Holy Purpose
Mary and Joseph traveled to Jerusalem shortly after baby Jesus was born to fulfill the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, to offer an animal sacrifice, and to dedicate baby Jesus to the Lord. They presented baby Jesus in the temple since “every (first born) shall be called holy to the Lord.” (Luke 2:23) Mary may not have realized it at the time that she was cradling the Savior of the world in her arms, and His life would be devoted to serving and ultimately sacrificed on a cross. An immense holy purpose bestowed to such a sweet, tiny baby.
I remember being filled with so much joy and gratitude when I dedicated each of my boys to the Lord. I imagine Mary felt similarly. Baby Dedication Sunday was a time to speak bountiful blessings and pray powerful promises of Truth over my babies with deep intentionality and hope. I declared in front of our community to faithfully teach Kaiden and Braylon that they are God’s wonderful masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10), set apart by the Lord (Jeremiah 1:5), made in His image (Genesis 1:37), a chosen member of His royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), with a beautiful purpose the Lord will fulfill (Isaiah 55:11), as they grow in strength, wisdom, and favor (Luke 2:40) because God has called them by name and they are His (Isaiah 43:1).
As my boys have grown older and seasons change like a roller coaster, declaring the promises of God is a daily routine for my little disciples. We wear promises of Truth like armor for the hard days. Days when fear, disappointment, heartache, and frustration weigh heavy. Days when our hearts run out of hope, and we forget God is for us. Days we doubt his faithfulness amid our failure. Days we have more questions than answers and anxiety bigger than faith.
What heavy things are you carrying that Jesus wants you to surrender? Has busyness caused you to pour from an empty cup? What promises are you believing for in this season?
Oh, what a delightful community of prayers we can create together.
Heavenly Father, give us courage to pray bold prayers and wait expectantly on you. Slather your grace over all our wounded places and whisper your hope to our hearts. Let us be alert to your divine affection for us and the intricate connections of your goodness. No matter what circumstances arise today, posture our hearts to trust your love. Help us to remember that you are always for us. In the powerful name of Jesus, Amen.
Amy Hendrix, Tallowood Student Ministry Assistant
