Plug into God’s Power
Theme: God’s power is available to us if we are willing to reach out for it.
Bible Verse: But indeed for this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth. (Exodus 9:16)
Materials Needed:
• Several batteries, AAA, AA, C, or D size
• Flashlight bulbs, 3-volt (this is the usual value for small bulbs)
• 6-inch lengths of wire, either insulated or bare
Bible Lesson
Moses was afraid to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. In Exodus 6:12 and 30, Moses told the Lord that he had faltering lips; he lacked power and confidence. However, the Lord promised to give Moses the words he needed to say. When Moses later stood before Pharaoh, the words of the Lord did indeed flow through him and Aaron. Moses thus became the leader of the entire nation of Israel. The Bible verse quoted above actually refers to the raising up of Pharaoh, whom the Lord also used to reveal his great power (Exodus 9:16).
God’s power is still available to us today if we are willing to live for him. We may not rule nations as did Moses or Pharaoh, but our daily walk can be an important testimony and encouragement to others. God’s power can also help us live an upright life in an upside-down world. If we call on the name of the Lord Jesus to rule our lives, his power becomes ours. Let us follow Moses in obedience rather than follow Pharaoh in failure. A personal testimony of victory in Christ would be suitable at this point of the lesson.
Science Activity
This activity is designed for individuals or small groups of two to four. Each person or group is given a battery, a bulb, and a length of wire. If the wire is insulated, both ends should be stripped about a half inch to expose the metal. The challenge is to make the bulb light up by connecting the three items correctly. The electrical energy is available within the battery; the trick is getting it to move through the bulb. Give no help as the teams try various combinations of circuits. In a few minutes, bulbs will begin to light and group members can then show each other how it is done. Of the many possible combinations, only a couple will result in light; most arrangements are unsuccessful.
One possible arrangement that will light a flashlight bulb.
One caution: If the wire is connected directly across both ends of the battery and held there for a length of time, the wire may become uncomfortably warm. This is called a short circuit. However, there is no shock hazard in this activity.
Science Explanation
To light the bulb, a series electrical circuit must be constructed. This requires a complete loop, including both ends of the battery and also both electrical contacts on the light bulb, the side and end. The series circuit provides a complete conducting path for electrons to travel through the bulb.
Electrons are the tiny electrical charges that produce current and power. When the bulb is lit, about 10 million trillion (1019) electrons pass through the filament each second. Electricity is part of the truly amazing world of microscopic particles.