Jump Start # 1335

Genesis 22:7 “And Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, ‘My father!’ And he said, ‘Here I am, my son.” And he said, ‘Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”

Last evening was a very special service for us at Charlestown Road. Nine of our young men, all Christians, conducted the entire service. All the singing, all the prayers, the lessons, the Lord’s Supper—everything but the closing announcements. A lot of time was devoted to this. They were groomed and taught what to do. They took it very seriously. All of them dressed up. They were prompt, dedicated and serious about what they were doing. The congregation was amazed. Such talent. Such young hearts. It is easy in a congregation our size with all the talent we have to leave the young men on the sidelines. They would never really learn if that happened. Nearly all of us had our first time at doing things. These young men have been used many times, but never as concentrated as last evening. It was so encouraging.

I thought of our passage several times last evening. This Genesis account involves Abraham offering Isaac as a sacrifice. For more than three days Abraham knew this, young Isaac didn’t. When they got to the place for the sacrifice, Isaac questioned his father. He understood that a lamb was needed for a burnt offering. He didn’t suggest burning some pine cones, catching a rabbit, so something that would be easy or different. He knew. How did he know? He must have seen his father worship. He understood the reverence and devotion that was necessary in worship of God.

This is the role first of our homes and then secondly of our congregation. We must teach each generation. When some get of age they will ask questions. Why can’t we do this? Why can’t we have pizza for the Lord’s Supper? Don’t dismiss that thought. Answer it carefully and thoughtfully. When they ask ‘Why can’t we have a car wash and raise money?’ Answer the question. They must learn, see and come to respect. What happens when a generation grows and they are not taught, either at home, or in the congregation, then departures take place. Pizza becomes a viable alternative for the Lord’s Supper. The worship shifts from being God centered to what makes the people happy. Once the door is opened for “why not,” anything goes. The first generation will only take one or two steps away from how they were raised. It’s daring for them. However, the children of this new generation, will grow up with departures and changes as normal as anything. That generation will be more brazen and bold. They will take it places where their parents would never go.

This is the story of ancient Israel. The nation remained pretty loyal to God as long as Joshua was around. When he died, the next generation took that daring step away from God. Their children, the next generation, did not even know God. This is when idolatry became introduced.

So, at a very young age, moms and dads must teach about prayer. God is not Santa and we do not bow our heads and get anything we wish. God is God. We must talk reverently to God. God’s will is that all of us honor Him, obey Him and follow Him. That some times takes us down some dark valleys in life.

Worship must be a time to teach children about God. When they are babies, they need snacks and books. I have never been a fan of bringing their toys to services. Little books about Bible subjects is a reminder of what mom and dad have with their Bibles. It’s a time to be quiet. It’s a time to learn songs and sing them. Not just in the church house, but in the car, around the home. Learn the songs. Sing them together. When they fuss, take them out. Be quick about that so that they will not disturb the worship of others. However, when they are taken out, it should not be play time. Going out should not be a happy occasion. It means that they were fussy. They will soon learn that if they fuss, they can go out and play. However, especially when they start getting some age on them, if they go out and it’s not a pleasant experience, they will stop that.

Talk about God. Pray to God. Read God’s word. Make God the center of your life. Make worship to be a highlight of your week. Come early. Meet the people. It’s hard on young parents. You can do it. Others have before you.

And as young Isaac understood what God required for a sacrifice, your children will understand what God wants in worship today. And to sit and see the glowing eyes of so many parents last night, who saw their young sons honoring God in a Biblical, reverent, and godly fashion, was to realize all those lessons, all those talks, all those questions paid off. They understood. They got it. What a delight that is.

The next generation has all kinds of questions. The next generation needs to know why we do what we do. The next generation needs to be shown how to worship God in a proper fashion.

Keep it up parents! Keep it up church!

Roger