Thank God for Faithful Preachers of His Word – Family Devotion – July 23, 2021

Read: 1 Timothy 3:1-7

Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.
1 Timothy 3:1

Thank God for Faithful Preachers of His Word

 

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

There was a principal that loved his students. He worked hard to make sure he taught his students carefully. He prepared his classes so that each student would learn. He also had to take care of the paperwork of the school. He spent countless hours doing his work. He taught his lessons so that Jesus was in everything his students learned. He took Jesus home with him. He spent time with his family making sure they were safe and happy. He made sure that his family knew Jesus and that they were saved, that heaven is their home. He did all of these things because he loved his Savior.

Then there was a little girl. Her father was taken to heaven. She was in this principal’s school. She was not one of his students yet because she was so little. That didn’t stop this principal. He knew she and her family needed support. One time at a father/daughter basketball game, he stepped in as the little girl’s “dad.” The principal’s daughters babysat for the little girl. The principal watched out for her, and she listened to what he said. She heard his message from Jesus. She felt so loved and supported that she too wanted to be a teacher. Sure enough, she did!

Thank God for faithful preachers of his Word! Because of this principal and all the men and women who God calls to be his messengers, more people (like that little girl) experience Jesus’ love. Many feel the love of the Lord through the love of the pastor or the teacher. Many come to faith, grow stronger in faith, and share their faith because of faithful preachers of his Word! While everyone has the calling to share the good news, few are called to do it full time. Thank the Lord for people like this principal, and all of our pastors and teachers who choose to serve the Lord by sharing the great news of salvation with us every day!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for faithful called workers who have impacted our lives. Use them to strengthen and encourage us each day. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What did the principal do to show his love for Jesus?
• What did the little girl end up doing as a job?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What motivated the principal in his work?
• Why is love so important in the work of a pastor, teacher, or principal?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Name a pastor or teacher in your life and how they influenced you for the better.
• Have you considered that the Lord might want you to be a called worker? Discuss with your family the gifts they see in you to be one.

Hymn: CW 446:5,6 – I Am Trusting You Lord Jesus

I am trusting you for power; You can never fail.
Words which you yourself shall give me, Must prevail.

I am trusting you, Lord Jesus; Never let me fall.
I am trusting you forever And for all.