As teenagers, it’s crucial to strengthen our faith and learn from the stories of those who have gone before us. The book of Exodus and Psalm 124 provide us with valuable lessons about God’s faithfulness, protection, and how He can use ordinary individuals to bring about extraordinary things. Let’s dive into these passages and discover how they are relevant to our lives today.
Bible Reading: Exodus 1:8-2:10
“Now a new king arose over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. And he said to his people, ‘Look, the Israelite people are more numerous and stronger than we. Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase and, in the event of war, join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land.’ Therefore they set taskmasters over them to oppress them with forced labor.” (Exodus 1:8-11)
Explanation:
- The Israelites had multiplied greatly, and their population worried the new Pharaoh.
- Pharaoh decided to oppress the Israelites through forced labor, fearing their potential rebellion.
- Despite their suffering, the Israelites continued to multiply, and God’s plan for their deliverance was at work.
Discussion Questions:
- Have you ever faced a situation where you felt oppressed or mistreated? How did it make you feel, and how did you respond?
- How do you think the Israelites maintained their hope and faith in the midst of their oppression?
Bible Reading: Exodus 2:1-10
“Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a Levite woman. The woman conceived and bore a son; and when she saw that he was a fine baby, she hid him three months. When she could hide him no longer she got a papyrus basket for him, and plastered it with bitumen and pitch; she put the child in it and placed it among the reeds on the bank of the river. His sister stood at a distance, to see what would happen to him. The daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, while her attendants walked beside the river. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her maid to bring it. When she opened it, she saw the child. He was crying, and she took pity on him. ‘This must be one of the Hebrews’ children,’ she said. Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, ‘Shall I go and get you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?’ Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, ‘Yes.’ So the girl went and called the child’s mother. Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, ‘Take this child and nurse it for me, and I will give you your wages.’ So the woman took the child and nursed it. When the child grew up, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and she took him as her son. She named him Moses, ‘because,’ she said, ‘I drew him out of the water.'” (Exodus 2:1-10)
Explanation:
- Moses’ mother hid him to protect him from Pharaoh’s decree to kill all Hebrew baby boys.
- Miriam, Moses’ sister, watched over him, showing bravery and resourcefulness.
- God orchestrated events so that Moses was raised in the palace, positioning him for his future role as a deliverer.
Discussion Questions:
- How do you think Moses’ upbringing in the palace impacted his character and abilities?
- What can we learn from Miriam’s actions in this story? How can we show bravery and resourcefulness in our own lives?
Bible Reading: Psalm 124
“If the LORD had not been on our side— let Israel say— if the LORD had not been on our side when people attacked us, they would have swallowed us alive when their anger flared against us; the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us, the raging waters would have swept us away. Praise be to the LORD, who has not let us be torn by their teeth. We have escaped like a bird from the fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 124:1-8)
Explanation:
- This psalm reflects on the deliverance of Israel from their enemies.
- It acknowledges that without God’s intervention, they would have been utterly destroyed.
- The psalmist praises God for His protection and acknowledges that their help comes from Him alone.
Discussion Questions:
- Have you ever experienced a situation where it felt like God intervened and protected you? Can you share that experience?
- How does knowing that our help comes from God impact your faith and trust in Him during challenging times?
Youth Group Game: “Escape the Oppression”
Instructions:
- Divide the group into teams of 4-6 members.
- Set up an obstacle course or a series of challenges that represent different forms of oppression (e.g., physical barriers, puzzles, time constraints).
- Each team must work together to navigate through the obstacles and reach the designated “freedom” point.
- The team that completes the course in the shortest time wins.
Discussion Questions:
- How did it feel to work together as a team to overcome the challenges in the game?
- What similarities can you draw between the game’s obstacles and the forms of oppression the Israelites faced?
- In what ways did the game help you understand the importance of unity and support in overcoming challenges?
Closing Prayer
“Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for the lessons we have learned today from the stories of Exodus and Psalm 124. We are reminded of your faithfulness, protection, and the ways you use ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes. Help us to trust in you, even in the midst of difficulties and challenges. Guide us as we continue to grow in our faith and rely on you for strength and guidance. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Remember, dear teenagers, that God is with you in every situation, just as He was with the Israelites. Trust in His guidance, seek His wisdom, and lean on Him for strength. May your faith continue to grow as you walk in His path.
Note: This lesson plan is inspired by the teachings and style of Louie Giglio and Lecrae, two contemporary Christian figures who engage and connect with youth through their messages.