Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- December 18, 2012
“Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (As it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord).”Luke 2:21-22
Jesus (who was both God and man) was dedicated to the Lord by His God-fearing father and mother. Wise parents present their newborns before their Creator in prayerful consecration. Their intentional association with the sacred shows their sincere love for their child and for their heavenly Father. Later, when the newborn is able to look back and see their legacy for the Lord, they often look to the Lord. Public dedication builds a foundation of faith.
Our baby’s dedication is as much for us as the parents as for the child. We acknowledge the sovereignty of God over us and our need for His wisdom and direction. A parent without prayer is set up for frustration and failure. However, when we lean into the Lord as a father and mother, we gain grace and the patience to parent. The dedication of our infant demonstrates our faith and reliance on God. Public commitment helps private practice.
“No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.” Romans 2:29
Your ultimate prayer is for your child to follow Christ in personal faith and commitment. Spiritual wholeness for your little one comes at conversion and continues in a lifelong commitment to growing in grace. Pray for your progeny to feel accountable to their heavenly Father, so even when you are not around, the fear of God motivates their behavior. Your dedication in dedicating your child to God is a milestone that invites heaven’s favor.
Furthermore, further the faith of your family by facilitating a community of believers around them. The prayers and support of other like minded parents exposes the enemy’s minefield of lies and deception. You need the complimentary teaching of the church to assist you in raising your child in the grace and love of the Lord. Successful parents collaborate. Your child’s dedication to God is foundational for their discipleship!
“The glory of children is their parents.” Proverbs 17:6
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I dedicate my children and myself to You.
Related Readings: Deuternonmy 6:4-7; Psalms 127:3, Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4
Post/Tweet today: Children dedicated to God look back, and seeing their legacy for the Lord, will often look to the Lord. #dedication
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