For the Children

He became one of us. He became all of us… So that we can have all of Him.

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

God choosing to become man implies much more than man choosing to believe in God. And THAT, my friends, is good news!

God choosing to become an infant and choosing to grow up and mature for us and as the new creation means much more for us and our children than we may realize. God choosing to condemn sin in the flesh on the cross means way more than any human being can ever perceive...

After the resurrection, Jesus stood before the disciples as the good news in the flesh. Not only as the incarnate Son of God, but also with victory over death for all creation, or as Paul would put it: "as the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep" (1 Corinthians 15:20). He sent them out to go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.

The resurrection changed everything. Paul says “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself”. However, the declaration of the gospel (good news) is as important and essential. Paul also states “all things are of God, who has reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ AND has given us the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). The declaration of the Gospel is so essential that knowing that many would shed their blood, Jesus told them to go, promising that He will be with them to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).

This mission has been ongoing for generations over 2,000 years, and life on earth has been undergoing a transformation that is undeniable.

Preaching the Gospel has been the key factor in expanding the Kingdom of God, or the reign of God on the earth. Preaching the Gospel has come in a multitude of forms. In this post, I would like to stress the importance of preaching the Gospel to our children. Preaching the Gospel to our children is more important than putting food on the table.

A generation is being shaped and formed to bring much change, to go way further than we could ever imagine. We need to be aware of and actively involved in their lives, even from the youngest age. We will need to be honest with ourselves and think about how we will be remembered, and what we will eventually give to this world and for the service of the Lord. Will our legacy live on? Will we join the Lord in rejoicing and interceding for future generations?

My children are my arrows. I release them to witness nothing less than a bull’s eye victory, by the grace of Jesus Christ. Apostles, by definition, are sent out ones, as diplomats representing the Kingdom of God, venturing out to spread the rule and reign of Heaven into the darkest corners of the earth, planting seeds, watering others, strengthening the people of God with wisdom, power and love, by the incredible grace of God. How are we preparing the release of the ministers of the future? Victory and success are measured by how far, how widespread or how effective and influential our work and input turns out to be at the end of our journey. That’s all that matters in the end. 

First and foremost, I believe that we need to accept the fact that this is a task that is greater than us. What I mean is that raising giants in the Kingdom is a task that can only be undertaken by God. I have discussed this many times here in my blog but still cannot stress enough the importance of preaching the gospel as the key agent in any kind of supernatural change in our world. In other words, it is not our parenting skills, our care, love, discipline or education, as important as these are, that will be the major agent in the change required for their growth as giants in the Kingdom of God, but it is the power of God which is released through the preaching of the Gospel. And this is no different with children.

Friends, we will experience the delight of crushing the head of the serpent, when we start practicing the grace given us and take ownership of preaching the Gospel to the nations. We will not need the grace given us after we depart. It is useful here and now, and it starts with our children.

Yes, it is done with games. And yes, it is done with storytelling. And yes, it is done by live examples and modeling for our children. But it is also done by the live preaching of God's Word. I do not want to dismiss the relevance of all pedagogical ways, but nothing will replace the raw preaching of the Word of God, led by the Holy Spirit. Paul preached it. It didn't matter whether there were children in the crowd. It didn't matter whether they were awake or asleep, or even if they fell down from the windows. He raised them from the dead and kept preaching the same message, that worked new miracles every day and edified the body into maturity (Acts 20:9-11).

Many will dismiss it or downplay its essential role, justifying their actions by so many ways. Others will dismiss it, considering it too advanced for children (as if it is not too advanced for them as well). But the brave will preach it, and they will preach the raw message.

Who will father the nations? Who will gather the scattered? Who will shelter the homeless? Who will lead ships to shores of peace and rest? The redeemed will rise to take their rightful place; to rule and reign with Christ, to radiate the hope of glory. The saints of God will trample on snakes and scorpions. Yes, our children will! They will bring disobedience to obedience to the Lamb who was slain to cleanse man of all sins, to display His love and mercy from generation to generation, until the end of this age. The Church will rise with all her beauty and splendor and bring the children back home; back to the Father, back in the Son, by the Holy Spirit, eternally ONE with God!

2019 will be the year of boldness, authority and the year to step into our inheritance. Grace will be central. Power will be manifested. Glory will settle for a new work, a new beginning and a new chapter.

“The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.” (Isaiah 11:6)

2019 is for the children. They who hunger for righteousness will be filled! (Matthew 5:6)

Our children will be filled, as they eat to their hearts’ content. (Proverbs 13:25)

Happy new year to all family and friends! Wish you all the best of the Father. Much love and blessings to all!