Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Luke 1:16-17 "And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, 'to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,' and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."
CALLED TO SERVE
We receive Christmas cards and pictures from friends and neighbors this time of year. We read their Christmas letters and catch up on what has happened to them in the year past. Of course, they relate events that have already occurred, not usually events that are yet to happen! Now consider this message given to Zacharias through the Angel Gabriel.
What tremendous news! The Lord God said that Zacharias' son would be His tool in saving many. He would proclaim the Word of the Lord that would turn their hearts away from sin and back to the Lord. He would prepare the hearts of the people for the Coming Savior, Jesus. Not just a job; this would be a calling, a blessed opportunity to serve God.
Let me ask you, have you ever encouraged your sons to seek to serve the Lord in the public ministry? Or do you think only of secular occupations for your children? I pray not. If God grants them this desire and the ability, they too could be instrumental in the salvation of others. Even if your sons don't pursue the ministry, they can help to spread the Gospel here by opening their mouths as godly laymen. Both your sons and daughters could travel overseas in the Mission Helper program, to bring the gospel of Christ to others. Consider what great things God could accomplish through their service!
God promised Zacharias still more: "For he will be great in the sight of the Lord ..."
While he was less than impressive in the sight of men (he wore camel's hair and ate bugs), John would be great in the sight of God. Isn't that also what we want for our children? Shouldn't our first concern be that our children be known to God? Yes! Therefore we bring our children to Him in baptism. We bring them to hear His word and we teach them so that they may know what great things God has done for them in His Son. It is that Gospel message that will also move them to serve Him.
