READING: Deuteronomy 12-14; Luke 1:39-66
As a pastor, I’ve participated in many “parent/child dedication” services. Parents committed themselves to raising their children in the Lord, and they did so before the entire congregation. We then in turn committed ourselves to walking with them, teaching the child and praying for him or her to know Christ. Generally, we did this ceremony within the first year of the child’s life.
We could not know then, however, how the Lord might use that tiny child. I’ve been in ministry long enough now that some of those babies are now adults serving in ministry. Others are deeply committed to their local church as loyal, sacrificing church members that their pastor loves. Years after their parents committed them to the Lord, they’re serving the Lord faithfully.
I thought about these stories today as I read the words of the people of John the Baptist’s day: “All who heard about him took it to heart, saying, ‘What then will this child become?’ For, indeed, the Lord’s hand was with him” (Luke 1:66). John’s situation was obviously unique, but only God knows how He might use any child He gives us to raise. When the Lord is with them, our babies can point the way to Jesus.
PRAYER: “God, help us to raise our children well.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Deuteronomy 15-17; Luke 1:67-2:7
