Prophets to Judah
Micah; Nahum; Habakkuk; Zephaniah
April 26, 2026
Sunday Recap
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Sunday Recap •
Hey Fams!
While the Northern Kingdom of Israel had been destroyed by Assyria, the Southern Kingdom of Judah remained. During the years prior to Babylonian captivity, God continued to send prophets to Judah who called the people to repent of their sin. Even though the prophets pronounced the impending captivity, they also offered hope to the people: God would restore His people and provide salvation.
The prophet Micah spoke to the leaders of Israel regarding their ill-earned wealth. Micah called the leaders of Israel to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Micah also shared a message of future hope: one day, God would send a new King who would be born in Bethlehem and rule over the restored people of God.
Nahum was another prophet sent to testify to God’s judgment on sin. Nahum described how God would judge Assyria for its bloodshed, evil, and injustice. Nahum’s message was a reminder to be faithful to God and a warning to not act like other evil nations, like Assyria.
Zephaniah begged the people to turn away from sin while there was still time. He showed that God will judge all the evil nations along with Judah.
Habakkuk spoke directly to God, asking Him why He would not stop the violence and sin of the people of Judah. God told Habakkuk that He will indeed judge the people and will bring destruction to the nation through Babylon. While Babylon would destroy Judah, Habakkuk also said he would celebrate in the Lord. Even in desolation and despair, God's people could rejoice in the hope of salvation.
God sent prophets to share the message of judgment, repentance, and restoration. Jesus willingly took on our judgment so we could turn from our sin and be restored to Him. When we trust in Jesus we are restored to a right relationship with God.
This week, encourage the children in your care to see God’s goodness through His Word. Like the prophets to Judah proclaimed a message of hope, the Word of God shares good news: Jesus died and rose again to save people from sin and death. Rejoice in the God of salvation.
** Next week: God Promised a New Covenant (Jeremiah 17; 31)
Family Discipleship Plan
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Family Discipleship Plan •
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Read Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk and Zephaniah from the Bible.
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Have you ever seen one of those TV shows where people buy an old, run-down house and make it look totally new again? It’s always fascinating to see how they can take something that everyone believed was ruined and make it into something beautiful and special. But that is nothing compared to the work God does to bring dead hearts back to life!
The prophet Jeremiah warned the people of Judah about the consequences that would come because they were disobedient and had broken their covenant with God. But with those words of bad news, Jeremiah also shared a message of good news. He told the people about a day when God would forgive sin and change people’s hearts. Jesus made these words come true!
God forgives our sin through His Son, Jesus. He changes us and gives us power through His Spirit to obey His commands. Jesus did not come to get rid of the law. Through His sinless life, Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the old covenant. When we trust in Jesus, we are credited with His righteousness and our changed hearts enable us to want to follow in Christ’s footsteps and obey God as well.
Like God’s people, we all have sinful hearts that do not obey God or love Him rightly. Through Jesus’ death on the cross, God made a new covenant. Those who trust in Jesus have their sin forgiven and have the law written on their hearts.
Pray: Thank You, Father, for sending Jesus to bring us a new covenant. Through His sacrifice, we can be redeemed and can live in a loving relationship with You forever. Amen.
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Preschool:
“The Lord is good to everyone.”
Psalm 145:9
1st-5th:
”The LORD is good to all. He shows deep concern for everything he has made.”
Psalm 145:9 (NIRV) -
Mornings
Ask God to help you understand His Word—the Bible—so you can live in a way that glorifies Him. How can spending time in the Bible help you to see God’s love and provision for your life?Evenings
Thank Jesus for living a life of perfect obedience and giving those who trust in Him a righteousness they could never earn on their own. Because Jesus credits us with His righteousness, we can now have the desire and ability to follow God’s commandments. -
For Fun
Plan a trip to a flea market or secondhand store. Work as a family to select an item you think you can “flip” into something new and better. It could involve putting a new coat of paint on a lamp or a completely re-purposing of an old coffee table. Over the next few weeks, work on the renovation project and discuss how Jesus gives the ultimate restoration and renovation by giving us new hearts when we believe in Him!To Serve
Use multicolored construction paper to cut out large hearts. Use a hole punch to place a hole at the top-center of each heart. Work as a family to write the words or phrases of Jeremiah 31:33-34 on the hearts. Weave string or yarn through the holes in each heart to make a pennant string flag. Make several sets and gift the pennant string to neighbors or church members.