Godly Heroes – Past and Present

Teachers: Your job during the next four days is to expose your campers to Godly Heroes. Everyday they

are exposed to what the world considers “heroes”. Most of them are anything but Godly and have a very

harmful influence on their lives. Ask your class what they think of when they think of heroes. The younger

campers will probably think of characters like Superman, Spiderman and maybe even Sponge Bob. The

older campers may mention sport heroes like Brett Favre. Do not be surprised if they say that they are

their own hero. A common concept today is that we are our own heroes. Our goal is to expose them to

Godly, Christ centered, Heroes that will challenge them to give their lives to Christ.

A good starter on day one could be to talk about the “heroes” on Mt. Rushmore and then ask, “If you

were to replace the faces on Mt. Rushmore with your modern day heroes, whose face would you

use.” (Be careful not to get into the area of idolatry and the worship of images). (Picture of Mount

Rushmore in end of lesson one)

Each day’s lessons are divided into 2 parts:

Part #1: Your Present Day Heroes. Please bathe this in prayer! Each day tell the campers of someone

that has been a spiritual influence in your life. It can be someone who led you to Christ, helped you grow

personal in the Lord or helped you through a difficult time in your life. If you want to, you can share your

hero one day and then get one of the other adult staff at camp to share their hero with your class on

another day.

Also, if you know of modern day Christian heroes that you want to share about with your campers, please

do so. There are sport’s figures like Tony Dungy, Reggie White or even Christian leaders like Billy Gra-

ham, that would make good examples. There are also men and women from the past like J Hudson Taylor,

Dr. Stanley Livingston. At the end of the lesson book are samples of a few Godly heroes that you may pos-

sible use. Be sure to emphasize that these “Godly Heroes” are also humans who make mistakes and com-

mit sins like the rest of us. They may be “heroes”, but they are not perfect. The only real Hero that does

not fail us is Jesus Christ.

Please keep Part 1 short and spend the majority of your time on the Part #2 – Godly Heroes from the

Bible.

Part #2: Each day you will be sharing with the campers about Heroes from the Bible. (Material enclosed).

Most of these are “Little Known” heroes that campers may or not be familiar with. I have included a few

“hands on” suggestions and other helpful ides that you may want to incorporate with the lesson. Lessons

will include 2 Old Testament Heroes and 2 New Testament Heroes and 2 females and 2 males.

Day One: Godly Heroes: Onesiphorus – A Breath of Fresh Air

2 Timothy 1:15 - 18

Goals of lesson:

Help campers realize the “cost” of serving Christ.

Help campers realize what it means to stay true to Christ and the truths of the Word of God.

Help campers find ways that during this week they may be “refreshing” to others.

Help them to not be ashamed of Christ or of others.

To introduce these lessons, start by playing the “Who Am I” game.” (At the end of lesson one you will

find Hero Cards, where you can have campers list “Historical Heroes, such as George Washington,

Abraham Lincoln, babe Ruth, Shakespeare, etc, and Fantasy Heroes, such as Superman, Batman,

Sponge Bob, etc.) After they fill out the cards, mix them up and tape them to the back of the campers

and they have to guess who their card says they are. They can only ask yes or no questions.

It is important to identify just what makes up a Hero. Have campers give suggestions about why they ad-

mire or look up to certain people. Listed here are some qualities you may consider. How do Bible Heroes

fit these Qualities? (Taken from Teen Action Book on “Our Heroes”)

Qualities of Heroes:

1. Heroes challenge us to be more than we would be on our own. They show us daring, exciting and

noble things that can and should be done.

2. Heroes inspire us. When life seems dull, heroes add excitement to our lives. There are still those who

do good and exciting things.

3. Heroes say and do things we would like to but can’t.

4. Heroes show us what to be and do. Heroes give us good examples to follow.

5. Heroes encourage us. When we feel like failures, knowing that a human hero we admires also strug-

gles helps us realize there is still hope for us.

Some good examples of Bible Heroes can be found in Hebrews 11: 32-38.

Background to Lesson: 2 Timothy was written by the Apostle Paul, who was a missionary during the

time of the early church. He started several churches throughout the Middle East and wrote 13 or 14 of the

New Testaments books of the Bible, which are actually letters written to churches and individuals to en-

courage them or to help with problems they were having. 1 & 2 Timothy were written to Timothy, who

was a young man that Paul led to the Lord and then helped him grow in the Lord. Timothy was like a son

to Paul and helped him on his missionary journeys.

When Paul wrote 2 Timothy he was in prison at Rome for preaching the Gospel of Christ and sharing

his faith with others. He was in one of many prisons in Rome. At this time he was in a prison dungeon that

was dark, stinky, hot, dirty, and full of cockroaches and rats, not to mention human waste. He was also

chained to a guard or even another prisoner. All rights were taken away. (He was later allowed to stay in a

rented house where he was changed 24/7 to a guard and could have visitors and write letters.)

Question: Why would God allow this Godly man who was faithful to Him in all ways be put in prison

and treated like some kind of animal? Why does God allow that today with so many modern day martyrs

who lose everything for their faith in Christ. (Paul was a great encouragement to other Christians who

were going through persecution and hard times. They could see his faith and reliance on the Lord during

these times. Paul was a Godly example and was willing to give his all for Christ. It was under these cir-

cumstances that he wrote several of these Books of the Bible (letters). (Why does God allow things to

happen in our lives?)

Vs. 15: Phygelus and Hermognes. Paul mentions 2 men that had deserted him in Asia. They had started

to follow Christ and help Paul with his missionary work, but later deserted Paul and Christ. They turned

away from the truth of the Gospel and the truth of God’s Word. Help campers to realize that this was dur-

ing the time of severe persecutions of Christians. Many Christians lost their lives for the cause of Christ.

Many lost jobs, homes, family, and health and put in prison just because they told others that they were

followers of Christ. Because Paul was such a strong, well known Christian, who was not afraid to share

his faith in Christ, he was considered a common criminal. Anyone who even associated with him or visit-

ed him was in danger of being arrested and facing persecution.

THOT QUESTION: How would YOU react if you were living at that time? Would you stay true to

Christ, even if it meant losing everything including your family and your life? What about living for

Christ TODAY and serving Him?

Vs. 16 – 18: Onesiphorus. (You can always give him the nickname of “Mr. O” His name means “Help

Bringer” of “Profit Bearer”

Vs. 16: Paul’s prayer for Onesiphorus’s family is that God would show them mercy. This probably means

that Mr. O. had died and Paul wants God to bless his family. We don’t know how he died, but we do know

how he lived.

3 Things about Mr. O.:

1. “He often refreshed me”. To refresh means to cool off or relieve. He was a breath of fresh air or a

glass of cool water on a hot, sticky, sweaty day. (Give campers a refreshing, strong breath mint to help

illustrate).

Paul was in a hot, sticky, stinky, rat infested dungeon and Mr. O was like a breath of fresh air to Paul. Re-

freshing and encouraging.

How did Mr. O. refresh Paul? (Ask campers to come up with ideas)

A. He encouraged Paul, even when everyone else deserted him.

B. He sat with Paul in Prison. He was there for him.

C. Prayed with Paul

D. Read Scriptures to Paul

E. Perhaps brought Paul clothes and food

F. Cared for his wounds and hurts (Hands and feet in shekels, bites from bugs and rats).

(What are ways that we can “refresh one another”, even this week? Assignment: Find someone this week

that you can refresh and be there for.)

2. “He was not ashamed of my chains” He was not afraid to be identified with Paul or to help him even

while He was in Prison. Remember this could mean that Mr. O. would be put in prison or even put to

death. But Mr. O. was willing to take a chance on Paul. He was committed to Christ and to the Gospel. He

was willing to stay by Paul no matter what others were saying. “I am Paul’s friend and I am not ashamed

of it!”

There are many people with “CHAINS” in their lives. A chain is something that others may be afraid of

or make them feel uneasy about you or even something that others make fun of in a person’s life. It can be

a physical defect, a handicap, speech defect, the way they dress or act, behavior problems. Are there peo-

ple today that others are ashamed to be identified with, afraid that they would be made fun of for associat-

ing with them. (People who are handicapped, sick with aids, or just unpopular. Perhaps someone who is

poor and doesn’t have nice clothes or may even smell funny. Maybe it’s a kid that stutters or has a hard

time talking, or had a physical defect, or the class clown.) There are always people who rub you the wrong

way or people that you don’t get along with. It is almost impossible to love them in our own strength. We

need to ask the Lord to help us love them through Him. Ask campers how they would react if someone

came into their group that was “different”. You may want to act this out.

3. Vs. 17 “He searched hard for me until he found me.” Rome is a big city with many prisons. It was

hard to find the right one and then get permission to enter them and visit Paul. He was at risk of his own

life by doing so.

“REFRESHING OTHERS” How can we do that this week and when we get home?

Have campers think of practical ways that this week (and after they get home) ways that they can be

refreshing to others. Challenge them to find someone this week that they can encourage and be a friend

to that they would not normally “hang out with”. Tell them to pray for this person and help them in

some practical way.

Teachers: At the end of this lesson you will find cards labeled, “ALLTOLDS—Refreshers for God”.

Give these to the campers, have them pray about this and then fill in the cards. Remind them that this is

only between them and God.

Lesson One Hero Cards for game “Who Am I?”

Fantasy Hero Fantasy Hero

Fantasy Hero Fantasy Hero

Fantasy Hero Fantasy Hero

Fantasy Hero Fantasy Hero

Lesson One Hero Cards for game “Who Am I?”

Historical Hero Historical Hero

Historical Hero Historical Hero

Historical Hero Historical Hero

Historical Hero Historical Hero

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Day Two: Judge Deborah Judges 4 - 5

Lesson Goals: 1. Teach campers about obedience to God and the consequences of sin.

2. Challenge campers to be a light in the world for Christ,

3. Teach campers that “God is greater than our problems or our enemies. Veggie Tales sing “God is

bigger than the boogie man”.

Teachers, at the end of this lesson are some visuals that may help you share this lesson with the camp-

ers.

Hands on idea: Build your own “Super Hero”. Bring (or find) some props such as balloons, tin foil,

newspaper, pens, etc… Pick one camper in your group to be the “Super Hero” and let the rest of the

class dress him or her up as that hero. Suggestions for “Super Heroes” might be George Washington,

Abe Lincoln, Samson, John the Baptist, etc… Let them use their imaginations. You could even have 2

heroes and pick the winner.

This story takes place 200 years after the time of Joshua. During the time of Judges “They had no king

and everybody did what was right in his own eyes.” The people of Israel had promised God that they

would obey Him and that He alone would be their God. But they kept falling into sin and farther and far-

ther away from the One true God. Here are the “5 R’s” of sin.

A. Rely on God: The nation of Israel started out walking with God and serving Him only.

B. Revolt against God: Then they started to fall away from God and worship false gods – idols, just

like the nations around them were doing. (Teachers: Talk about sin and its consequences).

C. Result of sin: Because of their disobedience, God would allow other nations to come and capture

them – carry them back to their land make slaves out of them.

D. Repent: Israel would repent (Turn from sin) God would send a deliverer to rescue them from their

captors. This was usually a judge or spiritual leader.

F. Repeat: The whole process was repeated many times: Obey, sin, captured, repent, rescue.

This time, after they refused to walk with God, He allowed the nation of Canaan to come and capture

them and made them slaves for 20 years. King of Canaan - Jabin - Wicked, ungodly, cruel. His general

was Sisera, who had 900 iron Chariots - Razor sharp knives on the wheel hubs - Cut foot soldiers and

horses to pieces. Also took away Israel’s armies spears and shields - only had swords to fight with.

During this time, God raised up a judge to help rule over the Israelites and to help guide them.

DEBORAH - (“BEE”) Judge over Israel – The Queen Bee of Israel.

Her husband was a man named Lappidoth, which means “Torch or fire” She was nicknamed “The Torch

Lady” or “Fiery Woman” She was a spirited woman who shined like a bright light in the dark time of sin

in Israel. We are to be a light in the world.

She was:

#1: A Judge: (Judge Debby). Sat under a palm tree 10 miles north of Jerusalem and judged people of

Israel. As Judge she would:

a. Helped solve problems and complaints. She listened to their problems and then told them what God

wanted them to do. (Godly, Bible centered advice)

b. She also solved legal disputes. Law suites and advice. She walked with the Lord - Loved and served

the One and True God. The Books of the Law were very clear about how problems were to be settled. Ten

Commandments.

C. In times of war or battle, the judge would get men to volunteer, rally the troops, encourage the men in

battle, and even direct the war. They would shout out the battle cry as they went into battle. (Military

Cheerleader). Remember, they had no king to lead them. They were ruled by judges and prophets (men of

God). The Lord knew He could trust Deborah.

D. The people of Israel came to her to complain about being slaves to the Canaanites. They had enough

and were ready to repent (again). She talked to God about it. They needed someone to help deliver them

from the Canaanites.

#2: A Wife and Mother #3: A Poet, Singer and Political Leader. (Quite the lady!!!)

BARAK: (sounds like “Bar Rock” with a hard “K”) (“Lightning”) (Our president’s name)

Lord told Deborah to send for Barak - Probably one of the generals of the Israelite army. She told him:

God wants you to go to Mount Tabor and take with you 10,000 men. And God would lure Sisera and his

army to Kishon River, with all his chariots and soldiers and give him into your hands.

(God’s promises - You can count on it!!!)

Barak’s response: “I will go - but only if you go with me.”

Deborah “I will go with you - BUT now the honor for capturing Sisera will go to a woman and not to

you.”

Why did Barak want Deborah to go with him to battle? Was it because he was afraid? –

a. He knew that Deborah feared the Lord and loved Him and the Israelites knew that. Encouragement to

the Israelites - God on their side would give them the courage to fight.

b. He had great respect for Deborah –

A fighting team: Deborah: “The Brains and Spirit” Barak: “The Brawn and Muscle)

c. Barak had little influence over the Israel army and people. He knew that the people trusted Deborah and

would follow her.

Deborah went with Barak to gather an army to fight Sisera - 10,000 men from 2 tribes of Israel.

Barak and army went to Mount Tabor as God commanded.

THE BATTLE: (Younger classes may want to act this part of the story out)

Sisera found out that Barak and his army were gathering at Mount Tabor. He took 900 of his iron chariots

and all his men and met at the Kishon River. (JUST AS GOD SAID WOULD HAPPEN!!!)

The Two Armies and generals: The Odds are against Barak and Deborah

Barak: A small army armed with little or nothing – Swords at the most.

Sisera: Well armed and well protected (armor) He also has 900 iron chariots (Armored Tanks with mis-

siles verses hand guns or even BB guns).

Barak: 20 years of defeat behind him.

Sisera: 20 years of military dominance and victory.

Sisera: Accompanied by top military strategists and leaders.

Barak: Had Judge Deborah – mother, wife and prophetess – little or no military history.

Barak and Deborah: They had God on their side!!!

Sisera: Faith in himself, his army, equipment, money, advisors, false gods.

Barak and Deborah: Faith in the One True God

Sisera probably thought - “Look at those foolish Israelites - they don’t have any spears or shields (Sisera

made sure of that!!!) They don’t stand a chance. This won’t take long - they will never try this again!”)

Up in the mountain - Deborah, Barak and the Israelites watched as Sisera lined up his chariots and army -

a solid wall!!! They could hear Sisera give his orders… What would happen???

Deborah told Barak - “GO!!! This is the day that the Lord has given Sisera into your hands. Has not

the Lord God gone before you!!!” Down the mountain, into the valley, Barak and his army of 10,000

men went.

THE FLOOD!!!:

(Bible doesn’t tell us exactly what happened - but a history book does…) God sent a hail storm - light-

ning and thunder, rain and great hailstones. Great Noise - Horses were frightened! - Canaanites could not

see (Rain and hail in their faces). Then came Barak and his army with rain and hail on their backs. RAIN -

FLOOD washed down the mountainside and into River Kishon: Flooded and overflowing.

Bible tells us that the Lord confused their army - horses and men frightened - PANIC!!!

Sisera gave the order to charge. Frightened horses plunged and reared. Men fell off. Chariots stuck in mud

- army abandoned them and ran. Everyone going in different directions. Confusion - Panic!!!

Barak - fighting only with swords - killed all of Sisera’s army - not one left. Flood waters carried the

horses and chariots away.

Sisera ran for his life… Back toward one of the Canaanite cities. Found a place to hide in a tent the home of Heber and his wife, Jael. (Pronounced “Jay El”) She knew him - Told him “Come on in. Don’t

be afraid. You will be safe here!” Hid him in the tent. He told Jael, Heber’s wife “I’m thirsty. Give me

something to drink”. So she got him some milk to drink and hid him under a blanket.

Sisera asked her: ”Stand in the door of the tent. If anyone asks you if anyone is here, tell them ‘NO’’’

Very tired and exhausted he fell into a deep sleep.

BUT God had remembered all the bad things this wicked king had done. Jael didn’t like Sisera either.

While he slept, she found a tent peg and a hammer - went over to him and pounded the tent peg through

Sisera’s head - He died.

When Barak came to look for Sisera, he went to this tent - Jael said “Come on in, I will show you the

man you are looking for…”

God had given Israel the victory over the Canaanites. The Lord gave them the strength to finish fighting

the Canaanites and defeated them.

PRAISE!!! Judges 5

That day the Lord gave Deborah and Barak a song to sing before the Lord and the Israelites. Psalms

50:15. God delivered them and they glorified the Lord - Sang praises to the Lord…

Day Three: Acts 8:26 – 40 Philip – An Uncomfortable Hero

Lesson Goal:

* Teach campers about sharing their faith in Christ with others.

* Teach campers that sometimes we need to do the “uncomfortable” things that God wants us to do.

* Teach campers about obedience in Christ.

Intro: This is a lesson about “Stepping out of our Comfort Zone”. Philip was a man who would

rather be obedient to the Lord than be comfortable. We tend to resist change and trying new things.

We enjoy our safe, comfortable world. Discuss with campers areas in their lives that would be

considered “comfortable”, such as a nice warm home, comfortable bed, TV, money to spend, video

games, ipods with tons of music, friends, etc… Doing things the same old way every day… For some

campers their comfort zone is their room where they spend countless hours on the computer or play-

ing games.

God’s Goal for us – to make us “Uncomfortable” – Cause us to step out of our comfort Zone.

Perhaps helping someone that needs help – witnessing to someone that we normally would not have

contact with. Stepping out in faith to new experiences. Not always doing the “safe” thing. God may

ask you to leave home someday to serve Him as a pastor or missionary. Going on a short term mis-

sion trip and staying with people that are don’t speak English, poor and don’t have a lot or have

some very unusual customs. Eating weird food, such as calves brains, grubs or even grasshoppers.

On a daily basis, some things that may not be “comfortable” for us might be telling someone about

Jesus for the first time, praying with someone, helping someone in need, etc… Have campers come

up with ideas.

The Book of Acts: is about people stepping out of the comfort Zone and into the will of God, finding

new horizons of Spiritual Growth.

1. The Uncomfortable Church Acts 6:1-8

The Book of Acts is the story of the early church, shortly after Jesus died, rose again and ascended

into Heaven. Many people were coming to know Christ as Savior everyday and at that time almost

all the believers lived in the city of Jerusalem. With the church getting so big, they also had a big

problem. There was a large number of widows that needed to be taken care of—food, clothing, help

with the children, encouragement, etc… The head apostles did not want to stop with their work of

sharing the Gospel and teaching the people about God’s Word, so they needed to appoint some men

who could take care of these ladies and their families. They chose 7 men (Verses 5-8). One of them is

a man named Philip.

According to verse 3, what were they looking for in these men?

Philip in Acts 8: Uncomfortable – yet exciting times: Persecution – Vs. 4 – Christians forced out of

Jerusalem – scattered abroad preaching the Gospel. All part of God’s plan pound in Acts 1:8, where

Jesus told His followers to preach the Gospel in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and then unto the utter-

most part of the earth. . Philip was a follower of Christ who had lived in Jerusalem during the early

days of the church. Along with many others he was forced to leave Jerusalem because of the

To help campers understand what was going on with the early church, have them imagine what it

would be like, if all of a sudden the government told them that in their home town it was against the law

to teach, read or own a Bible or to tell anyone about Jesus. If they did any of these, their parents would

lose their jobs, they would be forced out of their home and forced to flee for their lives. They could even

end up in jail or even be put to death. Many of them would be beaten or at the least made fun of.

How do you think you would react if this happened to you? How do you think you would handle it.

Most of the early Christians considered it a privilege to suffer for Christ and it actually made them

stronger in their faith. Where ever they went, they continued to share Christ and were not ashamed of

Him. Because of that, the church continued to grow by leaps and bounds.

Acts 8:4—Read and talk about!

Philip was one of those who had to flee for his life.

2. Uncomfortable Zone #1: Samaria.

Vs. 5 “Philip went down to a city of Samaria and preached Christ unto them.” (Went Down: not just

physically – but Socially. Samaritans: Half Jewish and half Gentiles. Looked down upon by the

Jews. Jews had no dealing with them. (John 4) Prejudice and animosity. A very important step in

God’s plan to reach the whole world and to break down the barrier between Jew and Gentile.

ACTS 1:8—Read and talk about!

Philip was willing to step out of the comfort zone of Jerusalem to be obedient to the Lord.

Vs. 12: When they heard God’s Word they believed and were baptized.

What if Philip decided to stay in his Comfort Zone?

Ask campers: “Are there certain people that make you uncomfortable and that you would have a hard

time talking with or even sharing Christ with?” people from different ethnic backgrounds, different

race, different social standings (rich or poor), people with handicaps, etc… How can we best help them

and be an encouragement to them? How should we react to them show them the love of Christ. Remem-

ber we are ALL different in one way or another.

II. Uncomfortable Zone #2: The Desert

Things were going great for Philip. People of Samaria were being saved, hungry for God’s Word,

and they were growing in the Lord. A very large and successful Evangelistic campaign. Philip

would be comfortable staying there for a long time. BUT God had other plans for him – a new mis-

sion field.

Vs. 26: An angel “Arise and go toward the south – the desert.” (Wilderness. What or who could he

possibly find there) Philip probably thought – “I wonder what great campaign God is sending me to

now? Thousands of people – great revival. Get to preach to many.”

Vs. 27: Philip obedient – didn’t matter how many or how great a task – he was willing to go.

He arose and went (Not knowing just where he was going.)

Behold “A MAN” (Reaching one man for Christ is a great campaign. It is just as important as

reaching hundreds.) God does play the numbers game: One person at a time.

Ethiopian – black (African) man from northern Africa. (Modern Nubia on Nile River.)

Eunuch: (The word “Eunuch” could mean the title they gave this man or a physical condition)

Serving in the palace of the Queen of Candace.

Great Authority: Powerful position. Treasurer for the Queen. He would have a great influence in

Ethiopia. He would be well known and trusted.

Jerusalem to worship: Being a eunuch he would not be allowed to be a full fledged Jewish proselyte,

but was allowed to worship at temple in outer court. Called a “God Fearer”. Had to travel at least

200 miles to worship at Jerusalem.

Vs. 28 Sitting in his chariot reading Isaiah: Isaiah 53 – Messiah God’s timing and preparation.

Reading out loud – common practice.

Vs. 29 – Spirit of Lord – Philip – “Go join yourself to this chariot.” It literally means to “Glue your-

self to him… or stay near him.” Philip could object to this command: “He’s a stranger, a man of au-

thority, he may not like how I interpret scriptures, He is busy reading and I shouldn’t disturb him.

Maybe I should come back at a better time.”

What excuses do we give for not doing what God asks us to do? Maybe He asks us to help someone at

school or even our own brother or sister. What do you think it means to “join ourselves to them and not

let them go?. (It means total commitment - once you start—don’t quit. Stay close and don’t let go).

No idea why Spirit wants him to do this – just obeys. Ran there to him – Runs to do God’s bidding.

Steps out of his comfort zone…

Gets near he sees why. Man reading from Isaiah 53. Philip: “Do you understand what you are read-

ing?”

Man: “How can I except someone guide me?”

Here is a man who is looking for answers – wants to know and understand God’s Word. – Wants

someone to explain God’s Word to him. RIPE UNTO HARVEST… (Matthew 9:34 – 36)

Vs. 31: He asked Philip to sit with him and help him understand the scripture he was reading.

Vs. 32 – 33 – Passage about the Messiah—Jesus Christ.

Vs. 34: “Is this prophet speaking about himself or some other man?” Great question –

Vs. 35: “Philip opened his mouth…” Shared Good News of Christ. The first part of sharing our

faith is to “open our mouth” and speak.

Day Four: Josiah – The Boy that Became King

2 Kings 21 – 23 and 2 Chronicles 34:1-4

Just like Onesiphorus, Josiah was someone whose life and example was refreshing or a breath of fresh air

in the midst of a hot, dirty stinky world. This lesson will help campers to understand that even when life is

not fair, and everything is against them, God can help them stand strong for Him. Many campers come

from home and school lives where the odds are against them that they will ever amount to anything for the

Lord. But God is a lot bigger than any odds that the world may throw at them.

The goals of this lesson are:

* To help campers realize that God can use them no matter how old or young they are.

* To help campers make commitments to follow Christ, no matter what their circumstances, pres-

sures, home life or evil influences.

* To challenge campers to become “refreshing heroes” even in the midst of a stinky, dirty, sinful

world.

Background to story: The nation of Israel had continually sinned against the Lord by disobeying Him in

every way. God had warned them about getting involved with the nations around them because of their

involvement with idolatry or the worship of false gods or idol worship. But Israel kept getting deeper and

deeper into idolatry and soon forgot the One true God and His love for them. Idolatry was more than

simply worshipping false gods, but involved all the terrible sins that went along with it, such as child sac-

rifices and prostitution. There was both male and female shrine prostitutes at these places of idol worship.

God had warned Israel that if they continued to forget Him and follow these false gods, that He would al-

low the nation of Babylon and Assyria to come and to conquer the land of Israel and to carry the people

into captivity and slavery in the land of Babylon. A few years after Josiah was king that is exactly what

happened.

It was during this time that Josiah’s father, Amon was assassinated after being king for only a few months

and Josiah became the new king. Josiah was only 8 years old at the time. Do you think he did it alone or

did he have help, such as advisors.

Have campers imagine an 8 year old president of the United States or of some other country. Ask them

how they would rule the country if they were president starting tomorrow morning.

In spite of his age and circumstances, what does verse 2 say about how he lived and his walk with the

Lord? How long did he reign as king.

(Hands on: Have camper’s role play being “King for a day”. You can vote in a king or simply delegate

a king or queen. Ask them, “If you had the chance to be a king of a country, for one day, what would

you do to change the country for that one day? How would you treat people around you, especially

those who have been mean or hurtful to you?” Props: Burger King crown, a scepter, and a king’s

cape). Use your imagination.

Josiah had EVERYTHING against him and yet he continued to obey and follow God all his life.

#1: His age. According to Jewish tradition a boy was not considered a man until his 13th birthday.

How old do you have to be today to be considered a “man” or a “woman” (adult)?

Do you think an 8 year old can rule a country or lead the people spiritually? The rule of thumb was “as the

king was spiritually so the country went”. If the king was Godly and followed the One True God, the

nation if Israel would follow God, If he did evil, the people did evil. He was much more than a political

leader, he also had to be a spiritual leader.

What kind of influence do you think an 8 year old would have on a country? Do you think people would

listen to an 8 year old king? Remember he had no experience at being king.

#2: He had a terrible Family History.

His Grandfather: 2 Kings 21:1-18 and 2 Chronicles 33:1-20. King Manasseh was probably the most

evil and wicked and corrupt king that Israel ever had. (Worse in some ways that Sadam Husain or Hitler).

Manasseh later repented of his sins.

He worshipped false gods, especially the god Baal. He set up false altars and “asherah poles” all over the

country. Part of Baal worship involved worshipping the stars – astrology. He even set up an altar in the

Jewish temple of the One true God.

* He sacrificed or put to death his own son on the altar of Baal.

* He consulted with mediums and evil spirits for his advice instead of the One true God.

* He killed many innocent people.

His father: Amon. 2 Kings 21:19 – 26 and 2 Chronicles 33:21 – 25

He was an evil man that was assassinated by his own men.

#3: He had no positive roll model to follow or to teach him how to walk with God. No example to fol-

low.

#4: Israel’s spiritual condition. Everybody was doing wrong and wanted nothing to do with the One

True God. They were dead spiritually.

#5; There was no Bible to guide or help him. The Bible (Old Testament Law had not been seen or

read in over 100 years.

In spite of all the things that were against him, God got a hold of his heart and he

followed God all his life. Here is a short list of things that happened to him:

Age 16: He began to seek God and a personal relationship with God. He wanted to know more about

God and have a relationship with Him. 2 Chronicles 34:3

(This is a good place to discuss how to have a personal relationship with God and all that it involves

and to simply share the Gospel of salvation.)

Age 20: He set out to stop idol worship and removed idols and shrines (altars) to false gods. He had

them broken up and crushed to powder. 2 Chronicles 34:4-7

Help campers to understand what “idols” really are. In the Old testament idols were carved images

made out of clay, iron, wood, or other materials that people would actually worship instead of the One

True God. (See explanation of idolatry at beginning of lesson)

Today an idol can be defined as anything that we put before God or in the place of God, anything that

may come between us and our relationship with God. What are some idols that we may have and what

should we do about them?

Josiah was not afraid to take a stand for God, even when he was standing all by himself. What are

some ways that the campers can take a stand for God at school and at home? What are some things they

need to take a stand against? Be sure to tell campers that they don’t need to preach to their parents,

teachers or to their peers. The best way to take a stand is simply to let Christ be seen in your life – LIVE

IT and let God do the rest.

Age 26: Josiah decided to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. 2 Kings 22:3 – 11 It had been in ruins for

over 100 years. While the workers were cleaning out the rubble they found a scroll or book. It was the

Old Testament Law – first 5 books of Bible. (God’s Word) No one had seen it or read it in over 100

years. The workers brought it to Josiah. When he saw it, he tore his clothes, as a sign of grief and sorrow

over Israel’s sin and the holiness of the Book found. He was awe struck!

Josiah had the people assembled and had the Book read to them. Josiah promised God that he would

follow God’s Word faithfully. 2 Kings 23: 1- 3

Age 30?: 2 Chronicles 35:1-19 Josiah restored the Passover celebration that had not been celebrated in

over 400 years – not since Samuel.

Age 39: Josiah was killed in battle. 2 Kings 23:28 – 30.

(The next king, Josiah’s son did evil in the sight of the Lord. 2 Kings 23:31-37)