Seventh-Day Adventist Devotional For Children: “Being a Good Leader”

DAILY BREAD – DEVOTIONAL FOR CHILDREN

EASTERN NIGERIA UNION CONFERENCE CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Title: Being a Good Leader

Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place. Jeremiah 22:3

Today, let’s dive into a story from the Bible about Jeremiah and a king named Zedekiah. Jeremiah was like a messenger sent by God to tell the king when things were not going well.

Imagine being in Jeremiah’s shoes, having to tell a king that he was not doing a good job of taking care of his people. You see, leaders are supposed to be like shepherds, looking out for and taking care of their people. But this king, like some others, had forgotten to do that.

Leaders are important because they represent God’s standards of fairness and goodness. Even if they don’t believe in God, they still have a big responsibility to do what’s right. So when leaders make bad choices, it affects a lot of people.

Jeremiah also reminded the king that leaders should never hurt or mistreat people who are already struggling, like foreigners, orphans, and widows. These are the people who need extra care and protection.

But here’s the good news: Jeremiah saw a vision of a perfect leader, someone who would come and set things right. This leader would be called “The Lord Our Righteous Savior.” And that leader is Jesus!

Jesus is the perfect example of how leaders should be. He cares for everyone, especially those who are hurting or in need. And one day, he will come back to make everything right again.

Jeremiah reminds us not to be mean to people who come from different places or who don’t have a family to take care of them. We should treat them with love and respect, just like we would want to be treated.

Sometimes, doing what’s right might seem hard, but it’s worth it. We can remember to be good leaders in our own way, by being kind to others, standing up for what’s fair and right, standing against things that are wrong and caring for those who need it most. And we can look to Jesus as our perfect example of leadership and love. That way, we can make the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time!

Let’s be leaders who shine God’s light wherever we go!

Thought for Reflection/Life Application:
Think about how you can be a leader in your own life, just like Jeremiah tried to be. Think about a time when you helped someone or stood up for what’s right. How did it make you feel? Maybe it’s standing up for a friend who’s being bullied, or helping someone who’s feeling lonely. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s day!

Song:
Jesus loves the little children
All the children of the world
Red and yellow, black and white
They are precious in His sight
Jesus loves the little children of the world

Prayer:
Dear God, Thank you for showing us through Jeremiah’s story what it means to be a good leader. Thank you for showing us what it means to be kind and do what’s right. Help us to follow Jesus’ example of love and care to others around us, especially those who need our help most. Give us the courage to stand up for what’s right, fair and just and to be leaders in showing kindness and compassion. May our actions reflect your love to the world around us. In Jesus name, Amen.