21 Days of Prayer Day 19 -Wednesday - January 25 - Intercession - Our children and our students
This is just not a prayer focus, but a calling on our church to reach, disciple and send out our children and our students.
Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. 2 You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.
3 Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. 5 And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. 6 And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. 7 Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things. 2 Timothy 2:1-7 (NLT)
Paul was writing to his spiritual son Timothy. Paul knew death was on the horizon and he shared his last words to Timothy. Paul writes to Timothy because he had a burden to see that Timothy carries the torch - to continue to take the gospel to the next generation.
Paul gives Timothy as 3 powerful images: Soldiers, Athletes and Farmers.
Soldier - know their purpose
They knew their purpose and their mission. Students should know their purpose to please God and to fulfill their mission in reaching others.
Athletes - Grow to their potential.
Paul told Timothy to pass this on to other trustworthy people. That’s why we have and encourage small groups. We want them to grow in their potential and to pass this on to others.
Olympians had to commit to this strong level of training.
Farmer - Serve with Perseverance
Farmers know one thing - it is not easy. Kingdom work is hard work. Students will work hard, sow seeds, and keep serving because they know that at the right time they will reap a harvest. Farmers know there is a harvest and we pray that our students will serve with perseverance and experience reaping a harvest.
