The words have been recited in the homes of the faithful for nearly 4,000 years; "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.
Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates." (From Deuteronomy 6).
Yesterday, Park church received a glimpse into how this works. It was an emotional day, with our kids, the Katilus family, moving to Texas to begin a new life there. Tears flowed freely even as we worked hard to help them pack for the long road ahead of them. But before that all transpired, God gave us a glimpse into his design for the preservation and flourishing of our faith. It happened at the end of the early worship service.
Pastor Joe had finished preaching; people had come forward to receive Holy Communion when he invited those who wanted prayer to join him at the front of the church. He looked at me and said, "Pastor Jim, will you come and pray with me?" I stepped out of my seat and stood by his side waiting. There was a rustling in the front seats to our left, and we watched as Ian and Nathan, age 10 and 7, brought their friend Cameron age 5, to the front of the church. I bent down to hear Nathan ask me to pray for his friend who was moving away. You know, it's awfully hard to pray when you can barely speak for the tears. I thanked God for Nathan and Ian, who love Jesus and Cameron enough to ask for prayers for him; then I blessed Cameron. My prayer was and is that all three of them will grow in the knowledge and grace of Christ to become young men of integrity, courage, faith, and love. It was one of the most moving experiences I've ever had, and is testimony to the power of that ancient blessing. When parents faithfully train their children by word and example, it really does take root.
The music yesterday was inspired, and Joe preached well. But I suspect the most memorable sermon was delivered through these three boys who have been taught well at home, and who loved each other enough to step out in front of the entire congregation to be blessed in prayer.
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