Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Caring for the Children
Jesus had a great deal to say. Sometimes it was simple, and direct. At other times even the disciples did not understand what he was telling them. The Scripture tells us that reality.
One of the statements Christ made is understandable and clear. Taking a child in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me” (Mark 9:37).
A dear friend spent most of her working life as a director of children’s ministry. They did a video upon her retirement after many years of faithful service to the children where she was called to minister. One of her memorable quotes was one we have heard many times but should hear again: “Children’s ministry is the future of the church.”
As Jesus cared about the children, all of us need to let our churches be that safe space where our children want to participate, and parents want to invest their time and resources. It has also been said, “Relational involvement changes the world.” How important these relationships are!
Might we also think about what investment was made into our own lives—those caring parents, grandparents, teachers, ministers, and friends that invested in our lives. Like Jesus, they literally and figuratively took each of us into their arms, sharing God’s love and challenging us to respond as God shows the way. Even now dividends are being received because of their involvement and investment.
Look to where we can invest in the church of tomorrow. Look to the future and pray for the future as God raises up the next generations.
Joel Russell, pastor
Goshen Moravian Church, Durbin, North Dakota, and
Bethel Moravian Church, Leonard, North Dakota