The Object Lesson – Balance Scale
This lesson includes a simple balance scale that might be used for an elementary science class. The purpose of these scales is to compare the mass of two different objects. By placing an object on each side of the balance you can discover which item (or collection of items) has more substance.
I used some children’s building blocks as the objects to place in the balance. I used several smaller legos to place on one side, and a large duplo block to put on the other side of the balance. You could easily replicate the demonstration using rocks, weights, or any other item as long your one large object has more mass than all of the smaller items.
The point of this lesson is that no matter what excuses we might make, God’s goodness and strength is bigger than our weaknesses and failures. When you compare the obstacles in front of us with God’s ability it immediately becomes clear which one is more “massive.”
Bible Lesson – Mary’s Trust in the Impossible
In the Christmas story (Luke 1:26-38), Mary serves as a model for humble submission and obedience. Mary is given the extraordinary task of being the mother of God’s son. She could have made dozens of excuses as to why this wasn’t going to work. She was a virgin. Joseph might leave her. Her family might cast her out. There were dozens of reasons this plan should fail.
In the story, the angel doesn’t try to logically convince Mary that things will be ok; instead, he reminds Mary about the power of God Most High. This is the trump card. God’s power is bigger than any of the obstacles we might point out. Mary is obedient to God’s plan in part because she recognizes that God’s power was always going to be big enough to accomplish his plan.
We see this same appeal to God’s greatness play out throughout the Bible. Moses has a lot of excuses at the burning bush. Jeremiah is too young. Gideon feels inadequate. Each time, God proves that his power is always greater than the obstacles that might keep us from being obedient.
Other Scriptures to Study
Here are some examples of people making excuses to God, and how God overcomes their obstacles through his great power.
Moses & The Burning Bush – Exodus 3
Moses has a whole list of reasons he won’t be able to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. God reminds him that Moses won’t go alone, he will have the full power of God with him.
Gideon and the Midianites – Judges 7
God chooses an insignificant leader and a small army to defeat the invading Midianites. The entire story is designed to show how God delivers the Israelites even though the odds are stacked against them.
Zechariah and the Baby – Luke 1:5-25 & 39-45
Zechariah can’t imagine how he and elderly wife could possibly have a kid. Despite his doubts (and the obstacles of biology), God uses Zechariah and Elizabeth to produce John the Baptist.
