GENERATIONS: PROMISES TO THE FUTURE (Part One)
Proverbs 22:6 (The Message)
Point your kids in the right direction—when they’re old they won’t be lost.
Mark 10:13-14 (The Message)
The people brought children to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus was irate and let them know it: “Don’t push these children away. Don’t ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.” Then, gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them.
One of my former pastors, Rev. Larry Brooks, once told me he met Jesus as a boy in the basement of a Methodist Church where his Boy Scout Troop met. That statement is especially memorable to me this week since we are preparing to host the Eagle Scout Honor Court ceremony for one of our youth.
“Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs." (NRSV)
This passage from Mark reminds us of how important children are to Christ, even in that moment. You see, Jesus was on his way to the Cross, and the events to come must have lain heavy on his heart and mind as well as on the disciples. In the worry and stress of what awaited them in Jerusalem, it's little wonder the disciples thought that Jesus would not want to be bothered by a group of noisy children.
Yet, in his unconditional love that has the strength to raise us above the weariness and troubles of life, Jesus welcomed them to him. Imagine the gentle smile and the easy laughter, a glow of kindliness that drew children to him. Did the children run to him and climb up into his lap? Did the babies reach out to grab his nose or put their little fingers to his mouth to be kissed? Did the boys rough house with him and the little girls giggle as they whispered silly jokes to him?
"Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray." (Proverbs 22:6, NRSV)
In the verses from Mark as well as Proverbs 22:6, we are reminded of our responsibility to our children and youth. "Don't stop them," Jesus told his disciples. "Don't push them away. Don't erect barriers between them and me that prevent them from coming to me."
It's the "village" of a community of faith to raise a child up in the ways that help that child grow into a caring, compassionate, responsible adult whose life is centered on Christ. It is through the Body of Christ and from our relationships with children and youth and with others that they may or may not meet Christ. It is from observing us that they learn what it is to be or not be a Christian.
So, God has given us a sacred ministry to our precious children and youth. Christ has called us to baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit and teach them all that Christ has commanded us (Mathew 28:19-20). Some are called to be nursery helpers, Sunday School teachers, youth group leaders, confirmation mentors and pastors. Some are called out into the world to live out their vocation as teachers and Scout, 4-H and Campfire leaders. All are called to pray for our children and youth and to set good examples.
In the United Methodist tradition, this is the promise we make at the time of a child's baptism and reaffirm it at a youth's confirmation of his or her faith:
"With God's help we will proclaim the good news
and live according to the example of Christ.
We will surround these persons
with a community of love and forgiveness,
that they may grow in their service to others.
We will pray for them,
That they may be true disciples
Who walk in the way that leads to life."
(p. 40, The United Methodist Hymnal)
It is a sacred vow that they will know that they are loved and what it means to be forgiven. It is a promise to the future; a promise that with the grace of God, we will help become adults who, through Christ, will make a difference in the lives of those they meet and that the world will be blessed.
Point your kids in the right direction—when they’re old they won’t be lost.
Mark 10:13-14 (The Message)
The people brought children to Jesus, hoping he might touch them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus was irate and let them know it: “Don’t push these children away. Don’t ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.” Then, gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them.
One of my former pastors, Rev. Larry Brooks, once told me he met Jesus as a boy in the basement of a Methodist Church where his Boy Scout Troop met. That statement is especially memorable to me this week since we are preparing to host the Eagle Scout Honor Court ceremony for one of our youth.
“Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs." (NRSV)
This passage from Mark reminds us of how important children are to Christ, even in that moment. You see, Jesus was on his way to the Cross, and the events to come must have lain heavy on his heart and mind as well as on the disciples. In the worry and stress of what awaited them in Jerusalem, it's little wonder the disciples thought that Jesus would not want to be bothered by a group of noisy children.
Yet, in his unconditional love that has the strength to raise us above the weariness and troubles of life, Jesus welcomed them to him. Imagine the gentle smile and the easy laughter, a glow of kindliness that drew children to him. Did the children run to him and climb up into his lap? Did the babies reach out to grab his nose or put their little fingers to his mouth to be kissed? Did the boys rough house with him and the little girls giggle as they whispered silly jokes to him?
"Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray." (Proverbs 22:6, NRSV)
In the verses from Mark as well as Proverbs 22:6, we are reminded of our responsibility to our children and youth. "Don't stop them," Jesus told his disciples. "Don't push them away. Don't erect barriers between them and me that prevent them from coming to me."
It's the "village" of a community of faith to raise a child up in the ways that help that child grow into a caring, compassionate, responsible adult whose life is centered on Christ. It is through the Body of Christ and from our relationships with children and youth and with others that they may or may not meet Christ. It is from observing us that they learn what it is to be or not be a Christian.
So, God has given us a sacred ministry to our precious children and youth. Christ has called us to baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit and teach them all that Christ has commanded us (Mathew 28:19-20). Some are called to be nursery helpers, Sunday School teachers, youth group leaders, confirmation mentors and pastors. Some are called out into the world to live out their vocation as teachers and Scout, 4-H and Campfire leaders. All are called to pray for our children and youth and to set good examples.
In the United Methodist tradition, this is the promise we make at the time of a child's baptism and reaffirm it at a youth's confirmation of his or her faith:
"With God's help we will proclaim the good news
and live according to the example of Christ.
We will surround these persons
with a community of love and forgiveness,
that they may grow in their service to others.
We will pray for them,
That they may be true disciples
Who walk in the way that leads to life."
(p. 40, The United Methodist Hymnal)
It is a sacred vow that they will know that they are loved and what it means to be forgiven. It is a promise to the future; a promise that with the grace of God, we will help become adults who, through Christ, will make a difference in the lives of those they meet and that the world will be blessed.
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