For Kids · 3 min with a grown-up
The hard day was over. Now Jeremiah gets a surprising choice — and what he picks shows us his big, loving heart.
Today's Story
After the sad days, a soldier in charge came to find Jeremiah. He took the chains off Jeremiah's hands and said something amazing: “You are free. You can go wherever you want.”
Then he gave Jeremiah a choice. “You could come with us to a faraway place where life would be easy and comfortable. Or you could stay here. It's up to you.” He even gave Jeremiah some food and a gift to take along.
What would Jeremiah pick? He could have chosen the easy, comfy life. But Jeremiah looked around at his people who were sad and hurting. His heart was with them. So he chose to stay and help.
A kind man named Gedaliah was put in charge of the people who were left. He gathered them together and said gentle, hopeful words: “Don't be afraid. Settle down. Plant your gardens. Pick your fruit. Everything is going to be okay.”
So the people came back from all around, planted their gardens, and gathered lots of good fruit. After a hard time, there were quiet, hopeful days again.
A Big Word
Talk About It
- Jeremiah could have picked the easy thing, but he chose to help instead. When have you had to choose between something easy and something kind?
- Gedaliah told the people, “Don't be afraid. It's going to be okay.” Who says comforting words to you when you feel scared?
- Jeremiah stayed with people who were sad. How can you be a good friend to someone who is having a hard day?