6/28/09: WELCOME HOME, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANTS!
June 30, 2009
This past Sunday was our last 12:13 class before the two-month summer break…and we packed a lot in!
“Action Pack” collection for “Voice of the Martyrs.” Students in the class donated new and “gently used” clothing, toys, blankets, and other items to assist persecuted Christians in Pakistan. They also gave funds to pay for the shipping expenses. (See photo below of those who made donations.) I have been so impressed with the sacrificial generosity of these Middle School students — they are eager to serve others around the world!
Farewell to Graduating 8th Graders. Sad as it is, kids have to grow up some time…and our graduating 8th Grade students are leaving 12:13 to join the church’s high school ministry. We took a few minutes in class to thank them for their example and pray for their continued spiritual growth and impact as they enter high school.
Team Handstand Competition. It didn’t have a lot to do with today’s lesson, but it was fun to watch pairs of 8th Grade students compete to see who could stand on their hands the longest. Congratulations to Brenton Polk for outlasting the rest of his red-faced classmates!
The highlight of Sunday’s class was completing our journey through “Pilgrim’s Progress.” Christian and Hopeful were escorted by angels from the river of death up the steep hill to the Celestial City. Thanks to the strength of these glorious companions and the sweetness of their fellowship, the ascent was effortless. Along the way they were welcomed by a jubilant throng of Heaven’s citizens, accompanied by loud shouts and trumpet blasts. This is the “cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) cheering us on in our race and eager to greet us when we reach the finish line.
As they approached the gate, the angels told the Pilgrims what awaited them in the Celestial City: thousands and thousands of angels, the Tree of Life, white robes, crowns of gold, and eternal life free from pain, sorrow, sickness, and death. Best of all, promised the angels, “every day your walk and talk shall be with the King.” The invisible Companion who had accompanied them along each step of their journey was about to show them His face!
We paused in our story to meet a new friend. A member of our church since 2004, Nadia Ibrahim was born with Cerebral Palsy. She and her dog Cooper are actively involved in the church — Nadia is often stationed at the front doors in her wheelchair, greeting people as they enter on Sunday morning. She graciously shared with the class how her life is affected by her disability and how much she is looking forward to Heaven — especially to dancing with joy before her King. We had a chance to pray for her and thank her for the way her joy and faith inspire us.
When they reached the gate the watchmen asked the Pilgrims to present their certificates, which were then carried to the King. “Open the gates!” cried the King. With that, Christian and Hopeful triumphantly entered the City. Their travel rags were transfigured as they entered the joy of their Master (Matthew 25:21). Their afflictions were over. They were safely home.
Surprisingly, John Bunyan’s classic tale does not end on that glorious note. Rather, the final paragraphs relate what happened to that other traveler, Ignorance, who had refused to respond to the Pilgrims’ gospel invitations. He crossed the dark river easily, thanks to a ferry man named Vain Hope, but received no welcome on the other shore. He trudged up the steep hill alone until he reached the city’s gate. He knocked confidently, expecting to be admitted. But when the watchmen asked for his certificate, he fumbled in his coat and shrugged. He had none. Rather than open the gate in welcome, the King commanded his angels — the same ones who had escorted Christian and Hopeful — to bind Ignorance hand and foot and throw him into Hell.
As we ended this final class, I gave each student a “New Birth Certificate” detailing what is needed to guarantee admission to the Celestial City. I soberly charged them to learn from the tragic fate of Ignorance and make sure they have their “certificate” firmly in hand. As Peter wrote in his first letter (see below), let us pray that our mighty Savior would guard each of these young pilgrims until they receive the glorious inheritance of salvation!
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:3-5)
Enjoy the summer break…I look forward to starting our third year of 12:13 classes on Sunday, September 6!
Entry Filed under: Message Notes / Visuals. .
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