The Gift of Jesus
Social media has been exploding with pictures of our 2021 Graduates. It is a blessing anytime our young people complete a milestone in their lives. I know that they will be receiving gifts to reward them for this accomplishment, but have you thought about giving them the Gift of Jesus?
We as adults know how difficult life can be. I know sometimes we as parents try to shield our children from the harshness of life. You may disagree, but I feel we do them a disservice when we do. For example, in Acts 3, there is a story about a man who had been lame from birth (this meant he had never walked on his own without any assistance.) Every day, his friends would carry him to the temple gate called “Beautiful” so that he could beg for money. The people would gift him money every day.
The problem was not that he needed wealth. He really needed to be able to walk on his own. Finally, one day, Peter and John are headed to the temple to worship and he begs for them for money. Peter realizes that this man doesn’t need wealth or anything materialistic. The man needed to walk on his own. According to Acts 3:6-8 in the Message Translation,
“6-8 Peter said, “I don’t have a nickel to my name, but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!” He grabbed him by the right hand and pulled him up. In an instant his feet and ankles became firm. He jumped to his feet and walked.”
I want you to know that your child doesn’t need anything else materialistic. What they need is Jesus. Just like this man, they have never really walked or stood on their own because they have had you there giving them support. It’s time for them to walk on their own. The man in this story was 41 years old. You don’t want your child to be 41 and still depending on your support to walk in life.
We need to arm our children with the Word of God so they will know how to seek him when life overwhelms them. Teach those verses you have used in order to help you get through. You don’t have to do this, but find books that they can read as well to include the Bible. Ross sometimes has a great selection of devotional books you can choose from.
While you are celebrating your graduates and giving gifts, please include the gift of Jesus.