NBC Sunday School Manual For June 19, 2022 :Topic – GOD’S RESTORED PEOPLE SHALL PROSPER

NBC Sunday School Manual For June 19, 2022 :Topic – GOD’S RESTORED PEOPLE SHALL PROSPER

NBC SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON

SUNDAY 19, 2022

TOPIC: GOD’S RESTORED PEOPLE SHALL PROSPER

Background Scripture: Isaiah 49:18-26

Lesson Scripture: Isaiah 49:18-23

GOLDEN TEXT: Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in me will not be disappointed. Isaiah 49:23c

Objectives: By the end of the lesson, class members should be able to:

I. Explain what God promised to do for His people through His servant;

II. State some reasons why God would restore Jerusalem;

III. Make personal commitment to trust for restoration.

INTRODUCTION

0ur society is characterized by all kinds of evil. There is high level of criminality. The killing and kidnapping by the socalled Fulani herdsmen and other groups have greatly increased. Nowadays, people travel with fear of being captured with an option of millions of naira as a ransom or they rot in their captor’s secret cells. Some years ago, some school girls in Chibok in Borno state, northeast Nigeria were abducted by an Islamic sect known as ‘Boko Haram’. While some of their parents prayed with the conviction that their daughters will return home someday, others may have lost hope of seeing their children again. Many have watched helplessly as their family members and loved ones slowly die under the agony of terminal illness. What about the horrors of addiction that rip families apart, particularly among the youths. Some even struggle with depression, anxiety and heavy hearts when the news of yet another senseless killing of innocent souls is heard. Because these things have continued, people worried as to when the problems of the world will come to an end. Those who are directly affected often conclude that God has abandoned them without hope of restoration. The Israelites probably felt like this, having suffered great affliction for many years in a foreign land. They felt abandoned by their God until He responded to them with the assurance of restoration and prosperity, like a mother who nurses and cares for her little child (Isaiah 49:14-15). This will be made possible because no one who puts their trust in God will be disappointed (v. 23). The promise extends to those who have been held captive in our land. Someday, God will arise and intervene and the people will regain their freedom and prosper again.

THE LESSON EXPLAINED

A. Israel’s Return Predicted. Isaiah 49:18-21

God’s response to Jerusalem’s assumption of rejection in verse 14 was a promise of return to their homeland. Apart from the fact that their names have been written on the palm of His hands (v. 16), He also assured them that the exiles will return home and rebuild Jerusalem. Therefore, they will have reasons to be proud of their people, as a bride decorates herself with jewels; He will do same for them because He is the living God. Consequent upon this, there will be a turn around that will lead to restoration. The country that was once ruined and wasted will be too small for their inhabitants and those who caused their destruction will be far from them. According to verse 20, the children who were born in exile will have reasons to ask for expansion. Then they will ask one another, “Who bore me these? I was bereaved and barren; Who brought these up? I was left all alone, but these where have they come from?” (v.21)

The return of Israel to their Promised Land is a testimony of God’s faithfulness to His covenant, His word and promises (Ezekiel 37; Deuteronomy 1:7-8). The restoration of the desolate places seems to point to the future return of Jerusalem from Babylonian exile. Interestingly, the prophecy was partly fulfilled when they finally returned to their home land. Perhaps the psalmist alluded to this fact when he said, “When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” (Psalm 126:1-2) Israel was encouraged not to be afraid of their invaders because they will spread abroad and inhabit the land which God had given to their forefathers. Ultimately, triumph was guaranteed for them and those who ‘swallowed her up’ will be restricted and pt far away (vv. 19-21). The lesson should serve as encouragement to believers, especially those who have been held captive by the enemy. Surely, their return and restoration is secured by God. Their song will be like the testimony of Jerusalem whose inhabitants pondered and expressed their joy concerning God’s wonderful intervention in their situation.

DISCUSSION TIME

1. Based on today’s lesson, discuss the future of Nigeria.

e of those who have been held captive by wicked people, according to the lesson?

B. Israel’s Prosperity Predicted. Isaiah 49:22-23

God’s intention for His returned people was total restoration and prosperity. Having predicted their return, their prosperity was also foretold. In their response to the above prediction, they wondered about the possibility of having such numerous children when they have suffered bereavement, barrenness, rejection and loneliness (v. 21). In response to their amazement, God spoke to them in verses 22 and 23 and promised to:

Beckon on the Gentiles. To ‘beckon’ is to give a signal to someone or to give an invitation. It simply means that God will summon His people and they will bring their sons in their own arms and carry their daughters on their shoulders to them (v. 22). The people will respond to God’s invitation of restoration and prosperity including the Gentiles.

▪︎ Make kings like fathers to them and queens like mothers.

▪︎ Make them bow before and honour them in recognition of the fact they are God’s chosen.

▪︎ Make them show humility and respect as well as knowledge His lordship s so that people wi know that He is the Lord.

The passage is all about the prophecy and the great prosperity that awaits the returnees from Babylon. While the land of Israel was destroyed by the Babylonians, God through the Servant will about the prophecy and the great prosperity from not only restore the people but He will also make them to prosper with adequate security. In addition God will not only gather great numbers of people from among the Jews but also from the Gentile nations, according to verse 22. The kings and queens bowing down to Israel refer to the universal worship of the true God. God’s plan of salvation, restoration, prosperity and protection is holistic. It includes everyone, notwithstanding race, tribe or nation, especially those whose hope is in Him. Therefore, no matter how much our nation has been sabotaged by the activities of the wicked ones, God will surely restore her pride and dignity like the people of Jerusalem.

DISCUSSION TIME

1. Discuss the aspect you think Nigeria needs restoration and how it can be achieved.

2. What did Jerusalem do to deserve God’s mercy and justice?

Commitment:

Based on today’s lesson, make a personal commitment to God, to reach out to lost souls reminding them of God’s promise of assurance, restoration and prosperity to keep their hope in God alive.

Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity

▪︎ Let the class members underline all the words that describe God’s promise to His people in the passage. Encourage them to pray for the restoration of our nation, Nigeria.

Prayer Points

▪︎ Pray that God will intervene in the crisis of our country (Nigeria), that He will restore peace and hope to everyone going through traumatising situations.

▪︎ Ask God to use you as His vessel to preach His Word of healing and restoration in order to win lost souls back to Christ.

Take Home

Write down three (3) lessons you are taking home from today’s lesson.

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