The month of July means that it is time for Vacation Bible School at St. John’s, Cordova. So, when you hear the words Vacation Bible School, what thoughts come to mind? Maybe you recall memories of being a participate or helper. Maybe you think of fun games, interesting crafts, catchy songs and special Bible stories. Or maybe you think of hot weather…as our VBS week always seems to be hot!
But when you think about VBS, I hope there is one other thing that comes to mind. And that would be: opportunity! The opportunity to tell the next generation about what Jesus has done for them!
The Bible reminds us of the tremendous importance of telling the next generation of what God has done. Before the Israelites entered the Promised Land, Moses not only reminded the people to “take care lest you forget the Lord” (Deut. 6:12), but also to pass on to the next generation the Good News of what God had done for them. Deuteronomy 6:20-21 says, “When your son asks you in time to come, ‘What is the meaning of the testimonies and the statutes and the rules that the Lord our God has commanded you?’ then you shall say to your son, ‘We were Pharaoh’s slaves in Egypt. And the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand.’”
As God’s New Testament people, we have an even greater message to remember and pass on to the next generation. It is: Though we were enslaved to sin, death and the devil, the Lord Jesus has delivered us through His mighty works of living a perfect life, dying on the cross and rising from the dead. This is the message we have received and the message we have the opportunity to share.
We might think of it this way. When it comes to childhood education, a number of years ago an act called “No Child Left Behind” was passed. As you may know, in many ways it did not achieve its desired results. But yet, as its name states, it had a laudable goal: to leave no child behind educationally.
More importantly, God does not want any child left behind eternally. With this in mind, 1 Timothy 2:4 says, “God desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.” 2 Corinthians 5:15 says that Jesus died for all. And as we know, John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” Therefore, when it comes to Vacation Bible School, it is important for all children to be educated about Jesus.
Psalm 78:2-3 says, “I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and His might, and the wonders that He has done.”
And so, Vacation Bible School gives us a wonderful opportunity to tell the next generation about what God has done for them and everyone. With this opportunity in mind, I ask you to pray for our VBS, invite children to come, and help as God enables you.
Pastor Tuma