(10–12 minutes, moderate set-up)
Students will discuss the connection between God’s blessings and His purpose in the world.
(10–12 minutes, moderate set-up)
Set up three locations outside of the room with the following items at each one: a clue to the next location, Scripture references, and questions. Put the first clue in the room on the dry erase board. At the first outside location, place a paper that has Genesis 12:1–2 written on it along with the following question: Why did God promise to bless Abram? On the same piece of paper, place a clue leading to the next location. At the second outside location, place a paper with Deuteronomy 24:19 written on it along with the following question: How did God’s blessing of a fruitful harvest help to bless others? On the same piece of paper, place a clue leading to the next location. At the third and final outside location, place a sheet with 2 Corinthians 9:11 written on it along with the following question: How can our thanksgiving to God help make His name known? On the same piece of paper direct students back to the starting point.
Begin this activity by asking students if they have seen one or both of the National Treasure movies. Explain that at the beginning of the first movie, the main character seemed like a lunatic because he was spending all of his time, money, and energy focusing on a goal that everyone else thought was pointless. Explain further that once the people around him began to understand his purpose, they began to get on board with him, and eventually they were on an unstoppable mission to find the treasure. Say: Today we’re going to go on our own mission to help us get a better understanding of the connection between God’s blessings and His purpose. This isn’t something that is just mentioned in Psalm 67. Rather, it’s something that God talks about throughout Scripture.
Direct students’ attention to the first clue, then tell them that they have five minutes to find all of the clues and return to the room. When students have returned, spend some time talking about the verses that they read on their hunt. Lead them to discuss what they learned, and explain their understanding of the connection between God’s blessings and His purpose.