Dear Rose Park,
On Monday night, Simon and I bundled up and went to the Zeeland light parade. We met our friends the Sommers (Clayton and Katlyn along with their two boys Braxton and William). Clayton and I were roommates at Hope where we both swam. I was amazed at how many entries there were in the parade: local businesses, plenty of churches, and dozens of firetrucks, police cars, and ambulances all beautifully decorated for the Christmas season. As I stood there, watching Simon and Braxton watch the cars and trucks pass by, something dawned on me yet again…
These children are the future of the church. Braxton, Simon, and a whole host of others are the future of the church. They are the ones to follow Jesus after us. They are the ones to lead the generation after them. They are the ones to broaden the mission of God to fields we haven’t even dreamed of. They are the ones to build the Kingdom to heights we can’t reach yet. They are the ones to preach the Gospel to groups who haven’t heard. They are the future of the church.
This should convict us. This should remind us that the next generation is watching. They’re watching to see how we love one another with our words and actions. They’re watching to see if we treat the church like a hospital filled with sick people or a country club reserved for the affluent. They’re watching to see if we forgive even when it’s difficult. They’re watching to see if we build or burn bridges. They’re watching to see if we bring the Good News to those who haven’t heard. They’re watching to see if we make disciples of all nations.
So, let’s be sure our example is worthy of replicating because just as Simon and Braxton are watching the Zeeland light parade, they’re watching us too.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Mark