For Kids · 3 min with a grown-up
God gives Zechariah a promise full of hope: He will protect His people, and He will give them soft, loving hearts that turn back to Him.
Today's Story
God made a promise to His people in the city of Jerusalem. And it was a big, strong, comforting promise.
“I will take care of you,” God said. “When trouble comes, I will be like a strong shield around you. No enemy will be able to push you over. I myself will watch over this city.”
God is the one who stretched out the sky and laid the ground under our feet and breathed life into every person. If God is that strong, then His people had nothing to fear. He would keep them safe.
Then God promised something even more tender. “I will pour out my kindness on my people,” He said. “I will give them soft hearts. They will look to me. They will be sorry for the wrong things they have done, and they will turn back to me. And I will welcome them.”
What a gentle God! He does not just keep His people safe on the outside. He reaches inside their hearts and helps them love Him again. He gives them a fresh start, like the morning after a good night's sleep.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- When something feels scary, who or what helps you feel safe? A grown-up? A hug? A night-light?
- God promised to be like a strong shield around His people. How does it feel to know God wants to keep you safe too?
- God gives people soft hearts that say sorry and turn back to Him. Why do you think saying sorry can make a friendship feel warm again?