Teach the children about David, who was a hero of faith.
The story of David the shepherd boy is both exciting and engaging for children, and there is much they can learn from how God was with David in all things. Start by telling them something about the heroes of faith in the Bible and how they experienced that God was with them.
In the Bible, we can read many stories about how God gives His power to people. And then, with God’s power, they can do amazing things. God can perform great wonders and miracles, such as opening up the whole sea so that Moses and the people of Israel could walk through. All these men and women we hear about in the stories believed in God’s power and did His will, which is why they are heroes of faith.
Cildren can be heroes, just as David was, because we have God by our side, always! No one and nothing is stronger than He is.
A good portrayal of David the shepherd boy
In the animated film that belongs to this theme package, we meet Simon and Sara, who each receive a toy sword from their grandfather. They are delighted with the present, but Grandpa has something else he wants to tell them.
Grandpa tells of a man who didn’t have a sword, but only a small sling. This was the shepherd boy David, who was out in the field looking after the sheep. With his sling, David killed both bears and lions that came to attack his sheep.
David knew that God had the power to deliver him from any situation – even when Goliath threatened God’s people, David could courageously attack the giant, believing that God was with him. All things are possible for God. And because David knew that God is always there to help him, he felt safe and strong. Yes, he was a real hero!
You may not face lions and bears in your life today, but you can trust God in all things and fight for what you know is right. Remember to summarize for the children after they have watched the film, so it is easier for them to remember the most important things.
Bring the theme to life with games
Children in this target group learn a lot through play. For example, you can bring this theme to life by playing a version of “Simon says” related to David.
Simon says: Swing your sling!
Simon says: Stop!
Simon says: Give the sheep a hug!
Simon says: Play the harp!
Swing your sling!
Questions for discussion
What kind of weapon did David have?
Which animal attacked David’s sheep?
Why did David have the courage to fight Goliath?
Songs that go with the theme
AB 228: When it’s stormy
Sing our songs: I am a hero
FMB 351: Only a boy named David
Bible verses that go with the theme
For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.
2 Chronicles 16:9 16, 9
And the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward.
1 Samuel 16:13 16, 13
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 23:1
