As a family you are constructing a magazine that could have been made by the people inside the wall of Jericho. In Joshua chapters 2, 3 and 6 we see the Israelites finally coming to take over their land – the land that God had given them. The people in this land were not willing to follow God. Except for Rahab. You will want the pages to illustrate how the people felt as they waited to see what was going to happen. The lesson is for everyone and will remind your children how important it is to be on God’s side.
Each person receives a piece of construction paper and a magazine. A pair of scissors and some glue will need to be shared among you. Each person is to receive an assignment chosen from the ideas section below. Look through the magazines to find a picture that best depicts the emotion of the person for whom your child is writing. Only the picture is necessary, but if the older children would like to write a sentence or two, you will find some ideas below.
Before you begin the magazine you need to share a few details about the story with your children.
1. “How Strong Are Our Walls?” written by the Gate Watchman
(Picture of a worried man, Lego blocks, wooden blocks, fence around a yard)
Older children can write a few sentences about how the watchman might feel anxious about whether the bricks are strong enough or if there is a hole in the wall. |
2. “How Did They Get Away?” written by the Policeman
(Picture of a policeman, boys or men running, someone peeking around a corner, a room with no one in it)
Older children can explain how the policeman is concerned that he let the spies get back home without catching them. |
3. “The Trumpets Will Sound” written by the Court Composer.
(Picture of any musical instruments, someone singing, people marching in a row)
Older children can talk about how loud it will be when the trumpets blow and what will happen when the walls fall down. |
4. “Waiting, How Hard It Is!” written by Rahab.
(Picture of a basket, rope, red piece of material, woman looking for something, someone sitting and waiting)
Older children will understand that Rahab sided with God, but now she has to wait inside the wall until God sends the men for her. She has to be patient and trust God. Let them write about that. |
5. Make up your own. There are also the points of view of Rahab’s family, the king, the army who wants to fight or the common person who does not understand what is happening.
Make a cover for your magazine. The magazine could be called “The Jericho Wall”. Put it together with a stapler or tape. When it is all together, take the time to read it as a family and talk about the fact that the Jews outside the camp were concerned as well, but they had sided with God and they knew that they could trust God.
Finish the devotional by sharing with the children these details:
“Help me learn to side with you, because I know that in the end you always win!”