The Ark and the Tent (November 4th & 11th)

Season of the Church Year: Common Time/ “Great Green Growing” Season  (green)

Story in Scripture: Exodus 25:1 through 40:38

Today we learned about the intricate and complex preparations that God’s people went through as they readied themselves to worship and enter into God’s presence. The detail and specificity that is explained in the book of Exodus is so far removed from our own lives that it can be difficult for children to connect to. This ancient story, however, reminds us of two important things: (1) Spending time with God and attending to him is a sacred and special thing and (2) We are incredibly blessed to have been truly reconciled and reunited with God through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ- we now are welcome to enter into time and relationship with God sans the intensive preparation. As Moses, Aaron, and others prepared carefully because their lives were messy and often dangerously unpredictable. By taking time to thoughtfully and intentionally prepare for their time with God, they were able to set their time in the Tent apart. It is important for us to prepare our own hearts and minds for worship and conversation with God as well. I encourage you to talk with your child about how they might prepare themselves. Share with them about the ways that you prepare to enter in to your time with God.

Guiding Questions for Discussion:

I wonder how it feels to come close to something so precious as the Ark?

I wonder how the sweet-smelling incense and smoke helped them get ready to come near the Ark and close to God?

I wonder how the Table of Shrewbread with the unleavened bread helped them get ready to be close to God?

I wonder how the great burning lights helped them get ready to be close to God?

I wonder how you get ready to be close to God?

I wonder how it feels to be close to God?

I wonder where the Ten Best Ways to Live are now?

Prayer:

“Father, thank you for making time and space for us to spend with you. Help me to prepare my heart to pray and worship you. I want to have quiet time and special time with you every day. Thank you for making time for us to be together. Amen.”