Jeremiah for Me: Lesson 9: "The True God Vs. The False Gods": A Jeremiah Journey, Journal, n' Puppets
In chapter ten we'll read "Hear ye the word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O house of Israel" with its clear message "Learn not the way of the heathen (idolaters)." What a chapter this is comparing the true God to the false idols. So, let's dig in! And do be sure to meet our new puppets below: "The Workman" Puppet who makes the idols, and "The Host of Heaven" Puppet who is terrified and dismayed at the signs of the heavens.
The Main Message: In Jeremiah 10:2 there's a learn not verse: "Learn not the way of the heathen or the Gentiles. (NKJV) While in Leviticus 19:4 there's a turn not verse: "Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I am the LORD your God." Now what were the people to learn? Deuteronomy 5:1 tells us Moses said: "Hear ... the statues and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them." The second part of the message says: "Be not dismayed (troubled) at the signs of the heaven (sun, moon, and stars); for the heathen are dismayed at them."
The Workman's Idol: With his own hands the workman would use an ax to cut down a tree that would become an idol. He would deck (decorate) it out with silver and gold. He would use his hammer and nails to fasten it together. And says verse three so "it will move not." Verse four continues his idol will be upright "like a palm tree." And the text adds, "it will speak not!" Besides his idol would need to be carried because it "cannot go!" It continues: "Be not afraid of them (idols)." Why? Because they "cannot do evil, ... or good." IYB: Do dot the nots!
Capital G, Lowercase G! Throughout Jeremiah you'll notice God with an uppercase "G" and then god(s) with a lowercase "g." Be especially alert to looking for passages where the gods or idols are mentioned. Here's a few you'll find in the previous lessons: Jeremiah 2:11, 2:28, 5:7, 5:19, 7:6, 7:9, 7:18, 10:11 ....
Don't Trust in Idols: In Psalm 115: 2-8 the psalmist compares God to idols made with men's hands. Of God we read, "But our God is in the heavens ...." Of idols it says, "They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: They have hands, but they handle not: neither speak they through their throat." And it adds, "They that make them (idols) are like them; so is every one that trusteth in them."
A Jeremiah 10:6 Gem Verse: "There is none like unto thee, O LORD."
The "None" Verses: Verses six/seven have bookend parts: "there is none like unto thee, O LORD; .... (v.6)" and "there is none like unto thee." (v.7)" IYJ: Look at the none/great page. Print verse making the word "none" and "great" darker and larger than the other words. Add a 'gem" stone figure before it IYB. For kids raise voice on none, point up "Oh LORD," raise voice on greats, and hold fists high saying the words forcefully.
Thou Art Great, and Thy Name Is Great: Verse six says God is great, as does Ps. 86:8-10 that says: "Among the gods there is none like thee, O LORD; neither are there any works like unto thy works. ... ... For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone."
Sing: "My God Is So Great!
Who Is It? A: The Heathen? B: The LORD? C: The Idols? D: The Workman?
1. Worshipper of idols. 2. Decorates with gold/silver. 3. Cannot move. 4. Cannot speak. 5. Uses an axe. 6. Uses his hands. 7. Upright like a palm tree. 8. The True God. 9. The nations. 10. Are idolaters. 11. Cannot do evil. 12. Uses a hammer, nails. 13. The Gentiles. 14. The living God. 15. An everlasting King. 16. Cuts down a tree. 17. King of the Nations. 18. Is skilled. 19. Wears blue/purple clothing. 20. Is a Graven Image. 21. Creator of Heaven and Earth. 22. Have no breath. 23. None like Him. 24. Are falsehood. 25. Cannot do good.
Key: 1. A 2. D 3. C 4. C 5. D 6. D 7. C 8. B 9. A 10. A 11. C 12. D 13. A 14. B 15. B 16. D 17. B 18. D
19. C 20. C 21. B 22. C 23. B 24. C 25. C
A "Who" Verse for You! Verse seven asks a very important "who" question: "Who would not fear (honor) You, O King of the Nations? And who is King of the Nations? The LORD! For among all men and gods in all nations and kingdoms none was like the LORD. But the men, on the other hand, were brutish, stupid, and foolish while their wooden idols were false, empty, vain, and futile.
Two More "Who" Verses for You: Click on the journal photos. See the oversized "WHO??" IYJ make a giant WHO?? or stick-on gummed stickers. Find the "who" verses IYB. Read aloud and highlight the "Who" in each one. Did you know that Exodus 15:11, and Rev. 15:4 come from the "Song of Moses?"
The Work of the Idol Makers: Verse nine mentions silver and gold from Tarshish and Uphaz was beaten into plates by the workman and the goldsmith to be used on the idols, while cunning and skillful men made clothing from violet and purple to dress them.
The True God, The Living God: Verse ten begins: "But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: (king of eternity!): at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation. (anger)" Yes, the Lord is as verse 7 says "King of the nations," as well as "King of eternity." As a wise lady would repeat, "The Lord is in charge!"
Senseless Shepherds Then, Senseless Shepherds Now! Just as in Jeremiah's day many pastors or leaders were senseless or brutish. (foolish) They didn't seek the Lord says Jeremiah 10:21. Therefore, the Lord said they wouldn't be blessed, and their people would be scattered. Still today pastors, or leaders are told to be watchmen warning of coming events and informing people that if God's word isn't followed there will be punishment. But so many, like the leaders in Jeremiah's time, refuse to speak out about things that are happening all around us.
Courageous Pastor-Lawyer n' Pastor-Author: Praise the Lord there's a few that aren't afraid to stand for truth and godly pastor-lawyer Mat Staver is one of them. Having argued before the Supreme Court defending many on current issues here is a man that isn't clueless, foolish, or senseless, rather very courageous in facing issues head on. For more: Mat Staver - Liberty Counsel (lc.org)
Still another is pastor-author John K. Amanchukwu who speaks to audiences all over urging them to face up to things happening around us. Choose courageous leaders you've heard about, and especially pray for them!
Zero in on Jeremiah's "O LORD Prayer": Read over Jeremiah 10:23-25 that contains a Jeremiah prayer. Click on the journal page "God Vs. Idols" to view the little pic of Jeremiah at prayer. In verse twenty-three he declares "O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." Do you know this? In our world how many people have you listened to who do not acknowledge this for continuously we hear how it's our body, it's our life --we can do our own thing! Do ponder Proverbs 3:5,6!
"Host of Heaven Idolater" Puppet: As before tightly roll your toilet tube in a half sheet of light paper, tuck in ends, and tape side. To it add a headband with a sun, moon, and stars for "Heathen Man" worshipped them. Add other features. Click on the puppet scene photos at the end of the lesson. Where did this worship happen? Up on roof tops, in the streets, or in high places. View "Heathen Man and Workman" standing atop a cardboard egg carton on a file box with forest trees in background, and the sun, moon and stars on a shelf. See its 'incense smoke' ascending upward. See the workman's chopped tree stump with its tiny axe. Host of heaven - Easton's Bible Dictionary Online (biblestudytools.com)
The Workman Puppet: Click on photos below to look at more pics of the Workman idol maker or craftsman. It wears a "tree bark" headband from a gift bag, and its tree stump is wrapped in this tree branch giftbag as well. Even the frame/letters on the sample journal page are cut from the same gift sack too. Bright Idea: Save gift bags to reuse! Ditto that for different egg cartons. Oh yes and also save bottle caps. And the list goes on!
Sun Worship on Display Today! Learn to Discern Granny: ABC: Bible Meditation for Me!: S Is for Sun! (whputnam00.blogspot.com) to find "S Is for Sun" from my ABC: Bible Meditation for Me: Bible Meditation Vs. Eastern Meditation series. Don't miss this series if you have never read it!
Please share these lessons with parents/grandparents to use with their children/grands. They are free and contain tons of items that are repurposed and inexpensive to use! Always remember the puppet script is the Scripture Verses highlighted in each lesson. Don't forget to use your Jeremiah puppet to say "Jeremiah 10:23."
A few of the photos are repeated with tiny differences. Click on them to see them up close.
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