The Voices of Children in the Bible

By Rita B. Hays

THIS BOOK seeks to lift up the voices of children in both the Old and New Testaments. Twelve stories highlight the voices of these children, showing ways in which select children play a significant role in the outcome of the biblical narrative. Additionally, readers receive insights into ways they can relate to children today and also relevant lessons they can learn based upon the biblical text. Each chapter offers discussion and reflection questions for individual or group study.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: May 3, 2012
• ISBN: 9781449747480

Rita B. Hays

Rev. Dr. Rita Hays serves as associate pastor for children, visitation, family ministries, and Christian education at Connell Memorial United Methodist Church in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. She has ministered in the area of children’s ministry and Christian education for over thirty years. In addition to her pastoral ministry, Dr. Hays has taught Christian education classes in the area of children’s ministry and Christian education at Lindsey Wilson College, a United Methodist college in Columbia, Kentucky. She earned a BA degree from Mercer University, an MRE from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a DMin degree from Presbyterian Theological Seminary. She also completed graduate courses at United Theological Seminary and Scarritt College. Rev. Hays has authored five books: The Children’s Minister and The Most Important Space in the Church: The Nursery, both published by Discipleship Resources; All in the Family: Faith Issues for Families Facing Addiction, published by WestBow Press; Five Practices for Children and Godtalk: 52 Fun Activities for Children, both published by Abingdon Press. Rev. Hays lives in Nashville, Tennessee. She has been married to her husband, Bill, for thirty-five years. They have two adult sons, Allen and Ben.

Book preview

The Voices of 

 Children in the Bible

Rita B. Hays

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Copyright © 2012 Rita B. Hays.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

ISBN: 978-1-4497-4748-0 (e)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-4747-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-4749-7 (hc)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012906436

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WestBow Press rev. date: 4/30/2012

Contents

PART ONE: STORIES FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

1.   A Child Speaks Out

2.   A Child Takes Action

3.   A Child Risks His Life

4.   A Child Cries Out

5.   A Child Trusts His Father

6.   A Child Hears God Call

7.   A Child Serves As King

8.   A Child Rules His Kingdom

PART TWO: STORIES FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

1.   Children Cry Out In Praise

2.   A Child Shares His Lunch

3.   Children Refuse To Play

4.   A Child Asks Questions

To the children of

Connell Memorial United Methodist Church

Goodlettsville, Tennessee

Finally, my friends keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4:8 (Contemporary English Version)

Introduction

Varied voices speak to us in scripture. The faithful voices of men and women ring out in both the Old Testament and the New Testament as believers share their failures, their triumphs, and above all, their faithfulness in a God of forgiveness, love, and mercy. Moses’ voice demanded freedom for his people. Prophetic voices summon us to new ways of thinking and doing. The wisdom writers’ voices offer sound, practical advice for everyday living. The voice of John the Baptist cries out, chastising us for our sins and prodding us toward repentance. The gospel writers heralded the voice of Jesus as teacher, healer, Messiah, and Savior. The evangelistic voice of the apostle Paul and the voices of early church leaders provide direction and guidance for communities of faith in all generations.

Men and women of faith speak with myriad voices. We listen. When we listen, we hear our own voices. We relate to the suffering voices, the comforting voices, the glad voices, the courageous voices, and the visionary voices. These passionate adult voices compel us to worship, to praise, to rejoice, and to believe. Where, however, are the voices of children in the variety of voices we encounter in scripture?

The poignant voices of children are present in scripture, strong voices that demand to be heard! So, why have we not heard them? Often, they are overshadowed and diminished by the adult voices that speak alongside them in a particular text. Sometimes they are not heard because we, as adults, are not listening. Other times, they are ignored, viewed by some as irrelevant and unimportant. Now is the time to recognize, affirm, and value the voices of children in the Bible, voices that prove to be instrumental to the outcome of a particular story. Biblical readers must not stifle the pivotal voices of children, but instead hear them with renewed minds, fresh eyes, and open hearts.

This book seeks to lift up the voices of children in both the Old and New Testaments. Twelve stories highlight the voices of these children, showing the ways in which select children play a significant role in the outcome of the narrative. Additionally, readers receive insight into ways they can relate to children today and also relevant lessons they can learn, based upon the biblical text. Readers are urged to listen carefully to these children, for in their forceful speech and courageous actions, readers might discover their own brave voices. In hearing and understanding the truth in these children’s voices, readers are inspired to follow their example and engage in their own acts of devoted witness to God. These children teach us that we serve a parent God who blesses all of God’s children with the gift of voice. Like these children, we only need to speak up and use our voices for good.

                                                                     Rita B. Hays

                                                                     Nashville, Tennessee

PART ONE:

Stories From The Old Testament

A Child Speaks Out

Read the Story: 2 Kings 5:2–19

She said to her mistress, If only my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.

2 Kings 5:3 (NRSV)

Mary Jane, a fifth grader, attends the elementary school located near her home in a suburban neighborhood. As an avid learner, an excellent student, and a popular child, she enjoys school. Mary Jane’s outgoing personality and compassionate nature garner her many friends and the equal affection and trust of her teachers and peers. Recently, however, one incident at school proves to be a challenge for this vivacious child. Mary Jane observes the bullying of one of her classmates by a boy in her school. The bullying boy frequently steals the lunch money of the victimized child, teases the young boy with disparaging remarks, and threatens any child who dares to tell on him.

Mary Jane finds herself caught in a dilemma. Should she tell her teacher or remain silent? Mary Jane knows what her parents would tell her to do. They have taught her from an early age to show compassion and love toward others, especially those who suffer. Mary Jane also knows how her church leaders and friends would advise her to handle the situation. Her church has taught her from early childhood to practice the Golden Rule, to act toward others in the same way she wishes to be treated. Just recently, her church leaders taught a series of lessons to the children on the harmful effects of bullying and the duty of Christian believers to take a stand for righteousness and justice.

After a discussion with her parents and her pastor, Mary Jane decides to tell her schoolteacher what is happening with the bullying of her classmate. Since Mary Jane’s teacher knows her student to be a person of integrity and trust, the teacher believes Mary Jane and shares her concerns with the principal. Mary Jane’s courageous actions and truthful words result in action by school officials. They work to correct the bullying situation for the betterment of the boy who is being bullied. Mary Jane desires no recognition; she simply speaks the truth out of love, care, and concern for the victim.

Second Kings, chapter 5, relates the powerful story of the healing of Naaman, a greatly respected and high-ranking military official in the Syrian army of King Aram. Afflicted with the dreaded disease of leprosy, Naaman found healing only after he obeyed the instructions of the prophet Elisha. Sermons, commentaries, and lessons on this biblical story most often center on the healing of Naaman by the great prophet, the lesson of humility learned by the skilled commander, and Naaman’s amazing discovery that the God of Israel is greater than any other god. A few fleeting comments are made about the words of the unnamed servant girl. Only mentioned hastily, her actions and words are passed over quickly so the writer or speaker can get to the real heart of the story. We fail to realize how important and life-changing her words and actions proved to be in the outcome of our story. After all, it is easy to overlook and silence the voice of a child, particularly a lowly servant girl. Yet, her voice yearns and demands to be heard. Also, her bravery must be allowed to emerge from the pages of the biblical text. Just as the actions of Naaman leap out at the readers, until we are fully immersed in his intriguing story, the action of the servant girl also provide the reader with an interesting narrative. The voice of this servant girl should be heard alongside the voices of the prophet and also the voice of the commander. Her words and actions proved to be pivotal in the outcome of our narrative. A bold child spoke with clarity and truth. Is it not time to grant this servant