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Recognize Yourself as God's Beloved!
CedarS Metaphysical Application Ideas for the Christian Science Bible Lesson on “Man” for August 29-September 4, 2011
by Craig L. Ghislin, C.S. Glen Ellyn, Illinois
[bracketed italic additions by Warren Huff, CedarS Camps Director and Met Editor.]

[Editor's Note: The following application ideas for this week, and the Possible Sunday School Topics that will follow, are offered primarily to help CEDARS campers and staff (as well as friends) see and demonstrate the great value of daily study and application of the Christian Science Bible lessons year-round, not just at camp! You can sign up to have them emailed to you free — in English by Monday each week, or by each Wednesday you can get a FREE TRANSLATION in French thanks to Pascal, in German thanks to Helga or in Spanish thanks to a team of Ana, Erick, Claudia and Patricio. YOU CAN SIGN UP at
www.cedarscamps.org/newsletters]
 
Everybody yearns to be loved. It's somewhat natural to feel loved when things are going well for us, but I've found that in the difficult times, the power of Love really kicks in and is much more appreciated. Daniel didn't receive the promise in our Golden Text-“thou art greatly loved”-when things were going well. He was engaged in a prayer of deep repentance. He had been fasting, and was pouring out his heart before God. While he was in this deep prayer, the angel Gabriel came to him assuring him he was beloved of God and worthy to receive an answer to his heartfelt prayer.
 
Hymn 135:2
This week's Lesson on “Man” explores and explains our relationship with God. Consider how a parent loves a child. Among other things, the parent yearns for that child to be safe, happy, healthy, prosperous, and successful. If that child stumbles or gets hurt, the parent intuitively, rushes to provide aid and comfort. The love of a parent for a child is just an inkling of God's love for us. In the Responsive Reading Isaiah writes “Thou art mine”. [God's claiming us as His own bodes well for our heritage of only good as we sing in a correlative hymn: “Since Thou my God and Father, dost claim me as Thine own, I richly shall inherit all good from Thee alone.” (Hymn 135:2)] Isaiah continues, “Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honorable, and I have loved thee.” Whatever circumstance we may find ourselves in, whether we feel close to God, or far from Him, we can remember that we are His and that we are precious. For some readers, the word “precious” may bring to mind The Lord of the Rings. Smeagol called the ring of power his “precious.” His alter-ego Gollum would go to any length to possess it. While the ring of power brought out the worst in men, recognizing ourselves as God's “precious” brings out our best. 
 
Jeremiah continues the theme of God's great care for man. Abingdon notes that even though the Jews were exiled in Babylon, they continued to worship without a temple, and though the land was ruined, and the people robbed of their possessions, they were never beyond the grace of God. God promises He will “not turn away from them.” He makes an everlasting covenant, or agreement, that will endure forever.
 
Section 1: The Everlasting Father-Mother
The first section continues the theme of God's inexhaustible patience and love for His children (B1). We belong to God and He/She will deliver us from whatever peril we may be confronted with (B2). In Hebrews (B3), we have a quote from Psalms 8 which surfaces again later in this Lesson. In this context the phrase “son of man” has the enhanced meaning of the Christ-the true nature of man. God put all things under the control of the true man-a helpful thing to remember in the midst of a challenge. We're reminded that nothing was created without God, and that the Logos, or Word, is one with God (B5). Remember that the WORD or Logos in the Greek, meant both the inward thought itself, and that by which the inward thought is expressed (Liddell and Scott's Greek-English Lexicon). Hence the WORD was with God-within Mind-and was God-was God's expression. The true Christ-man is God's thought expressed. Isaiah urges us to turn away from the material sense of man to find our true being in God (B6).
 
Science and Health gets right to the point. Is man merely a material construct? (S1). The material life is termed a “mythologic theory,” and is far from the biblical description of man as Mind's idea (S2). In order to apprehend the real man, we need to begin from a metaphysical rather than from a material basis (S3, S4). Often, we find ourselves so oppressed by material laws that they seem natural; and we don't always fight them. But we have clear confirmation in our textbook that Spirit never made these laws and that we need not obey them (S4). In citation S5, “the Word of God, saith to the darkness upon the face of error, ‘God is All-in-all,' and the light of ever-present Love illumines the universe.” This is very similar to the statement in the Lesson several weeks ago: “Let there be light,” is the perpetual demand of Truth and Love, changing chaos into order and discord into the music of the spheres” (S&H 255: 3-6). These demands: “God is All-in-all” and “Let there be light” are perpetual, and bring harmony to every chaotic situation to which they are applied.  Every belief of disorder, or chaos from the microscopic, cellular level to the cosmos, from family to national disputes, from personal finances to Wall Street, are all brought into perfect order and health through the law of God.  Truth destroys what seems real to the senses, and brings to light our true existence as God's children (S6).
 
Section 2: Man Is Male-Female
Traditional theology uses Genesis 1:27 (B7) to encourage equality of the sexes, and to sanction marriage and procreation.  But there is something further to consider.  Each individual man and woman forever reflects the Father-Mother God (S7).  Spiritually speaking, we are not divided into male and female.  [“I know no life divided” Hymn 135 again] Each one of us reflects both the male and female [components] of creation.  Were it not so, we would be limited and incomplete.  The qualities generally thought of as feminine, such as love, gentleness, and so on, would be separated from the traditionally masculine qualities such as strength and courage.  But it's clear that love and strength coincide.  Just as the law and the gospel go hand in hand, so the Father-Mother, the masculine and feminine, coincide and support each other within the experience of each individual.  While Western countries have made recent strides in understanding this, there are still many cultures that place restrictions based on gender.  The recognition of man as the complete likeness of God can lift these barriers (S8).
[We all “stand on the shoulders of” Mrs. Eddy and other women leaders in her day who advanced the cause of women's rights and suffrage.]
 
Section 3: Man Is Always Safe
The story of baby Moses in the bulrushes (B9, B10) is an example of the strength of motherhood.  Pharaoh was concerned that the Hebrews were becoming too powerful, so he secretly commanded two midwives to kill the male children born to the Hebrews.  The midwives disobeyed, saying the children were being born before the midwives arrived.  So Pharaoh's next step was to declare a public edict that all the sons born to the Hebrews be cast into the river.  This is the mistaken, distorted view of manhood-showing strength through threats and destruction.  The fact was Pharaoh wasn't strong at all.  He was fearful for his own position and lashed out to protect himself.  Curiously, one of his own daughters responded to her motherly urge to care for Moses.  The wisdom and courage of Moses' sister and mother made it possible for him to remain safe, and be reunited with his family despite the Pharaoh's orders.  The mother-love proved to be stronger than false male [machismo and] bravado.
 
Moses' mother technically followed the law by casting him into the river, but first she put him in an ark.  Putting him in the ark demonstrated deep trust in God.  She was recognizing God as the only protector and placing Moses in His care.  The ark symbolizes safety (S9).  If we find ourselves, or our loved ones, in a potentially dangerous situation, we can figuratively go to the ark of God's protection.  Dangerous situations tempt us to think that we're separated from God.  But, the fact is, man is never separated from God.  Man is God's expression.  Remember the definition of Logos from the first section-the thought and the thought expressed?  We coexist with God (S9, S10).  Our textbook tells us that our relationship to God is indestructible and eternal (S11); and that when we fully understand that relationship, we will have no consciousness of anything else (S12).
 
 Section 4: “He Knows the Angels that You Need, And Sends Them to Your Side [to comfort, guard and guide][Hymn 9:3]
As mentioned earlier, Daniel had been in deep prayer when the angel came to him. Here, he says he was fasting for three weeks when another angel came to strengthen him and bring him peace (B13).
 
Mrs. Eddy notes that the Bible names particular angels and gives them specific duties. She mentions Michael and Gabriel. Michael symbolizes spiritual strength and Gabriel imparts a sense of ever-present Love (S13, S14). Note that these divine messengers “come nearer in the hour of woe.” [As at camp our growth zone is usually not reached until we get outside of our comfort zone.] We often suppose that only the good times are indicators of God's presence.  Therefore we avoid, or are even embarrassed if times get rough, assuming that the hard times indicate a separation from God.  But the angels we need are present in those hard times, so we needn't feel embarrassed at all.  On the contrary, we are blessed by our challenges.  Mrs. Eddy once told a student that they should be grateful because everything does them good.  She said that if he were to fall off the wagon and break his leg it would do him good (Adam H. Dickey Reminiscence).  The textbook tells us that if “men understood their real source to be all blessedness, they would struggle for recourse to the spiritual and be at peace” (S15).  Getting ourselves right with God is the only route to true peace, power, and strength.  When challenged, we have the opportunity to rise up against it, and stand strong for Spirit's supremacy (S17).
 
Section 5: God's Children Are Sinless and Free
[In the King James translation] John refers to us as the “sons of God” (B14), [our “correlative scripture” to the Scientific Statement of Being. Most other translations render the Greek word teknon in a gender-neutral way as children of God. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance translates (5043) teknon as “child, daughter, son.”]   Abingdon points out that “We are God's children not only in name but in fact, with a character so supernatural that the world cannot understand it.”  It is truly an amazing thing to consider one's self a child of God.  Though the bondage of “the elements of the world” or of sin, obscure our sonship, Christ Jesus' mission was to break those bonds revealing to us our true, sinless relationship with God (B15).
 
Our Leader confirms that sin “beclouds the spiritual sense of Truth” (S18).  Our Master showed us how to see through those clouds.  Recall that Daniel received his angel when he was repenting for the sins of the people.  So too, we need to forsake sin in order to become fully aware of our status as God's child.  Mrs. Eddy makes it sound almost easy: We “need only turn from sin and lose sight of mortal selfhood to find Christ, the real man and his relation to God, and to recognize the divine sonship.”  That's all we have to do…turn from sin.  It seems simple enough, but we sure take a long time to do it.  In order to turn from sin, we need to recognize sin for what it is.  Again, there is no need to be embarrassed about it.  Take the bull by the horns so to speak.  Recognize the mistake and repent.  The angels we need will help us in the fight, and as sin is destroyed, we'll find out who we really are.
 
Section 6: True Prosperity
How do you measure prosperity?  By possessions?  Or bank accounts?  Or health?  Mrs. Eddy said nothing was more gratifying to her than a solid demonstration of spiritual healing.  “Above all things” the Apostle John wished prosperity to the church (B17).  John's wish for health and prosperity was directly related to the health of the inner or spiritual life.  Once again, Abingdon points out “Much in need of fresh emphasis today is the underlying thought that the soul-life is the true measure of prosperity.” John the Baptist sent two of his disciples to Jesus to discern whether he was actually the Messiah.  Jesus' response was to provide immediate healing proof that same hour (B18).  For Jesus, the prosperity of the church was measured by healing.
 
Jesus taught his followers not to rely on anything but God for their health and prosperity (S19).  His response to John's disciples revealed that healing was at the top of his list.  Mrs. Eddy saw Jesus' demonstration as nothing but Christian Science in action (S20).  The prosperity of our movement is determined not by the size of our memberships or the style of our services, but by our healing work.  For Mrs. Eddy, as for Jesus, healing was the only proof.  So how prosperous are we?  We can only answer by healing.
 
Section 7: Man Has God-given Dominion
Returning to Psalm 8 (B19), we marvel at man's seeming insignificance compared to the universe.  Yet, man is given dominion over all things.  In today's society, man again seems to be insignificant compared to the cosmos, and even compared to the power of the earth and nature.  Man seems quite helpless in the face of meteorological, geological, and environmental phenomenon.  He also seems to be at the mercy of the food industry.  The quality of foods is a great concern to many.  But the Bible tells us that man is given dominion over the earth, and God is above it all (B20).
 
Science and Health gives us a case study of an individual who overcame the belief that food could dictate health.  Mistakenly following material methods the individual had run out of options.  But, the healing occurred through the understanding of Christian Science, and the recognition that the image and likeness of God could not be sick (S21, S22).  Man is not subject to material conditions, but “reflects God's dominion over all the earth” (S23).  The Discoverer of Christian Science urges her readers to put that God-given authority to work.  She writes, “nothing can vitiate the ability and power divinely bestowed on man” (S24).  To vitiate means to injure the substance or qualities of a thing, so as to impair, or spoil its use and value (Student's Reference Dictionary).  The power God gives us can never be defective.  If you are allowing material law to dictate your health and freedom, resist it with your God-given dominion.
 
Section 8: Ingredients for a Solid Church Family
If we're all God's children, we're all members of one family.  The church is a manifestation of this family.  Peter points out that we are “a chosen generation” (B21), and Paul gives us a list of virtues: mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, charity or love (B22).  Practicing these virtues will allow us to live productively in a Christian community of like-minded thinkers.  The church is the “new race” inheriting the role of God's elect people.  As members, we are embraced in the bond of love-the bond of perfectness.  This bond is expressed in wholeness, completeness, and authenticity.  It holds us together.
 
Back in the third section Pharaoh tried to hold Egypt together by force and personal power.  Church is the exact opposite.  “Meekness and charity have divine authority” (S25).  No muscle or strong-arming, no personal sense, just love.  As we recognize only one Mind, the potential for conflict dissolves (S26).  Even though the spiritual qualities listed in citation S27 are directed toward married couples, they are equally applicable in any contract, or covenant. “Unselfish ambition, noble life-motives, and purity…” There's nothing competitive about those qualities. They bless us individually and collectively. Neither is there any hint of restriction or jealousy. The more we grow in spiritual joy, the wider the field to share our love. 
[CedarS widened its field of love and joyous sharing yesterday by hosting 38 new friends from our closest congregation, Happy Hill Baptist Church, for a Fun Day in our Bible Lands Park. The group pledged to return as a congregation for a Work Day to rake and blow leaves in the Fall.  I started the Fun Day by clearing up some misconceptions of what Christian Science is and isn't.  (We are not Scientologists, but Bible-based Christians like them.) I also gave them a brief overview of CedarS 50-year history (click for link to video) and of Ruth's first healings as a Baptist introduced to the blessings of prayer guided by the Science of the Christ.  I wore my GAP (God Answers Prayer) t-shirt and was able to convey to them our common grounding as Christians in Bible-based prayer and in our mutual love of the Bible, its Commandments and Beatitudes.  Half the group went first with me to Bible Lands Park and Time Travelers Trail while the other half went first with 4 lifeguards to “cruise” our new Mediterranean in kayaks and on our new Cable Ski system.  In Bible Lands Park (BLP) I shared how the 10 Commandments relate to us today at ten BLP sites where these commandments were either kept or broken; and then, how each Beatitude relates to us today and to characters sequentially on Time Travelers Trail from Abraham to Christ Jesus. I am taking an advance party from o local school group through BLP on Tuesday. We appreciate more each day all who have funded and continue to fund the development of Bible Lands Park and its inward nurture of our own Sunday School students as well as its “off-season” outreach and embrace of our neighbors.]
 
Section 9: The Fields Are Waiting
What about that field?  Come on you beloved, let's get up early, and get out there! (B23). There's healing work to be done.  Jesus tells us to freely give what we have freely received (B24).
 
This message-to go out and heal-is a closing theme in many Lessons.  It's not just lip-service.  Jesus meant what he said, and so did Mrs. Eddy when she quoted him (S28).  It may seem a bit beyond our reach at times, but we are given instructions to perpetually remember that the Holy Ghost and Christ enables us to fulfill this mission (S29).  It's not our personal ability, it's all God. “Health, purity, and self immolation” are the indicators that we are deepening our understanding and realizing the falsity of sin, disease, and death.  You are that perfect man.  You can demonstrate it.  Nothing is stopping you.  Nothing can vitiate your divinely bestowed power.  You are the beloved of the Lord, and you can prove it today.

 [Thanks to several of you for helping fund a recent, expensive component replacement for our dishwashing system to serve CedarS for its next 50 years.  We still need funding to finish underwriting this Maintenance Must–which will be matched! (We are also hoping to expand our cable watersports system and are accepting contributions for that to happen during our “off-season” of conferences, retreats and tours of Bible Lands Park. SO, if you have been grateful for any of CedarS weekly inspirational emails, you can see that this would be a wonderful time to share your appreciation in the form of a gift–as generous as divine Love directs-in support of our work
 
Remember that CEDARS weekly “Mets” or Metaphysical Newsletters, Possible Sunday School Topics (PSSTs) and Possible Younger Class Lessons (PYCLs) are all provided at no charge to the 1,200 campers and staff blessed each summer at CEDARS–as well as to thousands of CEDARS alumni, families, Sunday School teachers and friends who weekly find these “Mets”, PSSTs and PYCLs on our website or through CS Directory.  CedarS most significant recurring needs are spelled out at http://www.cedarscamps.org/giving/unrestricted-gifts.htm .   Just click here to use a credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card) or a virtual check to make monthly or one-time donations to CedarS' in support of spiritual growth.  International supporters can give to CedarS via PayPal using built-in currency exchange rates by filling in an amount under International Donors and clicking on the “Donate Online” button.  
 
Please also help us fulfill our mission by telling every “un-camped” family (and potential donor) that you know about CedarS! We'd love to put your name or someone's you love on one of the comfortable bedrooms or cabins still available for the Midwest Bible Conference, Sept 15-18.  We'll gladly send anyone a DVD and info to help get them to camp – including more on: CedarS financial aid forms; programs for all ages; session dates & rates; online enrollment; transportation….]

 [Camp Director's Note: This sharing is the latest in an ongoing, 11-year series of CedarS Bible Lesson “Mets” (Metaphysical application ideas) contributed weekly by a rotation of CedarS Resident Practitioners and occasionally by other metaphysicians.  (Ask and look for “Possible Sunday School Topics “and “Possible Younger Class Lessons” in subsequent emails.) These weekly offerings are intended to encourage further study and application of ideas in the lesson and to invigorate Sunday School participation by students and by the budding teachers on our staff. Originally sent JUST to my Sunday School students and to campers, staff and CedarS families who wanted to continue at home and in their home Sunday Schools the same type of focused Lesson study, application and inspiration they had felt at camp, CedarS lesson “mets “and Sunday School idea  are in no way meant to be definitive or conclusive or in any way a substitute for daily study of the lesson. The thoughts presented are the inspiration of the moment and are offered to give a bit more dimension and background as well as new angles (and angels) on the daily applicability of some of the ideas and passages being studied. The weekly Bible Lessons are copyrighted by the Christian Science Publishing Society and are printed in the Christian Science Quarterly as available at Christian Science Reading Rooms or online at eBibleLesson.com or myBibleLesson.com. The citations referenced (i.e.B-1 and S-28) from this week's Bible Lesson in the “Met” (Metaphysical application ideas) are taken from the Bible (B-1 thru B-24) and the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health With Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy (S-1 thru S-30). The Bible and Science and Health are the ordained pastor of the Churches of Christ, Scientist. The Bible Lesson is the sermon read in Christian Science church services throughout the world. The Lesson-Sermon speaks individually through the Christ to everyone, providing unique insights and tailor-made applications for each one. We are glad you requested this metaphysical sharing and hope that you find some of the ideas helpful in your daily spiritual journey, in your deeper digging in the books and in closer bonding with your Comforter and Pastor.]
 
 Enjoy!    And, please contact us for more info about any and all things CedarS! 
Warren Huff, Executive Director   director@cedarscamps.org]

[PSST: Your Almighty Mama & Papa “love you infinity!” Soak that in!]
Possible Sunday School Topics by Merrill Boudreaux
for the Christian Science Bible Lesson: “MAN” September 4, 2011
 
P.S.S.T. Golden Text
Who made you? Why did God make you? Are you the loved of Love? Indeed! Not only are you loved but you are greatly loved.
 
P.S.S.T. Responsive Reading (RR)
What is the relationship between God and you revealed in the RR? 
Make a list of the aspects of that relationship revealed: 
thou art mine, precious, honourable, shewest lovingkindness, etc.
 
P.S.S.T. Section 1
What really is man that God is mindful of him/us? 
Look to this section to reveal you, who you are, of what you are made. Because of that revelation, what are your possibilities? (S-6)
 
P.S.S.T. Section 2
What is it that you would like to master? 
This would be a good place for students to share their goals for the school year.
 
P.S.S.T. Section 3
How did God protect and provide for Moses? (B-10)
Why did God provide such protection? Is that protection ours as well? 
Can you ever be separated from God? (S-10 & S-11)
 
P.S.S.T. Section 4
From where does your strength come? Is receipt of strength assured? 
What varieties of strength are there? physical, moral, strength of conviction, strength of friendships, strengths in architecture (how buildings are constructed)
What is the source of the strength in each of these?
 
P.S.S.T. Section 5
What does the word “behold” mean? What are we asked to see or cling to in citation B-14? What does the word “redeem” mean? When you redeem a coupon at the ice cream store what do you receive? In the Bible story in citation B-15, what did those who were redeemed under the law receive? Are you under the law? Which law? The law of the relationship between God and that which God creates — you. 
What are your blessings as the recipient of the redeemed under the law?
 
P.S.S.T. Section 6
Here is more of the redemption act. What is granted, naturally, in citations B-17 and B-18? What was Jesus' mission as redeemer in citation S-20? For whom was Jesus revealing the result of knowing about one's relationship with God? So was it Jesus who was redeeming, or was it the revealed truths or laws that was doing the redeeming?
 
P.S.S.T. Section 7
What is your God-given authority? (S-24)
Over what do you have dominion?
 
P.S.S.T. Section 8
How exciting that you are chosen! For what? (B-21, B-22, S-25, S-27)
 
P.S.S.T. Section 9
Where else can you see a slight variation to the words in Matthew 10:8 (B-24)? Why do you think Mrs. Eddy placed that statement as the seal on the cover of Science and Health? What is a seal? What is its purpose? What things do you know that are sealed? Official documents, jars of preserves
These are hints at the purpose of seals:  to preserve, keep secure, make official, protect, give proof of
Where does one usually find fruits? Are there other fruits — like the fruits of your labor or your efforts? What is the seal placed on you? See the Golden Text.


[PYCLs: Learn by doing: Tell, draw, act out Moses in the Bulrushes]
Possible Younger Class Lesson ideas for the Christian Science Bible Lesson on
“Man” for Sunday, September 4, 2011
By Anne M. Bruland, Santa Cruz, CA & Honolulu, HI  [brackets by Warren Huff, CedarS Director]
 
[PYCLs: Experiential Education, Differentiated learning]
This lesson has some great opportunities for hands-on learning that can lead to discussing many ideas with the younger classes-such as angels, guidance, safety, creation, dominion, and God's love for His children.  I would emphasize the wonderful story of baby Moses.  This story is a favorite with young children.  For the younger, non-readers, tell the story in your own words with pictures as a visual aide.  You can download from the web by typing the Book, chapter, and verse from the Bible and Goggling it.  You could draw pictures yourself, too.  I like to repeat the story 3 times and let the students illustrate their favorite parts of the story.  Most kids like to draw, while others would rather color in drawings downloaded from the Biblewise.com site. [Click here to download a free drawing of Moses in the Bulrushes.] If the kids are interested in drawing themselves, let them draw while you repeat the story.   Then let each child tell the story in his/her own words, while the others keep drawing.  You may ask if your class would like to act out this story.  They may be reluctant at first, but you can encourage them to try.  If they agree, assign parts and see if they can act out the story.  Feel free to give them words for their actions.  You could bring props like a basket, a doll fitting in the basket (like a Cabbage Patch doll) a small blanket, a green towel or paper for the bulrushes, and a blue towel or paper for the river.  You may want to change parts and let each child practice putting the baby (doll) in the reeds, and Pharaoh's daughter gently rocking the baby (doll) in her arms. 
[You will be led as to if and when to ask questions to “take it to the level” of spiritual sense and the light it can bring to applications today.  Questions like: What qualities did Miriam show as a good big sister? What qualities did Moses' Mom show that were rewarded? How did Moses' unique upbringing “graciously prepare” him to do his life mission of freeing his people from slavery? (See S&H 107:3) What are we slaves to today? (Mrs. Eddy says “mortals … are slaves to fashion, pride, and sense.” S&H 68: 2-4) What slavery to “fashion, pride and sense” have you felt or witnessed lately? Does the light of knowing we live to give (not to get or impress) change this enslaved condition? How is God looking after us today as She did with Moses from the bulrushes forward? Are you daily claiming that you are “cared for, watched over, beloved and protected” so you can “walk with courage each step of the way” knowing that “God … guides every event of our careers” with divine precision? Hymn 278 and Unity of Good 3: 27-4:1]
 
For children who can read-here is a script for a play of this story.  Feel free to improvise and adapt the lines for your age group.  Feel free to get out maps to locate Egypt, Israel, and get time lines to place Moses in the proper time.  You could review the Patriarchs-Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.
 
MOSES IN THE BULRUSHES
 CHARACTERS:
NARRATOR
MOSES' MOM (Jochebed)
MOSES' SISTER (Miriam)
PHARAOH'S DAUGHTER
PHARAOH'DAUGHTER'S SERVANTS (if you need more parts)
PHARAOH
BABY MOSES
NOTE:  This play takes place long ago in Egypt (Find Egypt on a map) when the Hebrew people were slaves for the Egyptians. The Egyptian ruler was called a Pharaoh.  He feared that the Hebrew slaves had become too strong, and might join with an attacking Northern enemy, who were the same race or tribe as the Hebrew slaves.  He forgot that years before, another Pharaoh had invited the Hebrews to live in Egypt.  Pharaoh tried different ways to keep the Hebrew's population from increasing.  (See Section 3 in this week's Cedars Met by Craig L. Ghislin for Pharaoh attempts to control the Hebrew's population.)
 
PHARAOH:  The Hebrews are more and mightier than we are.  We have to control them.  Throw every newborn Hebrew son into the Nile River.
 
NARRATOR:  About this time, a Hebrew woman, (named Jochebed) gave birth to a son.  She did not want him to die, so she hid him for 3 months.
 
MOSES' MOM:  Now that my baby is 3 months old, I can't hide him any longer.  What can I do to protect and save my little baby boy?
 
NARRATOR:  Moses' mom decided to make an ark, or boat, or waterproof basket for her son, and put the basket in the bulrushes by the riverbank.
 
MOSES' MOM:  I'll make a little boat out of bulrushes and keep the water out with clay and tar, so my baby will be safe.  I'll trust God to keep him safe, too.
 
NARRATOR:  Moses' mom had faith in God to trust her son to God's care.
 
MOSES' MOM:  I'll leave him here in the reeds at the riverbank. 
 
NARRATOR:  Back at Pharaoh's palace:
 
PHARAOH'S DAUGHTER:  I'm going down to the river to wash.
 
PHARAOH'S DAUGHTER'S SERVANTS:  We want to go with you.
 
PHARAOH'S DAUGHTER:  Let's go.  We'll walk by the reeds at the bank of the river. 
 
NARRATOR:  She saw a little boat or basket in the bulrushes.
 
PHARAOH'S DAUGHTER:  Oh, look!  What is that little boat on the bank of the river?  (To her maid)  Go, and see what this is and bring it here.
 
PHARAOH'S DAUGHTER'S MAID:  O.K.  I'll bring it back to you.
 
PHARAOH'S DAUGHTER:  I'll open this little boat.   Oh, look, it's a baby-one of the Hebrew boys.
 
BABY:  Wa-aaah (he cried.)
 
PHARAOH'S DAUGHTER:  He's so beautiful.  I'd like to adopt him.  I'll call him, Moses, because he came from the water.
 
NARRATOR:  Moses' older sister, Miriam, was nearby. She had been watching to see what would happen to her little brother.  She came forward now.
 
MIRIAM:  Shall I call a Hebrew woman to nurse the child, and take care of him for you?
 
PHARAOH'S DAUGHTER:  Yes, go find a woman to help.
 
NARRATOR:  So Miriam got Moses' mom to take care of Moses until it was time to take him to Pharaoh's daughter's palace.  She adopted Moses and he became a prince of Egypt, until he became a leader of his people. 
 
[You could follow-up this and future weeks of teaching the 10 Commandments by discussing who Moses was and what he did.]
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