For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
God's people had a saying that blamed their parents for everything that went wrong. God sent Ezekiel to set the record straight.
Today's Story
The people had a little saying they liked to repeat. It went, “Our parents ate sour grapes, and now our teeth taste sour.” It was their way of saying, “It's not our fault. Our moms and dads messed up, so we're stuck.”
God said, “Stop saying that. It is not true.”
Then He explained something important. Every single person gets to make their own choices. A kid is not in trouble for what a parent did. A parent is not in trouble for what a kid did. You are responsible for your heart and your choices.
“But what about someone who has been making wrong choices for a long time?” God asked. “If that person stops, turns around, and starts doing what is right — I will not even remember the old wrong things. They get a fresh start.”
Then God said the kindest thing of all. “Do you think I am happy when someone goes down the wrong road? No! It makes Me sad. I would so much rather they turn around and really live. So turn around! Get a new heart. Live!”
God was not standing there with His arms crossed, waiting to catch people being bad. He was reaching out His hands, hoping they would come home.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- Have you ever wanted to blame someone else when you made a wrong choice? What happened?
- God says it is never too late to turn around. Is there something you would like a fresh start with this week?
- God said turning around makes Him glad, not grumpy. How does it feel to know God is happy when you come back to Him?