Summary

Most of us can think of excuses. Two examples from the Old Testament.

Teachers’ Notes

Occasion: Christian Aid Week

Instructions:

The pictures should be shown on PowerPoint as the story is told.  The (  ) shows when the slide should be changed.  To attract the pupils’ attention, we recommend the first slide is already on display as they enter.

The Main Text

(Picture 1)

Teachers are more than familiar than many with hearing excuses. They could easily produce a book of all the excuses that they have heard over the years from pupils for not doing homework:

• I forgot the book.

(Picture 2)

• I was at my grandmother’s house last night.

(Picture 3)

• We’ve moved house.

(Picture 4)

• My auntie visited last night.

(Picture 5)

• I was feeling too ill – and so on, and so on.  I’m sure you can think of more.

Some years ago, a survey appeared in a daily newspaper – a survey done in the country’s libraries.  As part of the survey, a question was asked about the excuses people gave for returning books late.  Some of these excuses were incredible:

(Picture 6)

• I didn’t know you wanted it back.

(Picture 7)

• A member of my family has been shot by terrorists in Caerphilly.

(Picture 8)

• My mum was decorating the kitchen with wallpaper and I think the book is behind the paper.

(Picture 9)

During Christian Aid Week, people are very willing to use excuses rather than contribute something to those less fortunate.  Christian Aid envelopes are left at people’s houses by the thousand, and then collectors call back for them in the hope that everyone will have left a sum of money in the envelope.  Again, it is incredible what excuses some people give for not putting anything in the envelope:

• Someone has been here before you (even though they hadn’t).
• I’ve lost the envelope (it’s easy enough to get another one).
• The wife isn’t in.
• No spare change.

Excuses! Excuses!

There are several stories in the Old Testament of people searching for excuses for not doing God’s work.

(Picture 10)

For example, there’s Moses.  His excuse for not doing what God wanted him to do, which was to lead his nation, was: he couldn’t speak publicly.  He had a speech impediment.  But God promised to help him speak and teach him what to say and also promised him that his brother, Aaron, would be there to help him.

(Picture 11)

Jeremiah, the prophet, was another one.  His excuse for not doing God’s work was: he was too young.

But again, God promised to help him.  God told him not to be afraid as He would give him the strength to do his work.

(Picture 12)

We mustn’t be too prepared to look for excuses, excuses for not doing this and that; especially excuses for failing to help someone or being good to someone else.

We all need to remember that God is always prepared to help us whatever we believe are our weaknesses.

Prayer: Keep us, O God, from making excuses; excuses which will stop us from doing what is good; excuses that will prevent us from helping those in need.  We remember that You will be with us to help us with everything.  In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.