Scripture
Say:
Have you ever run a race?
Have you ever won a medal or a trophy for running a race or for completing in
another sport? What was it like getting
a metal? (Let the children respond)
Today’s bible lesson compares following God to running a race. Let’s read it now!
Read Hebrews
12: 1-3: 1Therefore, since we are surrounded by
such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every
weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our
progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. 2 We do this by
keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was
willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would
be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's
throne in heaven. 3 Think about all he endured when sinful people did such
terrible things to him, so that you don't become weary and give up.
Lesson
Say: It is a thrill to
run a race and hear the voices of the people who are watching as they shout
words of encouragement. It is an even greater thrill when you finish the race
and win a medal or a trophy.
Several years ago
when the Olympics were held in Barcelona, Spain, the world saw one of the
greatest moments in Olympic history. Derek Redmond, a young man from Britain,
had dreamed all his life of winning a gold medal in the 400 meter race. He had
worked hard to get to the Olympics and his dream was within his reach. He was
in the semi-finals and was running the race of his life. He could see the
finish line just ahead as he rounded the final turn. Suddenly, he felt a sharp
pain in the back of his leg and he fell to the track with a torn muscle in his
right leg.
As the medical
attendants ran toward him, Derek struggled to his feet. He started to hop
toward the finish line on one foot in an attempt to finish the race. Suddenly,
a large man came out of the stands, pushed aside a security guard and ran to
Derek's side. It was Jim Redmond, Derek's father. "You don't have to do
this," he told his son. "Yes, I do," said Derek. "Well,
then," said his father, "we're going to finish this together."
And they did. They
stayed in Derek's lane all the way to the end. At first, the crowd watched in
silence. Then they rose to their feet and cheered -- and wept.
Derek Redmond
didn't win the gold medal, but he walked away with the incredible memory of a
loving father who, when he saw his son in pain, left his seat in the stands to
help him finish the race.
That is what our
Bible lesson is about today. It teaches us that life is like a race that has
been set before us. We may struggle and
face many obstacles, but we have a great crowd of witnesses who are cheering us
on. We have a Heavenly Father who loves us and will help us when the pain is
too great. We have a Savior, who left his place in heaven and came to earth to
show us how to run the race. If we will
keep our eyes on him, how can we help but finish the race?
What is the
Prize we get for running the race? (Heaven, Life with God – Let the children
answer)
Memory Verse
And let us run with endurance the race
that God has set before us. – Hebrews 12:1b
Big Idea
Following God is like running a race. If we run the race with God our prize is to
live forever with Him!
Craft
Children will decorate (and cut out?) A tennis shoe using
crayons, stamps and stickers.
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