Mekaddishkem, I Am Set Apart
God had rescued the Israelites and was teaching them how to live close to Him. He gave them the Sabbath as a special day to rest, worship, and remember Him. This day was a reminder that they belonged to God and were set apart as His holy people.
Then God said:
“You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the LORD, who makes you holy.” (YHWH Mekaddishkem)
Exodus 31:13
This devotional helps little ones learn that God is YHWH Mekaddishkem, the Lord who makes us holy. We’ll explore big words like “sanctify” and “set apart” in ways kids can grasp. We’ll also remind our little ones that even when we make mistakes, God lovingly works in our hearts to teach us what is right and good, helping us grow and see that we belong to Him.
Here’s how:
Engage:
As you read Exodus 31:13 with your little one, help them step into the story:
Close your eyes and picture the Israelites. They had just come out of Egypt, and everything was new and different. God wanted to teach them how to live close to Him, so He gave them the Sabbath, a special day to rest, remember Him, and spend time with Him. The Sabbath is a way God helps us grow healthy hearts.
Then God says, ‘I am YHWH Mekaddishkem the Lord who makes you holy.’ Holy is a big word, but it means special to God and Set apart. Another way of saying that God wants His people to belong to Him and be different than the world.
Imagine it’s the seventh day all the work and school is done.
Ask your little one:
How would it feel to hear God say He is making you special and set apart?
What could you do to spend a special day with God?”
Apply:
Rest and remember God: Just like the Israelites rested on the Sabbath, we can take a break from busy work, pray, worship, read Bible stories, or spend quiet time with God to remember He is with us.
Set apart: Being holy or set apart means being different from the world in how we think, speak, and act. Choosing to be kind, helpful, and loving even when it is difficult.
Trust God when we make mistakes: Sometimes we forget or make wrong choices, but God still loves us. He helps us learn and grow. Encourage your child to say, “God, help me grow a good heart!” when they feel unsure.
Notice God’s help: Look for ways God helps us every day. Through family, friends, teachers, or small blessings like a hug, food, or fun moments. This helps us remember that God is making us special and holy, just like He promised.
Repeat & Reinforce:
“God Makes Me Clean”
Pour clean water into dirty water and watch it become clear, just like God works in our hearts to make us holy.
“Sabbath Rest”
Pick one day to truly rest and give it to God. Do fun activities, but keep Jesus at the center: worship, pray, watch Bible or Jesus movies, and think about His heart for you!
“Set Apart Crown”
Make a simple paper crown and decorate it with stickers or drawings. Wear it to remember that God has set you apart and you belong to Him.
“Clean Heart Sponge”
Use a sponge and dip it in water to “wash” a paper heart. Talk about how God washes our hearts and helps us grow to love what is good.
Closing Thought:
God is YHWH Mekaddishkem, the Lord who sanctifies. That means He lovingly helps our hearts grow to belong to Him. When we rest with Him, choose kindness, and trust Him even when we make mistakes, He is slowly shaping us to be set apart and full of His goodness.
I’ll leave you with this 5 min video “3 ways God saves us from sin” from Minno laugh and grow bible.
For even more hands-on fun, pair this mini-devo with the activity sheet below.
Love,
Gi 🤍
I Am Set Apart Activity Sheet
Help your little ones understand what it means to be "set apart" by God with this engaging, 2-page Bible-centered activity set.
Page 1 includes a "circle the different shape" exercise using triangles and a star to visually represent being "different" or "set apart" from the world. A "Circle ways to honor God" section featuring icons for Loving God, Loving Neighbors, and Prayer/Worship. A "God’s Child" crown and a heartfelt closing prayer.
Page 2 Numerical Foundation: Focused on the number 7, representing completion and the Sabbath. Fine Motor Skills: Includes tracing exercises for the number 7 (word and numeral) and "cut-and-paste" style circles. Counting Fun: Features "Seven Bears," "Seven Crayons," and "Seven Flowers" to reinforce counting skills. Biblical Connection: Highlights the "7th Day" on the calendar, connecting the concept of sanctification to God’s rest.
3 Ways GOD Saves Us from Sin (A Super Simple Explanation for Kids) | Bible Stories for Kids
