LESSON 07
July 14
CONTINUAL PROCLAMATION INVITATION
LESSON FOCUS: Proclaim God’s love and hope to the next generations. LESSON SCRIPTURE: Psalm 71:12–21
Prepare your heart and pause before you teach this lesson It seems it was just the other day I was 16, getting a car; then 22, getting married. At 26, I had my first child. I turned 30 and thought I was ancient. Then 40, and now—in the blink of an eye, and after my parents have passed—I am the old one at 68. My greatest desire is to pass on a love for Jesus to our family. Both our kids are Christ-followers. My prayer now is for our three grandchildren, for each to trust Jesus, love Him, and seek His will for their lives. I want to pass my hope in Jesus on to others too. I wrote a memoir about raising our adopted, disabled daughter. It makes me so happy that those words will be here long after I’m gone. I see it as part of my legacy—to share my story of experiencing the goodness of God amid suffering and pain. From childhood through old age, God has been an anchor for my life. It’s my prayer that those following me will say the same. Psalm 71:17-18 from today’s Scripture passage says, “Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.” Indeed, we find our hope only in Him. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Pet. 1:3).
1 Start the Conversation Discuss how all generations need to hear the gospel. 2 Study Today’s Scripture Study the hopeful message in Psalm 71. 3 Apply the Message Explore how to share Jesus with other generations. Suggested Materials: Ɏ Adult Resources: Reproducible Handout—“My Psalm”
4 Live It Out Tell other generations about Christ.
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Find alternative lesson introduction, Spotify playlists, and links to more teaching resources Check out “The Blessing” on this quarter’s Contemporary Worship Weekly playlist. Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes put the words of Numbers 6:24–26 to song—an encouragement to all generations of God’s followers. On Traditional Worship Weekly, listen to “God of Generations” from Jonathan and Emily Martin.
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LESSON 07
For more commentary,
see p. 951 in Wiersbe Bible Commentary: Old Testament.