View Master Perspective

To prepare for Step 2 of “Declaring the LORD’s Grace” read Brad Shockley’s lesson commentary. He quotes Ecclesiastes 1:9 to indicate the relevance of the lessons from 1 & 2 Samuel. In discussing God’s providence, he notes that God is blameless (Psalm 18:30), perfect (Deuteronomy 32:4), and infinitely wise (Isaiah 40:28). His tri-fold description made me think of how we used to use a “view master” toy to see picturesque scenes in 3D. Without the viewer, however, the pictures were nothing but quirky, unclear images outlined in red or green.

So how can we get a view master perspective of God’s providence? This step emphasizes “ways” to acknowledge (or see) God’s sovereignty. To acknowledge variously means to accept, to admit, to recognize, to appreciate, to take notice, etc. Try putting these words on a slide, or marker board and asking members to describe situations that taught them to accept, admit, recognize, appreciate, or take notice of God’s sovereignty in their lives.