The Gospel Project at Home: The Northern Kingdom Was Destroyed

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​Read all or parts of 2 Kings 17 from your Bible or watch the Bible story video.

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Talk About Scripture

We've all done something wrong or disobeyed because we thought it was the better option. Time and time again, the Israelites chose to disobey God. And even though God loved them like a father, the Israelites forgot about God. 

Sin separated them from God. But God created people to know and love Him, and God was working out a plan to bring His children back to Himself. God had been very patient with the Israelites. He had helped them in times of trouble and delayed their punishment because He is gracious and compassionate. But God knew His people would not love Him with all their hearts. 

Finally, God had had enough. Evil King Hoshea ruled over Israel, and God allowed Israel’s enemies to send the people into exile. The king of Assyria attacked Israel and laid siege to Samaria. Assyria captured Samaria and forced the people to leave the city and walk hundreds of miles to Assyria. The Northern Kingdom of Israel was destroyed, and the people were scattered, just as God had said would happen.  

Israel’s exile was God’s judgment on their sin, but God was not finished working among His people. God was still working out His plan to keep His covenant promises. When the Israelites disobeyed God again and again, God punished them by removing them from their land. We disobey God, but Jesus took the punishment for our sin upon Himself. Jesus brings us into God’s presence and keeps us there. 

The kingdom of Israel was destroyed because of their sin. We all sin against God and deserve death, but God sent Jesus to die in our place. Because of Jesus, those who trust in Him will never be removed from God's presence.                       

Pray: God, we know that You always keep Your promises. Help us to trust in You even when we don’t see how You’re working. Thank You for sending Jesus to die on the cross and to save all who believe in Him. Amen.

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Family Prayer

Mornings: Pray for the leaders of your city, state, and country. Ask God to give them knowledge to do their work and wisdom to obey Him. How did the sins of Judah’s kings affect the people? Why is it important for us to pray for our leaders? 

Evenings: Thank God for His promises and His faithfulness to always keep those promises. Make a list of the promises you can remember from the Bible. Make note of the promises God has already fulfilled. How do these fulfilled promises help us to trust in His ability to keep all His promises?  

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Family Activities

For Fun: Play “Simon Says” as a family. However, when “Simon” says to do something, everyone should do the opposite. Make the motions easy for smaller kids but work to harder actions as the game progresses. Talk about how the Israelites faced consequences when they didn’t listen to God. End the discussion by reminding kids that Jesus took our punishment and provided us a way to be brought back to God’s presence!    

To Serve: Have family members take turns serving the rest of the family during dinner time. The chosen servant should prepare the table, serve the food, take drink orders, refill cups when needed, and clean up for the family after the meal. Discuss the sacrifices the chosen family member had to make to serve the family. Take time to talk about the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus to serve us and save us from sin.   

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