cut squares of cardboard a bit smaller than the foil. Make a sample foil etching to show the class. Say: “In this lesson Elisha’s servant looked out the window and saw the silver armor and the chariots of the Syrian army shining in the sun. He thought that he and Elisha were hopelessly going to be captured by the enemy. Elisha prayed to God to reveal to him the armies of the heavenly host. Today we are going to make an art project that reminds us of the shining heavenly host. It uses a process called “foil etching.” Procedure: Distribute the aluminum foil squares and the other drawing and art supplies. Have each student color heavily over a square of foil, making patterns and using as many different colors as desired. Dark-colored crayons such as black, purple, or dark brown work best. Encourage the students to color carefully so that they do not tear the aluminum foil. Bring some extra foil to class in case of tears. When the student finishes coloring, have them use a pencil or a popsicle stick to write a phrase from Luke 6:27-28 on the colored foil, such as, “Do good to those who hate you.” Or, optionally, they can draw a picture of something which reminds them to care for others they dislike or who may dislike them. The pencil will take away the color, leaving a silver message or pictures. Make sure they use a rounded (rather than newly sharpened) pencil and work on a hard tabletop to make the message appear most clearly. When the student finishes writing or drawing, have them lay the foil square over the cardboard square and mount it by taping the edges of the foil to the back of the cardboard.

Craft Learning Activity: “Coat of Arms” (Grades K-5) Preparation: Each child will need a copy of the template below printed on white or cream cardstock. You will also need crayons, colored markers, a magnetic strip for each child, and scissors. Make a sample coat of armor for your family. See sample at right. Say: “In this lesson God revealed the armies of heaven to Elisha and his servant to help them know that He was more powerful than their enemies. He wanted them to know that He loved them and would protect them. As children of God we are part of God’s family. He has promised to protect and love His children. Today we are going to make coat of arms to show that God is our shield of protection.” “A coat of arms was kind of like a shield or crest used by families to show others a little bit about themselves. Since we are in the family of God, there are many ways that God has shown His faithfulness in our lives. He provides for us, protects us, loves us and has given us eternal life through Jesus. These are just to name a few. This craft, a coat of arms, can show different ways that God has been faithful in your life.” Procedure: Distribute the copy of the coat of arms template and other supplies to each student. On the ribbon at the bottom of the shield have the children write their last names. Have students divide the shield

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into four sections. Encourage the children choose three or four things that represent God’s faithfulness in their lives (or they can make up their own). The heart for example can represent God’s love, the dove can represent the Holy Spirit, the cross represents Jesus dying for us to give us eternal life, and the Bible represents how God speaks to us today. Encourage the children to come up with their own ideas and perhaps share together how the Lord has protected them. Have children attach a magnetic strip to the back of their coat of arms so it can be attached to a door for window in their home for prominent display.

Craft Learning Activity: “Heart Butterfly” (Grades K-4) Preparation: You will need pink or red construction paper, two chenille stems for each butterfly; heart stickers, colored markers, scissors, and white glue. Say: “In this lesson Elisha showed great kindness to the Syrian armies. It probably wasn’t easy for the king and his servants to prepare a huge feast for the enemy soldiers but when they showed kindness to their enemies and let them go home, God blessed them! The Syrians stopped attacking Israel. Elisha’s kind actions were unexpected and they had some very unexpected results. Today we are going to make a craft about our memory verse Luke 6:27-28 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Procedure: “Fold a piece of construction paper in half and cut it into a heart. Glue on two chenille stems in the middle of the heart for antennas. Write around the butterfly the memory verse, “Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you.” Stick heart stickers on to the wings and antennas. You can also have students decorate the butterfly wings with crayons or colored markers.

Craft Learning Activity: “Spiritual Binoculars” Preparation: You will need the following materials: two cardboard paper towel rolls for each student, glue or tape, 17” piece of yarn, tape measure; roll of cash register paper. Say: “Today we are going to pretend that we were Elisha’s servant. God had to give Elisha’s servant a special ability to see the heavenly army of protection that He had sent. God wanted Elisha’s servant to know that God’s power is greater than man’s and that He loves and protects His children. When we search for something sometimes we use binoculars to make things look really bit so we can see things clearly. For this lesson we are going to make some spiritual binoculars so we can see God’s love and protection for us.” Procedure: Have students glue or tape two cardboard paper rolls together to look like binoculars. Have students color and decorate their rolls. Cover the tubes with cash register paper if desired. Glue the rolls together side by side to make binoculars. Punch holes on the outside edges at one end of the binoculars. Pull and tie each end of year through the holes to make a neck strap. Say: “What do you think that Elisha’s servant saw when he looked out the window the first time? The second time? (Heavenly hosts of angels, chariots, rays of sunshine, etc.)

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Life Application Challenge: Prayer for Protection Say: “In this lesson we learned that God showed His protection for Elisha and his servant. God also has protected and loved us. Would you think about a time that God has shown you and your family His protection?” Procedure: Share a personal experience of God’s love and protection in your own personal life. Encourage children to think of times their family has enjoyed God protection such as safety in a storm; safety from having a car accident; protection from financial disaster; kept a family from getting sick during an epidemic; helped heal a family member during a time of sickness; etc. Lead children to understand that we should thank God for His protection and provision for us and our families. Optional: Share experiences about being kind to others. Say: “It is not easy being kind or nice to people who are your enemies. Today’s lesson shows how kindness can change hearts. Think about someone this week with whom you can be kind. Next week share how the kindness affected both of you.” Close in a prayer of thanksgiving mentioning specifically the times of God’s love and protection that have been shared. Lead the children in a prayer of thanksgiving that God is always present and able to protect them.

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Elisha and God’s Invisible Army

Luke 6:27-28

“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who

mistreat you.”

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Elisha Leads the Blind Army

Help Elisha lead the blind Syrian army into the city of Samaria.

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Love Your Enemies

Luke 6:27-36 (NIV)

One of the important things Jesus told the people was that they should love others,

just as God loved them. Not only should they love their friends, but they should also

love their enemies.

Unscramble the words below and fill in the blanks to see what Jesus said about this in Luke 6:27

Unscramble the letters in the circles to find the word that fits both blanks below.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

"Be _________________ just as your

Father (God) is ________________. (vs36)

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Connect the Dots

Connect the dots to find an image that will help remind you to trust God.

Elisha trusted God because he saw with spiritual eyes. Learning to trust God no matter what is not easy. We need God’s help to trust Him in everything.

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Coat of Arms

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Unit 12: Elijah and Elisha OT12.13 Elisha and God’s …...1 OT12.13 Elisha and God’s Invisible...

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Transcript of Unit 12: Elijah and Elisha OT12.13 Elisha and God’s …...1 OT12.13 Elisha and God’s Invisible...