Kings & Prophets
David
Our journey together this year is exploring God’s Big Story in the Old Testament! In our first unit, we looked at the Beginning stories of God’s Creation in the first part of Genesis. In our second unit, we then explored the second part of Genesis where we learned about some of the first leaders and families in the Bible. Last unit, we were in the book of Exodus and learned about Moses and the Israelites. Now, we are headed into the Kings & Prophets section of the Bible and will learn about the Israelites after they entered the promised land.
It is encouraged that families watch the videos, read the texts, reflect on the summaries, respond to the questions and pray together. However, Club 56 participants can also do this on their own- you might need a journal for journaling some thoughts!
Invocation
Find your Club 56 Candle (or a Candle) that you can light.
Invocation: the act of inviting or welcoming or acknowledging that God is present in our space.
As you light your candle, say this invocation out loud: “I light this candle in the name of God, our Creator; Jesus, our Savior; and the Holy Spirit, our Inspirer. The three in one!”
Connect Video
Get a taste of this week’s theme by watching ONE of these videos!
David Video
Reflection Questions:
- If you were voting in that student council, would you have voted for Becky or Mike? Why?
- What characteristics do you think are most important in a leader?
- What leadership characteristics has God given you? How do you use them?
Connect is a curriculum from SPARK that is specifically designed for 5th and 6th graders.
Read, Reflect & Respond
Take some time to dig in deep to the Bible!
Need a Bible? Contact Leah M!
Read the Text: 1 Samuel 16:4-13
Somewhere in the Bible, write “The last and the least are enough for God” as small as you can—maybe even try to hide it somewhere!
Reflect on the Summary:
“The story of David is set against the backdrop of King Saul’s awful leadership. Saul had become an unfaithful, unfit king, so God’s prophet Samuel was called to anoint a new king for Israel. This new king wasn’t just going to be a political leader. As the head of God’s people, the king would need to be strong in faith and rich in mercy. Despite some more likely candidates, God picked David, the youngest and smallest of Jesse’s sons. Like many God has chosen throughout history, David was a surprising choice, but he was a man after God’s own heart—a man of righteousness.
David’s righteousness wasn’t just the kind of righteousness we think about today. Yes, he tried his best to do the right thing. Yes, he defended those who needed his protection. But he also exuded integrity and focused his life—not just his actions—on doing right, being good, and pursuing truth. While David’s reign and service were not perfect (far from it, actually), he always remained focused on his duty: serving God and God’s people.”
Respond to the Questions:
- Why is God’s choice for king so surprising?
- What are some other places in the Bible that talk about the last or the least?
- How could you choose somebody unexpected at school—in gym class, to sit with at lunch, or to hang out with?
Remember (Club 56 Binder)
Our Club 56 Binders are for taking notes and helping us remember details in God’s Big Story!
Need a binder? Contact Leah M.
Get out your Club 56 Binder and find the green page with the crown (labeled David). Find the paragraph about why we are using a crown to remember this story and read about it!
In the box, write important key words, people, events or notes that you want to remember about the first text you read.
Need help? Revisit the texts we explored today or read the paragraph at the bottom of the paper.
Here’s what I wrote in mine:
- God does unexpected things.
- God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things!
- God looks at qualities of the heart not outer qualities.
- God picked David, the smallest and youngest of Jesse’s son to be the next King.
- David’s focus was to serve God and God’s people.
Activity
“Look at the Heart” Activity can be found in your February Kits. If you do not have one, you might be able to find all the supplies in your home and adapt the project to work for you. Instructions can be found HERE.
Prayer
“God who leads us,
Thank you for always being with us and forgiving us when we mess up. Thank you for giving us all qualities and skills to serve You and Your people in many different ways. Please help us to always follow You and find the good in people.
In your name,
Amen”
Benediction
It’s time to blow out or turn off your candle and go on with your day with a blessing.
Benediction: a blessing that sends you out on your day!
As you turn off your candle, bless the people in your home by saying,” May God bless you and keep you, may God’s face shine upon you and may God always go with you and give you peace!”
Quoted texts are revised from:
Connect Leader Guide. Unit 4—Kings & Prophets: David. wearesparkhouse.org © 2013 sparkhouse. All rights reserved.
May be reproduced for local use only provided each copy carries this notice.