Aim:
To show the children that God is so great, he can do anything.
Bible base:
Judges 7
You will need:
- A Superman logo
- A large sheet of paper
- Three flash cards
- An earthenware jar or jug
- A torch
- A trumpet (real, toy or cardboard cut-out)
Preparation
- Draw an outline of the Superman logo in the centre of the large sheet of paper (if possible display on a flip chart or board).
- Prepare flash cards with the numbers 32,000, 10,000 and 300.
Presentation
Introduction
Show the children the Superman logo and ask them if they recognise it. Discuss with them the special things that super-heroes can do, eg fly, x-ray vision, etc. Write these up as you go along.
Story
Gideon was no super-hero, but he was the man God had chosen to free his people from their enemies and God had promised to be with him.
Gideon had gathered a huge army of 32,000 men (ask a child out to hold up the flash card) but god told him the army was too big. God said that they might think they had won by themselves without his help if they had all those men!
God told Gideon to tell anyone who was frightened to go home. 22,000 men went home leaving Gideon with only 10,000 (next flash card held up). But God still said that there were too many, so he told Gideon what to do. All the men had to go down to the river and have a drink. All those who got down and cupped the water in their hands were to stay but those who knelt down and put their face in the water to drink were to be sent home. This left Gideon with only 300 men (next flash card held up)!
So Gideon divided the 300 men into groups of 100, each man carrying a torch, a jar and a trumpet (show the props explaining the differences between these and the ones Gideon’s army would have used). At midnight they surrounded the enemy camp.
When Gideon gave the signal they all blew their trumpets, smashed their jars and saved their torches shouting, ‘For God and for Gideon!’ Their enemies were so afraid they all ran away yelling!
Time to reflect
- Ask the children to be still and close their eyes.
- Remind them again that Gideon was just someone very ordinary who trusted God.
- Also emphasise God’s greatness, his amazing power in helping Gideon and his men to win.
Prayer
Invite the children to say ‘Amen’ at the end if they wish to.
Dear God, thank you that you are mighty and powerful. Thank you that you can do absolutely anything. Amen.