This lesson teaches children that God cannot be hidden from, and that he keeps his promise to bring his people back home. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
Nowhere can we hide from God, and God always keeps his promises. Even when we mess up, he loves us and makes things new again.
Memory Verse
Amos 9:14
I will bring my people Israel back from captivity, and they will rebuild the ruined cities, and inhabit them; and they will plant vineyards, and drink wine from them. They shall also make gardens, and eat their fruit.
(WEB)
Put your hands on your knees and stand up slowly, as if you are rebuilding something tall. Then plant your hands in the air like a little tree growing. Do this each time you say the verse out loud.
The Story: Amos 9 for Kids
Amos was a shepherd and a farmer who lived a long time ago. God gave him a message for the people of Israel, and it was not an easy one. Amos saw God standing beside the altar in the temple. God said the buildings would shake and fall, and the people who did wrong could not run away.
God told Amos that people could dig deep into the ground, climb high into the sky, or hide at the bottom of the sea. God said his hand would still find them. Nobody could get away from him, because he sees everything everywhere.
But God also said something kind. He told Amos that he would not completely destroy his people. He promised to sift them like grain in a sieve, so that not even one tiny piece would be lost. God loved his people and kept them safe through the hard times.
Then God made a happy promise. He said he would lift up the fallen house of David and repair its broken walls. He would bring his people back from far away, and they would rebuild their ruined cities. People would plant vineyards and eat fruit from their own gardens.
God ended by saying he would plant his people in their own land, and they would never be pulled out again. God said, “I will plant them on their land.” That is a promise that God always keeps.
Read It Together
Amos 9:2
Though they dig into Sheol, there my hand will take them; and though they climb up to heaven, there I will bring them down.
(WEB)
Point out that the people tried to dig, climb, and hide, but God said his hand would still reach them. Ask the children where they might think they can hide from God, and then explain that God knows everything about us all the time.
Amos 9:8
Behold, the eyes of the Lord the LORD are on the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from off the surface of the earth; except that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob,” says the LORD.
(WEB)
Show the children the word “except” in this verse. Explain that even though God was serious about sin, he still promised to keep his people safe. Ask them to notice that God’s love stayed strong even when his people had done wrong.
Amos 9:15
I will plant them on their land, and they will no more be plucked up out of their land which I have given them,” says the LORD your God.
(WEB)
Read this last promise slowly with the children. Point out that God said he would plant his people in their land and they would not be pulled up again. Remind the children that God’s promises last forever, just like a strong, healthy tree.
Talk About It
- What is something you think you could hide from your parents, and why would it be hard to hide it from God?
- How do you feel when someone keeps a promise to you, like a friend or a grown-up?
- Why do you think God promised to save his people even after they did wrong?
- What does it mean to you that God knows exactly where you are, every single day?
- If God planted you in a safe place, what would you like to grow there?
Activity Ideas
Paper Tree Garden Craft
You will need construction paper, crayons, scissors, and glue. Have each child cut out a brown trunk and green leaves, then glue them onto a sheet of paper. While they work, talk about how God planted his people in their land and promised they would stay there.
Hide and Seek with a Twist
Play a simple game of hide and seek with the children. After a short round, say that just like God can always find us, the seeker always knows where to look. Keep the game light and joyful, and end by reminding the children that God always finds them with love.
Promise Stones Take-Home
Give each child a smooth stone or a small piece of cardboard. Ask them to decorate it with a drawing of a tree or a heart, and to write or draw the words “God keeps his promises.” Encourage them to keep the stone on their bedside table as a reminder during the week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Amos 9 shows that God is sovereign over all creation and cannot be escaped. The chapter also closes with a strong promise of restoration, showing that God’s judgment is never the final word for his people. His faithfulness stands even when his people fail.
Avoid overstating the chapter to children by making it sound frightening or only about punishment. Focus on God’s love and his promise to bring his people home. Keep the tone warm and hopeful, reminding them that God keeps his promises.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you that you always see us and always know where we are. Thank you that you keep your promises and bring us home to you. Help us trust you every day, and help us remember that you love us. Amen.
