This lesson teaches children that God is in charge of the whole world, and that He always keeps His word, even when things look scary. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is powerful and fair, and everything He says will happen. We can trust Him even when the world feels shaky, because He is always in control and always keeps His promises.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 24:15
Therefore glorify the LORD in the east, even the name of the LORD, the God of Israel, in the islands of the sea!
(WEB)
Have children stand tall with their arms raised high like a tall tree, then bring their hands together in front of their chests as they say the verse together. Repeat it three times, getting a little louder each time, so everyone remembers that God is glorious everywhere.
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 a picture of a world that had gone wrong. People had broken God’s laws and had forgotten the promise they made to Him. So God said that the land would be emptied and made quiet, and that trouble would come to everyone, from the leaders down to the servants.
Isaiah saw that the happy sounds of the land would stop. There would be no more singing with the tambourines, no more joyful harp music, and no more parties with wine. The streets would be quiet, and the houses would be shut tight. Even the moon and the sun would feel ashamed, because they were not the ones in charge.
But the chapter does not end in sadness for those who trust God. People who loved Him lifted up their voices from far away and sang, “Glory to the Lord!” They knew that God would not forget His people, even when everything around them seemed broken. They shouted for the majesty of the Lord, and they praised Him across the sea.
Isaiah heard the faithful people singing, and he felt scared and sad about how the world had turned out. He said, “I am wasting away! Woe is me!” But even in his fear, Isaiah remembered that God’s word is always true. The chapter ends with a promise that the Lord of Armies will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and that His glory will be seen by His people.
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 God is the one who makes the earth and who sees everything that happens on it. Ask the children to say “God is in charge” together, so they know He is never surprised by what happens in the world.
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 the faithful people raise their voices and praise God, even from far away. Talk about how we can praise God wherever we are, whether we are at home, at school, or at church.
Isaiah 24:21-23
21 It shall happen in that day that the LORD will punish the army of the high ones on high, and the kings of the earth on the earth. 22 They shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison; and after many days shall they be visited. 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)
Explain that God will one day reign on Mount Zion with glory, and that everything else will be under His control. Let the children know that this is a promise, and that God always does what He says He will do.
Talk About It
- What did the people in this story forget to do, and how did it change their land?
- How do you think Isaiah felt when he saw the world becoming quiet and sad?
- Why is it good to know that God is always in charge, even when things feel scary?
- What is one way you can praise God today, even when you are far away from church?
- What promise from God makes you feel safe and brave, and why?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Mountain Picture
You will need a paper plate, crayons or markers, cotton balls, and glue. Have each child draw a mountain on the plate, then add a small cloud or a sun in the sky. Let them glue cotton balls on the clouds, then talk about how God is over every mountain and every cloud. Encourage the children to say a short thank-you prayer about their picture before they take it home.
Shout for Joy Freeze Game
You will need an open space and a timer or a clock. Tell the children that when the music or a clap starts, they should move around like the people in the story, dancing and singing joyfully. When you clap once, everyone must freeze and shout “Glory to the Lord!” This game helps children learn that joy and praise can happen even when the world feels uncertain.
Promise Keeper Card
You will need an index card, a pencil, and a marker. Have each child write or draw one thing God has promised, such as always being with them, and tuck the card into a pocket or pencil case. Encourage them to look at it when they feel worried. Let them know that the card is a reminder that God always keeps His word, just like He did for the people in Isaiah’s day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Isaiah 24 is a sobering picture of God’s judgment on a world that has broken His covenant. It reminds us that sin has real consequences and that God takes faithfulness seriously. Yet the chapter also points forward to the reign of the Lord on Mount Zion, which gives believers hope that God’s justice and glory will one day be fully displayed.
When teaching children, avoid making the chapter sound like God is angry or cruel without reason. Be careful not to overstate the details of the coming judgment, since the chapter is poetic and symbolic. Focus instead on the simple truths that God is in charge and that He keeps His promises.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You that You are always in charge of the whole world. When things feel scary or uncertain, help us remember that You keep Your promises. Teach us to praise You wherever we are, and help us trust You every day. Amen.
