God Reveals Himself to Us for Primary 4

God Reveals Himself to Us

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain why God reveals Himself to man;
2. describe how God reveals Himself to His children;
3. describe the right attitude to God’s revelation;
4. explain the call of Samuel.

Memory Verse

The memory verse for this lesson is:

1. “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3)

Bible Reading

The Bible passages for this lesson are:

1. Hebrews 1:1-2
2. 2 Timothy 3:15-17
3. Psalm 119:105
4. John 17:3
5. Numbers 12:6-8
6. 1 Kings 19:11-16
7. 1 Samuel 3:1-21

Why God Reveals Himself to People

God is the Creator of the universe and everything in it. He is a loving Father who wants to have a relationship with the people He created. God reveals Himself to people so that they can know Him, understand His plans, and live according to His will.

Knowing God helps people to live a good life. When people know God, they learn about His love, His power, and His wisdom. This knowledge guides them in making right choices and helps them to trust Him in all situations.

The Bible teaches that God spoke to people in the past through prophets. Now, He speaks through His Son, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2). Through Jesus, people can truly know God and His purpose for their lives. The Bible also helps people to know God, as it is inspired by God and teaches what is right (2 Timothy 3:15-17). It is like a lamp that guides people’s steps (Psalm 119:105).

God’s greatest desire is for people to have eternal life, which means knowing Him and Jesus Christ (John 17:3). This knowledge brings peace, joy, and a clear path for living.

How God Reveals Himself to His Children

God uses different ways to show Himself and His will to His children. These ways are called modes of revelation. In ancient times, God often spoke directly to people through special experiences.

Some of the ways God reveals Himself include:

1. Dreams: God sometimes speaks to people through dreams while they are sleeping. In these dreams, He gives messages, warnings, or guidance. For example, God spoke to Joseph in dreams, revealing His plans for him.
2. Visions: A vision is like seeing something with the eyes of the mind, even when awake. It is a special way God shows things that are not physically present. Prophets like Daniel and Ezekiel received visions from God.
3. The Law: God gave His laws to Moses on Mount Sinai. These laws, found in the Bible, teach people how to live righteously and how to worship God. The Ten Commandments are a part of God’s law.

Numbers 12:6-8 explains that God speaks to prophets through visions and dreams, but He spoke to Moses face to face, clearly and not in riddles. This shows that God chooses different ways to communicate with different people.

Today, God still reveals Himself. He speaks through His Word, the Bible, and through the Holy Spirit who lives in believers. He also reveals Himself through the beauty of creation, showing His power and wisdom.

The Right Attitude to God’s Revelation

When God reveals Himself or speaks to people, it is important to have the right attitude. This means being ready to listen, obey, and respect what God says.

The right attitude includes:

1. Listening Carefully: When God speaks, people should pay close attention. Sometimes God speaks in a quiet voice, not always in loud or dramatic ways. In 1 Kings 19:11-12, God was not in the strong wind, the earthquake, or the fire, but in a gentle whisper to Elijah. This teaches people to listen for God’s quiet voice.
2. Obedience: After hearing God’s message, people should be willing to obey. Obedience shows trust and respect for God.
3. Reverence and Awe: God is holy and powerful. His revelations should be received with deep respect and wonder.
4. Seeking Understanding: If a message is unclear, people should pray and ask God for understanding, or seek guidance from wise spiritual leaders.

Having the right attitude helps people to receive God’s blessings and to grow closer to Him.

The Call of Samuel

The story of Samuel’s call is a wonderful example of how God reveals Himself to a young boy and how that boy responded with the right attitude.

Samuel Serves in the Temple

Samuel was a young boy who served God in the temple under the priest Eli. At that time, God’s word was rare, and visions were not common (1 Samuel 3:1). One night, Samuel was sleeping near the Ark of God.

God Calls Samuel

Suddenly, Samuel heard a voice call his name, “Samuel! Samuel!” He thought it was Eli, so he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call; lie down again.” Samuel went back to sleep.

The voice called again, “Samuel!” Again, Samuel ran to Eli, and again Eli said he had not called. This happened a third time. By now, Eli realised that it was the Lord calling Samuel.

Samuel Responds to God

Eli told Samuel, “If He calls you again, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.'” So, Samuel went and lay down in his place. The Lord came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!”

This time, Samuel responded just as Eli had instructed him: “Speak, for Your servant hears.”

God Gives Samuel a Message

Then the Lord spoke to Samuel and gave him a message about Eli’s family. It was a difficult message, but Samuel listened carefully. In the morning, Eli asked Samuel what the Lord had told him. Samuel told Eli everything, holding nothing back.

From that day, Samuel grew up, and the Lord was with him. All Israel knew that Samuel was a true prophet of the Lord. This story shows Samuel’s obedience and willingness to listen, which are key parts of the right attitude to God’s revelation.