Thank God for spiritual mothers and fathers!

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Sanctification”

Our Bible verse for today: “I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. 1 John 2:14 (NIV)

Our thought for today: “Thank God for spiritual mothers and fathers”

By the time John wrote the letter of 1 John, he was probably in his late 80s. He was certainly the last of the Twelve Apostles still alive. In his letters of 2 and 3 John, he identifies himself as “The Elder”. That’s how the people would have affectionately thought of him.

The letter of 1 John was intended to be a word of gentle pastoral guidance from a much-loved elder statesman of the church. In chapter 2, verses 12-14, John addresses different groups, by age category, and each for a different reason. Verse 14 is directed to “fathers.” That’s actually a reference to the spiritually mature older people in the church, both men and women. John says he is writing to them because they are spiritually mature, and the implication is that he is depending on them to reinforce the guidance he is giving in this letter and to model it for everyone else.

Another way of thinking about such people is as spiritual mothers and fathers. These are the older saints in the church who for decades have committed themselves to being serious disciples of Christ, and as a result, they have achieved a high level of spiritual maturity. Our churches are filled with these dear saints and we should praise God for them. We should also honor them and learn from them.

In two previous daily devotionals I playfully referred to God’s crazy people. I called them an odd cast of characters. We also thought about how much fun such an environment can be, while at the same time being caring and nurturing.

Our spiritual mothers and fathers are part of that. Many times, they’re the biggest characters. I remember my good friend Leon (he’s in heaven now.) Leon was a great servant with a big heart and he was a very wise man. But he was also a practical joker and a lot of fun to be around. I remember Jane (also in heaven now.) Jane was one of the greatest saints I have ever had the privilege to know. But not only was she wise in the ways of the Lord, she also always had a twinkle in her eye, a smile on her face, and laughter in her voice.

Thank God for spiritual mothers and fathers! They add so much to the depth, the richness, the joy, and the fun of our churches. I encourage you to contact some of them in your church today and let them know how much you love and appreciate them.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

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