The second half of the book of Nehemiah shows a remarkable rededication of the Israelites to God and His law. As Ezra read from the book of the Law, the people were confronted with their sin and overwhelmed by God’s faithfulness toward them despite their unfaithfulness. Nehemiah 9 tells us that the people stood and listened to the book of the Law for many hours. As they listened, they were reminded of the history of God’s people. They recognized their ancestors’ sinful patterns of unfaithfulness to God’s covenant, and yet God was always faithful. The people heard that, amid their rebellion, God always called them back.
In Nehemiah 9:17, we are reminded of a description of God that is found throughout the Old Testament. Nehemiah 9:17 says, “But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love, and you did not abandon them.” This description of God throughout the Old Testament reflected His unwavering commitment to Israel despite their repeated rebellion. Echoes of this description are found in Exodus 34, Psalm 103, and Jonah 4. As God’s people declared this truth, they understood how God remained faithful to them, just as He had been faithful in the past. And because God’s character is unchanging, His faithfulness remains true today.
One of the most beautiful descriptions of God in this passage is found in the word gracious. The Hebrew word used here conveys the idea of unmerited favor, such as a king stooping down to give favor to one of his subjects or an adult stooping down to comfort a child in need.
This concept of God’s graciousness, however, finds its fullest expression in Jesus Christ coming to earth. Philippians 2 reminds us that Jesus did not consider equality with God something to be held on to; rather He descended to us. Jesus stooped down to our level to grant us something that we never deserved. Point kids to God’s unchanging character and His faithfulness to His people. Help kids see how God’s faithfulness to His people was a part of His gracious plan to send Jesus to into the world.
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Every week, members of The Gospel Project for Kids team offer guidance to help you as you prepare to teach every session to preschoolers and kids.
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