God’s Promise to Abraham
Read the story in the bible here. Or use a children’s bible storybook appropriate to the age of your listeners.
Genesis 12 (International Children's Bible)
"Then the Lord said to Abram, “Leave your country, your relatives and your father’s family. Go to the land I will show you.
I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you. I will make you famous. And you will be a blessing to others.
I will bless those who bless you. I will place a curse on those who harm you. And all the people on earth will be blessed through you.”
So Abram left Haran as the Lord had told him. And Lot went with him. At this time Abram was 75 years old. Abram took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot and everything they owned."
Genesis 15 (International Children's Bible)
"After these things happened, the Lord spoke his word to Abram in a vision. God said, “Abram, don’t be afraid. I will defend you. And I will give you a great reward.”
Then God led Abram outside. God said, “Look at the sky. There are so many stars you cannot count them. And your descendants will be too many to count.”
Abram believed the Lord. And the Lord accepted Abram’s faith, and that faith made him right with God."
Genesis 22 (International Children's Bible)
"The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”
Remember that God made a promise to Noah and he put a rainbow in the sky as a sign of His promise. What was the promise he made to Noah? When God makes a promise, he always keeps it. We can count on him. He made some promises to Abraham. What did he promise?
Bible Story Bag Ideas:
Abraham and Star craft—color and cut out Abraham and Sarah, the moon, and the tent. Glue figures on a dark piece of paper. Splatter paint or add star stickers to the sky. There is also a maze at this link.
Other Activities:
Star Gazing—go outside on a clear night and look at the stars. If you live near a city, tell your children that the lights keep us from seeing all of them. If possible, drive to a place where they can be seen. Talk about how Abraham must have felt.
Sand Play—play with sand and talk about how hard it would be to count the grains of sand. Help your child imagine how big God’s promise was!
Tent Play—set up a tent or make a pretend tent with a sheet and furniture. Talk about how Abraham and his family lived in tents.
Products:
Glow in the Dark Stars—attach these to the ceiling of your child’s room as a reminder that God keeps his promises.
