Thursday, February 28, 2013

The Vision (2/28/13): Jairus: An Example for Christian Parents


Note:  In one of the closing applications from last Sunday’s sermon from Luke 8:41-56 I urged us to consider Jairus as an example of how parents should be spiritually concerned for their children:

“….and he fell down at Jesus’ feet, and besought him that he would come into his house:  For he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay dying….” (Luke 8:41-42)

What father, if his dear one and only child had a sickness unto death, would not do everything in his power to give that child life giving treatment?  Would he not go to the best hospitals, seek out the best doctors, procure the best medicines?  Surely we find an exemplary model of parental concern in Jairus, the synagogue ruler, as he seeks out Jesus to cure his daughter.

But now, fathers and mothers, consider the spiritual state of your dear children, if they stand apart from the love of God in Christ.  They have a sickness unto death, for this is the wages of their sin (Romans 6:23).  Have you fallen down at the feet of Jesus and besought him to come into your house?  To raise your children out of their spiritual death and darkness?

Do we care more for the bodies and minds of our children than for their souls? Do we strive to make sure they do their best in school, wear fashionable clothing, participate in the right sports, hobbies, or civic organizations, but then neglect to bring their great spiritual need before Jesus? What does it profit our children if they gain the whole world and lose their souls?

Consider that God used the instrument of a concerned father to raise a dead girl to life.  He can use the concern and intercession of godly fathers and mothers to bring spiritual life to our children.
Grace and peace, Pastor Jeff Riddle

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