In this lesson, children learn that God is in charge of the whole world and that He keeps every promise He makes, even the hard ones. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach. Keep the pace relaxed and let the children ask questions along the way.
Big Idea
God is in charge of the whole earth, and He always does what He says He will do. We can trust Him even when the world feels scary or upside down.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 24:3
The earth will be utterly emptied and utterly laid waste; for the LORD has spoken this word.
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands out flat, then slowly turn them over like a pancake flipping. As you say the verse, have them do the flip with you, then clap once when they finish saying “has spoken.” This motion reminds them that God’s word is firm and never changes.
The Story: Isaiah 24 for Kids
Long ago, a prophet named Isaiah spoke messages from God to the people of Judah. In this chapter, God showed Isaiah that the whole earth would one day be turned upside down. Cities would be broken, and people would be scattered across the land. Everyone would feel the change, from the priest in the temple to the servant in the house.
The people were sad. The wine stopped flowing, and the happy sounds of tambourines and harps went quiet. Families sat in the dark streets, crying because their joy had gone away. The world looked tired and worn out, like a field after the harvest is over.
Why did this happen? The people had broken God’s laws and forgotten the everlasting promise He made with them. Isaiah told them plainly that the earth was polluted under the weight of their sin. God was not being unfair. He was keeping His word about what would happen when people turned away from Him.
But the chapter does not end in sadness. Some people still lifted their voices to praise God, even from far off places. They shouted, “Glory to the righteous!” God is strong enough to make the moon and the sun feel small, and He will rule from Mount Zion. The people who trust Him can be glad, even while the world shakes.
Read It Together
Isaiah 24:1
Behold, the LORD makes the earth empty, makes it waste, turns it upside down, and scatters its inhabitants.
(WEB)
Point out that the first words tell us God is the one who makes the earth empty and turns it upside down. Ask the children to notice who is in charge of the whole world. This helps them see that nothing happens outside of God’s hands.
Isaiah 24:14-15
14 These shall lift up their voice. They will shout for the majesty of the LORD. They cry aloud from the sea. 15 Therefore glorify the LORD in the east, even the name of the LORD, the God of Israel, in the islands of the sea!
(WEB)
Show the children how people far away begin to shout and sing about God’s greatness. Explain that praise can rise up even in hard times. Ask them what they might sing about when they feel safe.
Isaiah 24:23
Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed; for the LORD of Armies will reign on Mount Zion, and in Jerusalem; and before his elders will be glory.
(WEB)
Read this verse slowly and point out the word “reign.” Tell the children that God is the King who rules, and that one day everyone will see His glory. This gives a bright ending to a chapter that begins with trouble.
Talk About It
- What did God say He would do to the earth in this chapter?
- How do you think the people felt when the music and laughter stopped?
- Why did the people in the story need to be sorry for breaking God’s laws?
- Who in this story still praised God even when things were hard?
- What is one promise from God that you know He will always keep?
Activity Ideas
Upside-Down World Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a happy town on one half of the page, then flip the paper upside down and draw a quieter, broken town on the other half. Talk together about how God is still in charge of both pictures. Let the children share their drawings and explain what they remember from the story.
Shake and Stand Game
Gather the children in a open space where they can move safely. Call out “shake” and have everyone wobble like the earth in the story, then call “stand” and have them freeze tall and still like a child who trusts God. Repeat several times, and each time say the memory verse together during the stand. This game helps children connect movement with God’s steady care.
Promise Keeper Card
You will need an index card, a pen, and a small paper bag or envelope. Help each child write or draw one promise God makes in the Bible, such as His love or His faithfulness. Have them place the card in the bag and take it home. Encourage them to read the card each night before bed and remember that God keeps His promises.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter is a serious picture of God’s judgment on a world that has turned away from His covenant. Isaiah does not pretend sin is small, and he shows that God is sovereign over nations, kings, and even the heavens. Yet the chapter also points toward God’s reign on Mount Zion, where He is honored and worshiped. Adults can see both His justice and His faithfulness in these words.
When teaching children, avoid making the chapter sound like God is angry and ready to punish every child who makes a mistake. Keep the focus on God’s power, His promises, and the joy of trusting Him. Be honest that the world has hard times, but stress that God is still in charge and still good.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You are in charge of the whole world. When things feel upside down, help us remember that You keep every promise You make. Teach us to praise You even when we feel sad, and help us trust You every day. Amen.
