Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Devotion 3.30.17

Purpose and Direction - Psalm 31

The weekend in which we celebrated our great nephew's first birthday culminated in worship at his parent's church.  The service itself was one of dedication in which our great nephew was "dedicated" with other children.  The dedication was the introduction of the child before the congregation, along with how that name was chosen, and a favorite passage that would be his special passage of scripture. 

The elder who led that part of the service said some things that really struck a chord with me.  He talked about the young boy's faith as he grows.  He spoke of the parents' role and responsibility in developing the faith in that child.  He then turned to the congregation and spoke of the accountability we have in that.  We do the same in our church during the baptism of children as the pastor leads the baptism speaking of the work it does in the heart of the baptized, as well as the responsibility the parents have in that faith life.  The pastor then turns to the sponsors, sometimes seen as an honorary role rather than the true role it is in keeping the parents to their word given that day of the baptism or standing in place of the parents should something happen to them.  The pastor also turns to the congregation to remind us all of our responsibility in the faith lives of those in our church, including the young.

We pray for these young children and all in the midst of Christ that we let him guide us.  "For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me; you take me out of the net they have hidden for me, for you are my refuge.  Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God." (Psalm 31:3-5)

Christ will echo these words on the cross, but we echo these words daily.  Into Christ's hands we commit our spirits, meaning we turn to Him for our guidance.  We truly seek that "his will be done," through us here on earth as His will is certainly done in heaven.  Christ has redeemed us.  Our lives are bought with a price through his suffering, death, and resurrection. We pray that these young children receive that guidance through those responsible for them, including all who gather in his midst as the body of believers, so that one day they may walk with Him on their own.

Hope Men's Ministry

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