Thursday, March 26

THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020

"In the future, when your son asks you, 'What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the Lord our God has commanded you?' tell him: 'We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. Before our eyes the Lord sent signs and wonders—great and terrible—on Egypt and Pharaoh and his whole household. But he brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land he promised on oath to our ancestors. The Lord commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the Lord our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today. And if we are careful to obey all this law before the Lord our God, as he has commanded us, that will be our righteousness.'" (Deuteronomy‬ ‭6:20-25‬)

Deuteronomy 6 highlights the key role each of us may play in passing the life of following God onto the next generation.  While we may learn facts and knowledge without relationship, God has designed us to learn how to live by example.  We emulate those whom we respect, and it shows in our daily living.

The chapter includes the Shema, the call to love God and honor Him by following His commands.  Embedded within that call, we find a commitment to cross-generational discipleship.  In other words, nurturing children would go beyond physical, mental, and emotional aspects.  Parents, grandparents, and mentors play a key role in shepherding children.  For the Israelites, this shepherding would involve sharing truth through daily living and building a collective and growing memory of all God has done for His people.

While you may not be a parent, we all have the high calling of serving as Christ's ambassador in this world.  While we have a country and family of origin, we now also represent God's Kingdom and the family of His people.  Part of being His ambassador includes edifying others, particularly the young.  With God's help, we build up young people so that they may know God and multiply the truth that they have received through their own transformer lives.

Lord God, thank You for making us as relational beings.  Help us to honor You by building into others through our example.  Protect our hearts and minds so that our example may be clear and properly reflective of Who You are.  Give us the courage to invest in others, particularly when the the rewards may seem far off.  We love You and thank You for welcoming us into Your Kingdom through the tremendous sacrifice of Your Son.  In Jesus's mighty Name, amen.