Scripture: Ephesians 4:12-14*
Hymn: (BH 353) Give of Your Best to the Master
Teaching Method: Lecture
Primary Learning Outcome and Indicators: Learners will know some biblical examples of men and women who were patriotic and indicate this knowledge by:
(i) Identifying some individuals in the Bible who were patriotic to their nations;
(ii) Mentioning some attributes they wish to emulate in the lives of these individuals;
(iii) Deciding to remain patriotic to their nation.
ICE BREAKING PERIOD
Let members mention any character in the Bible they know who was patriotic to their nation and discuss what lessons they wish to learn from them.
Facilitator’s Opening Remark
The act of being patriotic is not a new concept. Right from the Old Testament, there have been men and women who displayed patriotism to their nation. They risked their lives for the good of their country and eventually, their sacrifices led to the good of their people. In fact, God is looking for people who will offer selfless services to Him and the country of their birth for the benefit of all. This is why the focus of this week shall be about some biblical characters who knew the value of patriotism and practiced it to the
letter.
EDUCATION/INTERACTION PERIOD
A. DEBORAH, A PATRIOTIC WOMAN
Deborah is one of the women who displayed unalloyed commitment to her nation, Israel. The Bible says that Deborah was a prophetess, and the wife of Lappidoth. She Israel at that time (Judges 4:4). She held her court under a palm tree at a time when Israel did evil in the sight of God after the death of Ehud. Because of Israel’s sin, the Lord sold them into the hands of Jabin, a Canaanite king. When Israel cried to her for help, she sent Barak to wage war against Israel’s enemy, Sisera, with an assurance of victory. However, Barak declined and refused the assignment except with the help of Deborah (Judges 4:8). Deborah took the lead to fight against Sisera until Jabin, the Canaanite king, was destroyed and the land had peace for forty years (Judges 5:31b).
Indeed, Deborah was patriotic. She had the interest of her country, Israel, at heart. She resolved to go to the battle with Barak in order to save her country without minding the risk. As a prophetess and judge, she did not just sit in the office and commanded her subordinates to go to the battle line; she rose up to the challenge, she was involved in the battle and God gave the people of Israel victory under the leadership of a woman.
B. NEHEMIAH, A PATRIOTIC MAN
Nehemiah is another biblical character that showed patriotism to his country, Israel. He was interested in restoring the glory of Jerusalem. Though a cup bearer to the king in Susa, he was concerned about the welfare of the Jewish remnants that had survived the exiles. When he heard about the fallen wall of Jerusalem and its gates, he sat down and wept with mourning, praying and fasting before God. He offered a prayer of confession and supplication to God for favour from King Artaxerxes. Immediately, he travelled to Jerusalem and inspected the extent of the damaged walls. He encouraged the people and said to them, “Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” (Nehemiah 2:17b). Despite opposition, Nehemiah did not give up and in 52 days, the work was completed because the people were willing to work with their heart.
Nehemiah loved his country, Judah. He showed a high level of patriotism for its restoration. Even though he was not in Jerusalem yet, he was concerned about its safety and welfare. He did not relent in the
his effort to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem until the work was completed. He was motivated by the fact that Jerusalem should not remain in perpetual shame.
Sharing Time: Are there people like Nehemiah and Deborah in our time? If yes, what can we do to encourage them to continue with their good works?
C. ESTHER, A PATRIOTIC WOMAN
Esther was a young Jewish heroine. She was an orphan, but she grew up with her uncle Mordecai until she became the wife of King Xerxes after the dethronement of Queen Vashti. Even though it was against the tradition of her time, she rose up to defend her people from being completely destroyed by the evil plot of Haman. She resolved to approach the king concerning the issue with strong determination. Having being persuaded by Mordecai, she said, “…I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.’ (Esther 4:16b). What a woman of faith with a patriotic heart. Esther was thoughtful in executing her plans. Eventually, God gave His people victory instead of destruction through her effort.
Esther was nationalistic. By her great courage and devotion to her people, she was able to save them from being completely destroyed by their enemy, Haman. She put her life on the line in order to deliver her people from destruction. She demonstrated high level of patriotism even though her action was against the law, and the Lord gave her victory. By this acts, she has become an example of biblical character of patriotism.
D. DAVID, A PATRIOTIC MAN
David was anointed as the king of Israel after the Lord rejected Saul when he disobeyed Him. At last, David entered into the service of King Saul and became one of the king’s armour bearers. As a young man, he rose up and defended his country by confronting the Philistine‘s giant (Goliath). Goliath often challenged the people of Israel to choose a man with whom he will fight. Unfortunately, the threat of the Goliath often caused King Saul and all the people of Israel to be terrified. Nevertheless, despite David’s brother’s efforts to dissuade him from engaging in battle with Goliath, he resolved to fight. He said to his people, “Let no one lose heart on account of this
Philistine: your servant will go and fight him.” (1 Samuel 17:32). Consequently, David triumphed over the Philistine and killed him.
David was a man of courage. He was not comfortable that the Philistine’s giant continued to torment his people, Israelites, and defied their armies. He engaged in a fight with Goliath without being frightened. He displayed patriotism at the expense of his own life; thus displaying a great act of patriotism.
Sharing Time Discuss the secret of these biblical characters that fought in their days for the good of their country.
Prayer: Pray and ask God to help you and other Nigerians to be patriotic in their dealings.
Post-Group Activity
Let members identify at least three common characteristics in the lives of the biblical patriots discussed.
ROADMAP FOR DISCIPLES
The genesis of patriotism usually begins with one’s love for his or her neighbours. This implies that if we love our neighbours, Nigerians, then we must love our country. Believers have been enjoined to first of all love the Lord their God with all their heart, and secondly, to love their neighbours as themselves. Interestingly, these neighbours are first and foremost Nigerians, regardless of their tribe, religion, sex or financial status. Loving Nigerians can only be possible when we love Nigeria, our country, where we reside and make a living. The way to do this is to be determined to offer selfless services wherever we find ourselves. We should be loyal and dedicated to the course of the nation. We should also shun corrupt practices, practice pity, giving to good causes and ensure fair play, equity, and justice in our daily dealings. The call to be patriotic is for all whether you are a politician, business man or woman, student, pastor, farmer and others, for the good of our country, Nigeria.
