For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
God's people are almost home. Two families spot a piece of land they love — and they have to decide whether to think only of themselves, or to help everyone first.
Today's Story
God's people had stopped to rest on the near side of a big river. The grass there was green and wide, and it was perfect for cows and sheep.
Two of the families, called Reuben and Gad, had LOTS of animals. They looked at all that green grass and said to Moses, “Please let us stay right here. This land is just right for us!”
But Moses frowned. “Wait a minute,” he said. “Everyone else still has to cross the river and work hard to reach their new home. Are you going to sit back and rest while your brothers do all the work? That isn't fair!”
Reuben and Gad thought about it. They knew Moses was right. So they made a big promise. “We won't leave anyone behind,” they said. “We will cross the river first. We will help every family get safely to their new home. We won't come back here to rest until the job is all done.”
Moses smiled. “If you keep your promise, then yes — this land can be yours.”
And that is just what they planned to do: help first, rest later.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- Has anyone ever made you a promise and kept it? How did that feel?
- Reuben and Gad almost stayed behind while everyone else worked. When is it hard to help instead of just resting?
- What is a promise YOU could keep this week, even if it is a little bit hard?