Throughout the Scriptures, we read something surprising—God invites us to call Him Father. He views us (followers of Christ) as His children. That’s pretty amazing if you stop and think about it.
He even says that children are a gift! (Psalm 127:3)
I don’t always feel like a gift. However, if you asked me about my own children, I would quickly tell you how much they mean to me. I love them even when it’s hard to (not badmouthing; ain’t nobody perfect). And yet, I can’t even imagine not loving them. I truly want what’s best for them, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make that a reality.
Child dedication is an expression of this desire. It’s a public declaration of our love and commitment to our children.
Notice how God (through Paul) outlines what our commitment should look like in the home:
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, because this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise, so that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land. Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:1–4, CSB)
The phrase “bring them up” is translated as “provides for” in Ephesians 5:29, describing how a man nourishes his own body (only used these 2 times in the NT). When parents dedicate their children, they are declaring that they will provide what’s needed for their children to receive the training and instruction of the Lord.
The word “training” means “the act of providing guidance for godly living.” Training can be tough; like a coach driving his players to stretch their limits. Parents who have dedicated their children to the LORD are willing to tell their children, “This is where we need to go. This is what you need to do.”
Then Paul uses the word “instruction.” The technical definition is “counsel about avoidance or cessation of an improper course of conduct.” In basic terms, instruction is about wisdom and warning. God gives us parents so they will warn us from making mistakes...sometimes the same mistakes they have made. Parents don’t have the luxury of passivity. They are not “peers” and “buddies,” but they must respect the authority God has given them over their children.
God is clear that His first design for reaching a child is through his/her parents. When families dedicate their children at Grace, they are publicly declaring their commitment to raise children God’s way, and they’re inviting us to be their spiritual family of support and accountability.
Child dedication is really about dedicated parents. And it all started with God, the Father.
I'm excited that we have the honor of dedicating nine children this Sunday!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Jack