For Kids · 3 min with a grown-up
The people had promised to do whatever God said. But promises can be hard to keep when we are scared.
Today's Story
God had told the people, “Stay in this land. Don't be afraid. I will take care of you.” It was a good, kind plan.
But some of the people were still scared. “No,” they said. “We don't believe that's really what God said. We're going to Egypt instead!” They had promised to listen — but now they changed their minds.
So the whole group packed up and traveled far away to Egypt. And do you know what? They brought Jeremiah and his helper Baruch with them. Even when the people were not listening, God made sure His messenger went along, so they would never be without His words.
When they reached Egypt, God gave Jeremiah a strange little job. “Take some big stones,” God said, “and bury them in the ground near the doorway.” Jeremiah did. It was a picture-sign to remind everyone: God is still in charge, even here, even now.
The people had wandered off from God's good plan. But God had not wandered off from them. He kept speaking. He kept caring. That is how patient God's love really is.
A Big Word
Talk About It
- The people made a promise and then changed their minds. When has it been hard for you to keep a promise?
- Even when the people walked away, God sent Jeremiah along to stay near them. How does it feel to know God never gives up on us?
- God's plan was to keep the people safe. Why do you think we sometimes feel scared to trust God's way, even when it is good?