Session 7: God Expects
Suggested Week of Use: January 12,2020
Core Passage: Numbers 32:20-32
News Story Summary
In December 2019, the widow of a Texas Army pilot received a portrait of her husband because of a promise made by an Air Force veteran she’d never met. When he was 75 years old, Ken Pridgeon promised to paint the portrait of every Texas solider that dies in the line of duty. He kept that promise most recently by painting the portrait of Fort Hood pilot David Knadle, who was killed in the line of duty in November 2019.
Now at age 84, he has painted nearly 300 portraits, including the Fort Hood pilot. Many of the soldiers he has painted died long before Pridgeon made the promise itself. He wanted to make sure no Texas hero’s memory is forgotten.
(For more on this story, search the Internet using the term “Ken Pridgeon paints portrait of Fort Hood pilot”.)
Focus Attention
To replace the Focus Attention ides, tape a large sheet of paper on a focal wall prior to the group time. On the paper, write “Besides my marriage vows, the biggest promise I have ever kept is…” As the group arrives, give them a marker and direct them to complete the statement. After most have arrived, review the answers, pointing out any themes of the promises kept.
Summarize the news story about Ken Pridgeon and his recent portrait of a Fort Hood solider that died in the line of duty. Point out that Pridgeon made the promise almost 10 years ago but has kept the promise. Ask: Do you think Pridgeon had any idea of what it would take to keep that promise? Explain. If you had made that promise, would you have kept it for a decade or more? Why or why not? Explain that today’s study is about the keeping of promises. Direct the group to look for the promises kept and the expectations placed on God’s people when it comes to keeping a promise.
Challenge
To supplement the Summarize and Challenge idea, conclude by asking: How do you think Ken Pridegeon’s commitment to keep a promise has influenced others? Distribute notecards and pens. Direct the group to record a promise or commitment they have made but have not yet completed. Lead them to list steps they need to take to fulfill that promise. Point out that keeping a promise impacts both the promise maker and the recipient of the promise. Close in prayer, asking God to help the group fulfill the specific promise they wrote on the note card.