Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Called and commissioned: preparing the next generation for God's work
Bible Reading: Acts 16:1-5
Key Verse:Vs2.The same (Timothy)was well reported of by the brethren that were in Lystra and Iconium.
DEVOTION
The first few verses of Acts 16 describes the beginning of the partnership between Paul and Timothy. As we later see, Paul becomes a teacher and mentor to Timothy. Timothy is described as a disciple whose mother is Jewish and a believer. Thus, we see that Timothy's foundations come from his mother. When Paul takes Timothy under his wing and grooms him to become a future leader of the church, there begins the teacher - student relationship between Paul and Timothy.
As Marthomites, we are also called and commissioned just like Paul to take our next generation under our wing and teach them the Word of God. At the time of baptism, the parents, grandparents, godparents and the worshipping community as a whole take responsibility to raise the infant in Christ. Once the infant becomes of age, the child declares that he accepts Christ; however, the responsibility and accountability of the family and worshipping community does not end there; rather, it is now their duty to make sure the child does not stray from God's path no matter how old they become.
Just like Paul prepared Timothy to continue what Paul started, so we must prepare our young ones to continue with our legacy. We have been given the gift of experience so that in each stage of their lives, our children, youth, young adults, newly married couples, and new parents all benefit from our life lessons. It is our duty to pass these lessons on to the next generation so that when the time comes, they can pass on these teachings to their children.
PRAYER