I read an article this morning on the Austin American Statesman website entitled "This isn't your Grandma's Bible School" talking about innovative ways to reach children. The article noted that Kool-Aid and corkboard isn't in; Powerpoint and DVD (all things digital video)are the wave. The article noted George Barna's research, published in 2003, that rapidly growing churches do not compromise a premium on ministries to children and youth.
Right now, Jimmy and I feel as if the article could have been titled "This isn't your Grandma's Worship"! Sunday worship prep now always includes an hour-long review of the Powerpoint for the worship assembly. Who'd have thunk it fifty years ago?
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Tomorrow, Mandy and I will head to Texas for a quick two-day trip. Our plans include a whirlwind ride to Marble Falls on Tuesday to secure some temporary housing in advance of our move. On Monday and Tuesday nights, it the Rangers and Yankees at the Palace. This two-day break was originally intended for Tahoe Family Encampment prep work but our pending move (August 14th) is re-routing our plans.
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This morning, we'll look at the fifth commandment: God's call to honor our parents (Exodus 20.12). This commandment is the only one of the ten with an accompanying promise: "that you may live long in the land."
When I was younger, that promise always confused me. When someone left this earth too soon,I always assumed -- based on my understanding of Exodus 20.12 -- they must have been really ornery kids. When someone lived to be 90 or 100 years old, I assumed they never were spanked for unruly behavior.
But the promise of Exodus 20.12 isn't an individual promise or threat, it is a promise best understood in the context of community. When children are raised to honor their parents and released into the world as adults, honor and respect for their neighbor comes naturally. Society just works better when the Sovereign's will is fleshed out in the lives of His people.
