The Gospel Project at Home: The First Judges
- Sarah Davis
- Apr 2
- 3 min read
Read Scripture
Read all or parts of Judges 3:7-31 from your Bible or watch the Bible story video.
Preschool Bible Story Video
Elementary Bible Story Video
Talk About Scripture
In 1998, five countries worked together to launch the International Space Station. It orbits Earth approximately 15 times per day collecting data for research. It’s been flying the same path around the planet for 24 years. If you do the math, this means the International Space Station has circled the planet more than 131,000 times! Talk about going around in circles!
After Joshua died, the next generation of Israelites forgot about the wondrous works God had done. For many years after that, the people followed the same devastating cycle of sin. Over and over again, the Israelites forgot God, turned away from God, and then cried out “God save us!” Each time, God sent a judge to deliver His people and save them from their enemy. But the cycle of sin kept going around and around.
This same cycle is in our lives. We have sinned and turned away from God. When we realize how sin separates us from God, we should cry out “God save us!” Glory to God that He has heard those cries for help! He sent Jesus to die on the cross for our sin and be the perfect Deliverer. Only Jesus has the power to defeat sin. He is the better rescuer who can deliver us from the cycle of sin.
God brought consequences to His people for their sins, but He also raised up judges to save them from their enemies. We also have consequences for our sins, but God sent Jesus to save us from our sins once and for all.
Pray: Jesus, thank You for being the Rescuer we need! Only You can save us from our sins. Help us remember Your works and help us follow You as King. Amen.
Learn Scripture
Preschool Scripture Music Video
Elementary Scripture Music Video
Family Prayer
Mornings: Ask God for His wisdom and strength to confess sin. How can confessing our sin and seeking God’s help break the cycle of sin? What is God’s reaction when His people repent?
Evenings: Thank God for always hearing our prayers and responding according to His will. How did God respond to the cries of the Israelites? What does this teach us about His patience and love for His people—even when they disobey?
Family Activities
For Fun: Play a game of follow-the-leader. Have the leader walk in a funny way, sing a song, or dance while others follow their motions. Assign one family member to shout ‘Repent’ at any point during the game, at which point the entire family must turn and begin marching in the opposite direction. The person at the opposite end of the line is now the leader. After playing discuss what repentance means (Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus). Talk with kids about God’s desire for people—including your family—to turn away from sin and follow Jesus.
To Serve: Work as a family to pick up trash and litter in a nearby park or along a neighborhood road. Talk with kids about how this area will likely be littered again and will need another cleanup in time. Remind kids that the judges could only bring temporary relief from the consequences of sin, but Jesus has completely defeated sin. Through Him, we can have forgiveness and total deliverance!
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