Family Devotion Idea: Ark of the Covenant
*About twice a month, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together. Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!
Teaching Goal:
God is with us.
Scriptures:
Exodus 5:10-22
Deuteronomy 10:1-5
Joshua 3:14-17
1 Samuel 6:12-15
1 Kings 8
Revelation 11:19
Materials:
Large cardboard box (refrigerator or wardrobe)
Two broom handles
Utility knife or strong tape
Gold spray paint
Lesson and Discussion:
*Words that are written in bold are when you, the parent, are speaking. Feel free to use your own
words.
Describe the Ark of the Covenant by reading a few of the scriptures so that your family can hear about the ark. Exodus contains the directions for building the ark. Then you may choose to tell your children this summary: God gave Moses directions to build an ark—but this ark wasn’t a boat, it was aspecial treasure box. The Ark of the Covenant was a symbol of God’s presence and theIsraelites carried it with them for many years, and even put it in a special place of honor.
ACTIVITY: Parents use the utility knife to cut holes in the cardboard box for the broom handles to fit through. The holes should be about a third of the way from the top and two or three inches from the sides on each of the long ends of the box. Allow the children to paint the box (this may need to be done outside) and decorate it to look like a fancy gold treasure box.
While building the ark, ask your children what it might have been like for the Israelites to build their ark. What do you think the Israelites were thinking about when they built the ark? It cost a lot of money. God liked nice things. This box must be very special. How heavy might the arkhave been if it was made of gold? Very. How might the people feel who had to carry itaround? Important. Special. Tired.
When the box is complete and dry, sit around it and discuss the following questions: Why do youthink God wanted Moses to build the Ark of the Covenant? To remind the Israelites of God’s presence. So people wouldn’t forget God. What are ways we are reminded of God’s presencetoday? We learn about God at church. When we read the Bible we remember God. We talk to God when we pray.
The Israelites were easily fooled into following false gods during the time Moses was leadingthem. But the Ark of the Covenant became a visible reminder that God was with them, evenwhen they felt alone or separated from God. When Jesus came to earth many years later, Heopened up the door to a personal relationship with God—so now we know God is nearbecause He is in our hearts.
If you liked this devotion idea, there are hundreds more available from Family Time Training. See the link on the right side of this page for more information.