Key Study: Justice Rules

(15 minutes, moderate set-up)
Download the Student Worksheet. Print a copy for each student. Place two parallel lines of masking tape about 20–25 feet long on the floor on opposite sides of the room. Place a chair at the end of one of the lines. Also provide pens, markers, paper, and lots of rubber balls in one or two buckets.

Learning Goal: Students will understand that God is just and fair.

Using the Ancient Israel map, point out the city of Jerusalem. Using the Old Testament Timeline, point out the reigns of King David and King Solomon. Share with students that we don’t know who all of the psalmists were, but we do know that King David wrote many of the hymns of Israel and that the book of Psalms was part of worship in the Temple in Jerusalem.

Distribute pens, paper, and copies of Student Worksheet at this time. Enlist a student to read Psalm 9:7–12 aloud. Then direct students to list the attributes of God and the actions that He takes on behalf of His people, according to what’s in the biblical passage. Instruct students to choose one of the lines of tape and place their papers along the length of it. Next, divide students into two teams. Explain to the members of the first team that they are to walk along one line of masking tape without “falling off.” Note that if they fall off, they must shout one of God’s attributes placed along that line and get back on the line and keep going. Explain to the members of the second team that they are to grab a handful of rubber balls and walk along the second line while throwing the balls at the members of the first team in order to distract them from their task. If a member of the second team falls off the line, he or she must remain right there, and the rest of the team will have to deal with the new obstacle. Begin the activity at this time.

Enlist a student to read Psalm 9:13–18 aloud. Then ask: What do these verses indicate will happen to those who go through life focused only on themselves as they try to bring others down? Discuss with students that ultimately these people will bring about their own destruction. Enlist another student to read Psalm 9:19–20. Explain to students that even though God loves all people, only those who are in a saving relationship with Him will be able to withstand His judgment. Ask: How do you think the activity demonstrated these truths? Point out that even though those representing the “righteous” fell down, they stood on God’s promises and were able to refocus and keep going. Those representing the “unjust” team had nothing to hold on to, and so they fell into their own pit. Share that just like the psalmist said, God reminds us that we are but men and women and that without holding onto Him we will not get anywhere—certainly not past His judgment. Say: This seems harsh, but in order for God to be just and fair, He cannot let injustice slide by. Those who are wicked will not be rewarded for their behavior.

Lead students to look back at Psalm 9:7. Ask: What do you think that the chair at the end of the first group’s line represents? (Answer: God’s throne) Discuss with students that all people face eternity, and whether they believe in Christ is the only determining factor in whether they will spend eternity with God or separated from Him. Using an Eight Essential Truths poster, point out the Essential Truth that The Future is in God’s Hands.  (If your church has not purchased the Eight Essential Truths bookmarks or posters, you can print the Eight Essential Truths from www.studentlife.com/biblestudy/essential-truths.) Emphasize that no matter how much they have messed up, if they will call out to God, who is just, He will lift them up as His Word promises.