Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Click on this link to read the passage. You may select your preferred version of the Bible after the link opens.
When you hear the expression “passing the torch,” what comes to mind? The Olympics? Our schools’ track teams have relay races in which a baton is passed instead of a torch, but the idea is the same. One runner carries it for the first part of the race, then passes it to the next runner who carries it through the next part of the race, and so on until the race is over. Passing the baton can be tricky, and the ability to pass it smoothly without dropping it can be the difference between winning and losing the race.
The expression is also used to describe passing along knowledge, whether it is the knowledge and understanding of running a business from a retiring senior director to his younger replacement, or in a school setting of passing knowledge from teachers to students. The younger generation needs training and knowledge to become the leaders of tomorrow.
But there is no place more important than our own homes for passing the torch of our faith in God and in Jesus, God’s Son. The scripture for today’s lesson, Deuteronomy 6:4-9, was first spoken by Moses to the people after he gave them the Ten Commandments. Moses reminded the people that God was the only true God and that we should love him with all our hearts and with all our strength and all our minds. He then commanded the people to keep God’s commands in our hearts, and to impress them on our children. Moses said to talk to your children at home and while walking (driving in today’s world) along the road, at bedtime, and in the morning.
Moses didn’t say to send them to someone else to teach them. This is not to imply that Sunday school is wrong, but to emphasize that the primary responsibility lies with the parents who have the opportunity to model Christianity in action. Children learn to apply their faith at home. They see the examples their parents model for them. They sense intuitively whether their parents faith is genuine or not, and children’s personal commitment levels generally reflect what they have seen at home.
How often do you share your faith with your children? Do they hear you pray? Do they see you read your Bible on a regular basis? Did you share with them how you trusted Jesus to help you through a struggle today? Did you point out a Bluebird, Sparrow, or Cardinal, and remind them how God takes care of them in the same way he will take care of us? Do they hear you confessing your sins to God? Have you shared with them the importance of accepting Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins and his free gift of salvation? What a tragedy when children don’t catch that baton or torch – a tragedy that has eternal consequences.
Father God, increase our faith and our courage that we may openly share our faith with our children and with others around us. We see so many in our world today that obviously don’t know you as Savior and Lord. Don’t let us drop the baton. Help us pass the torch of your love and compassion to the generations of today and tomorrow.
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