As teenagers, it’s important for you to grow in your faith and build a strong foundation in God’s Word. Today’s lesson is centered around the theme of God’s care for us, as described in Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 and Psalm 95:1-7a. Understanding God’s care and learning how to trust Him is crucial for your spiritual growth and journey. Let’s dive in!
Bible Reading: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
The Lord God says:
“For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land. I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land. I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign Lord. I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.”
Explanation
- In these verses, God portrays Himself as a loving shepherd who cares deeply for His sheep.
- He promises to search for His scattered flock, rescue them, and bring them into their own land.
- God pledges to provide lush pastures and lead His sheep to safety, tending to their every need.
- The Lord assures that He will search for the lost, bind up the injured, and strengthen the weak.
- By shepherding with justice, God distinguishes Himself from those who neglect or harm His sheep.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- How does it make you feel to know that God actively searches for and cares for His people like a shepherd?
- Can you think of any instances in your life where you have experienced God’s care and provision?
- What does it mean for God to “bind up the injured and strengthen the weak” in our lives today?
- How can we, as Christians, reflect God’s love and care to others around us?
Bible Reading: Psalm 95:1-7a
The psalmist encourages us to:
“Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.”
Explanation
- Psalm 95 is a call to worship and acknowledge God as our creator and caretaker.
- We’re invited to express our joy, gratitude, and reverence through singing and bowing down in worship.
- The psalmist emphasizes that God is the great God, the King above all gods, and the creator of all things.
- The imagery of God’s ownership over the depths of the earth, mountain peaks, seas, and dry land highlights His sovereignty.
- We are reminded that we are the people of God’s pasture, under His loving care.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- How does worshiping God through singing and expressing gratitude help us grow in our faith?
- What are some ways we can worship and acknowledge God’s greatness in our daily lives?
- How does recognizing God as our creator and caretaker impact how we view ourselves and the world around us?
- Share an experience when worshiping God has brought you closer to Him and deepened your faith.
Youth Group Game: “Sheep Rescue”
Instructions:
- Divide the group into two teams: “sheep” and “shepherds”.
- Scatter small objects (representing lost sheep) around the room or outdoor area.
- Set a time limit and challenge the “shepherds” to rescue as many “sheep” as possible within that time.
- The team with the most “sheep” successfully rescued wins.
Closing Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the powerful reminder of Your care and love for us as described in Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 and Psalm 95:1-7a. Thank You for being our shepherd, searching for us when we are lost, binding up our wounds, and strengthening us when we are weak. Help us to trust in Your provision and guidance as we navigate through life.
Lord, we are grateful for the opportunity to worship and acknowledge You as our Creator and King. May our hearts overflow with gratitude as we lift our voices in praise and adoration. Teach us to cultivate a lifestyle of worship, honoring You in everything we do.
As we go from this place, may we be reminded of Your constant care and love for us. Empower us to reflect Your love and care to those around us, reaching out to the lost, binding up the wounded, and strengthening the weak.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.
Remember, God’s care for us is constant and unwavering. Take time this week to reflect on these passages and the discussion questions. Seek ways to apply the lessons learned into your daily life, showing God’s love to others and growing deeper in your faith.
God bless you all!