We have many great opportunities during the summer to
reach the children and families in our area. Methods have changed over the
years, but the message has hopefully remained the same. We want to introduce
children to God, the Bible, and Jesus. We use many creative ways in doing so.
Somewhere during all the crafts, games, songs, and skits, the great stories of
the Bible are told. I dare say that is where most people receive their basic
theology. Songs tell us about Jesus’ love, letting our little lights shine, and
of course the B-I-B-L-E song creates lasting impressions for all of us. Many
start their Christian walks by making decisions to follow Christ during these
types of events.
A problem develops as we grow older, when our faith and
Bible knowledge stays “childlike”. The stories we heard about Noah and the Ark,
Jonah and the whale, baby Moses, and Jesus’ miracles are wonderful, but as we
mature as believers our understanding of God’s Word must grow too. A deeper
understanding of the Word of God can only occur if we spend time hearing,
reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating on it. The account of Jesus
feeding over 5,000 people is one of these stories. We learn as children about
Jesus’ love, using a little boy’s lunch, and the great miracle that followed.
By digging deeper into this passage we can learn Biblical truths that give us
direction, and help us grow in Christ.
We can learn lessons in giving, receiving, and blessings
when we are doing God’s work. First we must be willing to give
wholeheartedly to the work of the Lord. The boy in this story gave all he had
to Jesus. In his eyes and those around him it sure didn’t seem like much, but
because of his faithfulness, and belief that Christ can truly do all things,
something unexpected was about to occur. In our lives, we may feel that what we
have to give isn’t much, but when we give it all to Him, heaven rejoices.
What in your life have you not
turned over to the Lord for His kingdom’s work?
He is waiting for you. Amen?
