Read Scripture
Read all or parts of Deuteronomy 31–34 from your Bible or watch the Bible story video below.
Preschool Bible Story Video
Elementary Bible Story Video
Talk About Scripture
In 2011, a woman visiting the city of Bellevue, Washington accidentally drove her SUV directly into a lake. While searching for her hotel after dark, the woman ignored the directions of the car’s GPS. She took a wrong turn, ended up on a boat ramp, and drove the car into the water. The woman was safe, but the car was never able to be recovered from the lake. What a costly mistake!
As the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, Moses disobeyed God, and it was a costly mistake. Moses would not be allowed to enter the Promised Land with the people. At the end of his life, Moses took time to remind the people of God’s goodness and the need to obey His Law. After Moses died, the people cried for him for thirty days, but God gave the people Joshua to lead them into the land He had promised.
Sin is always costly. Whether big or small, any sin breaks our relationship with God. Our disobedience must be punished, but we see God’s mercy through Jesus. Jesus took the punishment for every sin and He paid the cost for us. Only Jesus can cover our costly mistakes. God has given us a greater leader in Jesus. He alone can lead us to eternal life in God’s promised kingdom.
Moses led God’s people faithfully but died unable to bring them into the Promised Land. Jesus leads us in perfect faithfulness. He died so that all who place their faith in Him will join Him in the new heaven and earth.
Pray: God, forgive us when we disobey You. We know that sin breaks our relationship with You, and it must be punished. We thank You for the mercy You’ve shown by sending Jesus to cover the cost of sin. Amen.
Learn Scripture
Preschool Scripture Music Video
Elementary Scripture Music Video
Family Prayer
Mornings: Ask God to help you worship Him through obedience today. Why does our obedience give God the glory He deserves?
Evenings: Thank God for parents, teachers, and pastors who constantly pray for you. How are these leaders a gift from God? How can they help you to know God’s Word and obey?
Family Activities
For Fun: Play “Simon Says” with the whole family. Allow each child in the family to take turns calling out instructions. After the game, talk about how hard it can be to perfectly obey instructions. Explain to kids that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. Remind them that this is why we need Jesus—the only perfect One who saves us from our sins.
To Serve: Use paper and crayons to create a piece of art with the words Moses shared in Deuteronomy 32:3-4. Use the entire passage or choose words to incorporate into a design. Encourage every family member to participate by adding their own touch to the piece. Review this week’s Bible story and talk about how Moses praised God and His Word. Remind kids that Jesus is the Word made flesh and we have even more reasons than Moses to praise God.
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