top of page

peace

Week two reading: Micah 5:1-5
he shall be our peace 
reflection and discussion questions: 

  1. The word for 'peace' in vs 5 of this passage is the Hebrew word 'shalom.'  Here is a brief explanation of this word from Biblical scholar Cornelius Plantinga: "The webbing together of God, humans, and all creation in justice, fulfillment, and delight is what the Hebrew prophets call Shalom.  We call it peace but it means far more than mere peace of mind or a cease-fire between enemies.  In the Bible, shalom means universal flourishing, wholeness and delight—a rich state of affairs in which natural needs are satisfied and natural gifts fruitfully employed, a state of affairs that inspires joyful wonder as its Creator and Savior opens doors and welcomes the creatures in whom he delights.  Shalom, in other words, is the way things ought to be.”  What is your understanding of peace; is it the same as 'shalom'?   â€‹

  2. ​​The setting for Micah is far from 'the way things out to be.'  God's people were not living as God's people, and their enemies were surrounding them.  This passage is bookended with 'siege' in vs 1, and a coming 'invasion' in vs 5.  And yet, there is a promised hope of peace.  Are there areas of your life that you wish were 'the way things ought to be'?  Read Romans 5:1-5.  How has Jesus given you peace and hope? â€‹

  3. In verse 4, Micah promises that when the Messiah comes God's people 'shall dwell secure.' This phrase means to abide.  Read John 15:1-5. What does it mean to abide in Jesus?  How does this produce the fruit of peace in your life?​

  4. Jesus is our peace, and He is our peacemaker.  In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." (Matthew 5:9)  How can you be a peacemaker in the world around you (home, work, church, community, etc.)?

​

Questions and ideas to share with children:

This week's theme is peace.

  1. What are some things that are the opposite of peace? (war, anger, chaos, etc). Now, what are some things you think of that help us be peaceful?

  2. Jesus said "blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God". Let's think of some examples from our week where things have not been peaceful (arguments, running late, etc). What are ways we can be peaceMAKERS instead of peaceBREAKERS (listening first, taking a breath before we speak, taking a break, etc).

  3. Object lesson idea: In a clear jar, put equal parts oil (can be any oil that's liquid at room temperature) and water with a few drops of food coloring (or colored non-fizzy liquid like grape juice). Explain: Imagine that this jar is what's going on inside of our heart and mind, like our thoughts and feelings. This is what happens when things come and mess with our peace (shake up the bottle). What are some things that can make it hard to have a peaceful heart and mind? (let them answer). What are some things that can help us have a peaceful heart and mind? (Prayer, singing, bible verses, being with those we love, etc). Now that the jar is settled, let's see what happens if things are crazy all around the jar, but don't touch the jar (let them yell at the jar, jump and wave at the jar, things like that, but not touch the jar). Huh. So, there can be things that are not peaceful around the jar, but it can still have peace? What can we do to have peace inside even if things around us are not peaceful? (allow them to answer). Let's practice together. Let's shake up the jar one more time, and while we are waiting for it to settle, let's read Psalm 23 until it settles. **Note - if families have a glitter jar or other toys at home with a similar property, feel free to use this instead of the oil/water jar.

bottom of page