Connecting Creation with Truth

 

For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. Matthew 12:40

Let's suppose you and your family were at the beach. You saw a large fish, maybe a dolphin. Maybe a whale. Your children were curious about the type of fish. Maybe they knew the story of Jonah and the whale and were wondering if the fish they saw could swallow a person. Could it swallow them? 

When children discover the wonders of Creation, good literature is the next step in helping them see how they themselves fit into God's world.

Janice D. Green and Kimberly Merritt have produced not only a beautiful but accurate retelling of the account of the book of Jonah for young children. Jonah: The Fearful Prophet is written in language young children will understand. The illustrations of the ship tossing on the sea, Jonah swallowed by the whale, and a pouting Jonah under the gourd vine are both colorful and appealing for children. 

Discussion questions that follow Mrs. Green’s retelling of Jonah are thoughtful, helping a child dig deeper into their own spiritual understanding. A crossword and a word search are included in the back matter as well as instructions for a Bible quilt. Having a hands-on approach is another way of helping truth "stick" in their young minds. Older children helping with a quilt will also get a better sense of the story and ask even deeper questions about their relationship with God. Children will enjoy using their crayons to make the quilt with their families.

Little ones viewing their work will enjoy retelling the story. Sleeping under their family-made quilt will always be a reminder of family working together and caring for one another just as the Lord works with us and cares for us.

I give Jonah: The Fearful Prophet 5 stars for accuracy, relevancy, and meaningful creativity.

What other approaches will help children? What about a visit to an aquarium or museum? Certainly, you will have to separate out the truth from the world's view of existence but children also need to know how to be discerning from a young age and you, dear parents, are the best teachers.

Heavenly Father, help us as parents and grandparents reach our children with Your truth. Help us connect the creation around us with Your word. Help us show them how to be discerning when confronted with so-called science by the unbelieving world. In Jesus's name, amen.