Outward Sign of Faith - Sean's First Communion

Praise God.  Sean experienced his first communion at Grace Church this morning.  After much discussion in the household, and even some tearful moments, we were blessed to present the opportunity for Sean to outwardly declare his love for God and his absolute need for Jesus Christ, our savior.

I believe it is important to share this event with my family and give even my personal testimony in this experience.  The timing of Gods word was and is always timely and nourishing.  And today was no exception to that fact.  Before sharing the message today, let me share what has been going on with my son.  He desires to take communion.  Partly because that is what we do, and because he thinks he is ready.  I was trying to do my best to discern his understanding of the gospel and the right timing of this celebration and communion experience.

Prior to worship this morning, and over many months, our family contemplated what the essence of communion really is with my son.  Notwithstanding the important biblical command, I enjoyed explaining to my son the version that my pastor explained, which I believe is consistent with being centered in the gospel.  Pastor Tim described communion as being an "outward sign of an inner reality."  Since I believe that salvation is by Gods grace alone, in faith alone, through Jesus Christ alone, the concept of an outward sign of an inner reality really describes this best, which is another description of faith and outwardly professing our need in Christ, our savior.  I don't believe my son at age 8 perfectly defines this and understands it the same as I do, but I truly believe he loves the Lord and believes Christ Jesus saves.  He acknowledges we are sinners, in need of a savior.  And he knows who Jesus Christ is.  This is enough.

But even with all this knowledge from my son, I continued looking for more surety of the right time...  I continued looking for unwavering understanding from my 8 year old son.  It was as if I believed that my instruction, timing, and the success of my father pastoring was a key element in Gods work.  As the elements were being passed this morning, I told Sean I would prefer to let the elements pass from him and he looked at me sadly and respectfully and said "I will do as you tell me dad."  As I took the elements in my hand, and at just the right time, I repeated to myself that salvation is of the Lord.  I looked at his precious face knowing that he desired to be part of the Lords table and the only reason I was wavering is I thought he was not fully confident in the Gospel and he could not perfectly recite the answers I wanted.  It was at this time, I looked at Sean and told him he and I would take communion together.  I declared this is Gods work and needed to let that stand as it should.  Tears of joy immediately sprang from the both of us!  I was emotionally reminded that this is Gods work and I need to be graceful in this, and especially to my son.  I needed to give him a gift during this worship Sunday that God provided us both.  How precious, and how fortunate it was to experience this moment with my son.  As my Pastor preached the word, I began to whisper to Sean in his ear the significance of each element of the supper we were about to take.  About this time, as we were taking communion, I realized it was not just Sean and I becoming emotional and tearful since both Amber and Jennifer were both in tears of joy.  What a blessing...

Today was a message on Psalms 78.  The message focus was the importance of equipping our children and disciples in the gospel so that the generation to come may know and continue it's teaching in the word of God.  It was fitting timing to pass the baton on to my son today.  It is my prayer that we do this well.  It is also my praise that God will get it done.  May he give me strength to be part of his work.  I plan to continue instructing my family in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and thankful that I have trusted men and a Pastor who continually poor it in to me with love, truth and application.  He who began a good work in you, will take it on to completion until the day of Christ!

There is many reasons to remember this date.  Partly because of the tragedy of 9-11 where so many lives we lost in our county.  That tragedy is still vivid in my mind and I still grieve for the families affected by it.  But to remember this time and Gods blessing in my son will be the prize and focus of this father.  I will do my best to remind my son of this memory for many future years.

We celebrated the day by enjoying a lunch together following worship service at Sean's favorite spot, Habit.  His grandparents also treated him to a great dinner complete with cookies.  Great day, this is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Dinner time with the Grandparents!