The Call to Get in the Game
OPENING PRAYER:
God, we come to You asking for wisdom as we learn how to share our faith with the next generation. Open our hearts and minds to what You want to show us today, and help us be ready to grow and respond. Amen.
"My people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old—things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us. We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done."
REFLECT:
The psalmist begins with a call to listen and obey, using the Hebrew word "Shema," which means to hear and act upon what is heard. This is not just passive listening but an active engagement with God's Word. The passage emphasizes the importance of sharing the stories of God's faithfulness with the next generation. In the message, Pastor Elliott highlighted how the responsibility of passing on faith lies primarily within the home, not just within church programs. This is a call to action for parents, grandparents, and influencers to actively engage in the spiritual development of the young ones around them.
The historical context of this psalm is rooted in the tradition of oral storytelling, where the deeds of God were recounted to ensure that future generations would know and trust Him. This tradition is a reminder that our faith is not just a personal journey but a communal one, where we are called to share and teach others. Pastor Rodney’s message challenges us to get off the metaphorical couch and be intentional about creating moments where faith can be shared and experienced in our homes.
As we reflect on this, consider the ways in which you can create opportunities for spiritual conversations in your daily life. It might be as simple as sharing a story of God's faithfulness in your life or asking a child what they learned in church. The key is to be intentional and present, recognizing that these small moments can have a lasting impact.
I WILL STATEMENT:
I will get off the couch and get in the game. A great way to do this would be by identifying one child or young person in your life with whom you can have an intentional conversation about faith this week. It could be a simple question about what they learned in church or sharing a personal story of God's faithfulness in your life. You can do it! We can help! In the Pathway App or on our website, we have a list: go to pathwaychurch.com/parentresources and click on “Conversation Starters”. It’s a great place to start.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for the reminder that we are called to actively participate in passing on our faith. Help us to be intentional in our actions and words, creating opportunities for Your love and truth to be shared. Guide us as we seek to be faithful stewards of the next generation. Amen.