Welcome to the very FIRST Weekly WCC Nursery blog. Every week you will find the following items that will help you be EQUIPPED, be INSPIRED, and be SUPPORTED:
- HomeFront Weekly Attachment -- This is a document that introduces you to what is going to be taught the next week in the Nursery. The reason for giving you the info BEFORE it taught is a simple one; we believe that you are the primary spiritual leader of your kids, and we want to support you, so it is best if you present the stories and themes at home first and then we support you with our teaching on Sunday morning.
- Other great Biblical information about the Bible story that will help you grow in your walk with Christ.
- A direct email line with Matt, the Children's Minister at Wentzville Christian Church.
Jesus chose to intentionally invest in 12 men during his earthly ministry. He taught and mentored these men in order to prepare them to "go and tell" the rest of the world about him after he was gone. Jesus called each one individually into a relationship with him. Today, he calls each of us into a relationship as well.
It is believed to have been customary in Jewish culture for young boys to enter school at age six. By the time a child was ten years old, it was the hope that rabbinical students would have Genesis through Deuteronomy memorized verbatim. Those who had natural abilities and showed promise would then move to the next level of schooling. Students were encouraged to develop their abilities to think critically and learn to ask thoughtful and provoking questions. Having the aptitude to not only commit Scripture to memory but also being able to understand its meaning was a key component of the rabbinical education.
Around the age of 14, students would apply to follow a particular rabbi. Rabbis would then question the applicants on their knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures. If they were considered to be the cream of the crop, the rabbi would accept the student as his disciple by saying, “Come, follow me.” By applying to become a disciple of a rabbi, the student was committing to become like the teacher and one day follow in his footsteps, continuing to teach the message of the rabbi. Once accepted as a disciple, the student would leave his possessions and family home to follow the rabbi. This was considered to be the highest honor. The students who were not chosen to follow the rabbi would return to their families. Once they returned home, the young men would learn the family trade from their fathers.
When Jesus called the first apostles He said, “Come, follow Me.” They had not applied to be students of this Teacher. However, Jesus was unlike any other rabbi. He chose His disciples. Jesus was looking for faith and obedience. He called the men He knew would take His message and build His church.
There are many things in our culture that vie for our attention. Oftentimes we serve them with our energy and time. Where do we allow time for God to speak to us? When do we make time for Him to direct us where He wants us to go? How do we serve Him with our time?
This week, try practicing the spiritual disciplines of solitude and service. Set aside 15–20 minutes in your schedule and find a quiet place (with your morning coffee, on your lunch break, or in a quiet room of your house). Sit in the silence. Allow yourself to clear your mind as you begin to download thoughts, to-do lists, responsibilities, worries, or burdens. If it helps, write them down and set the paper aside. Release your frustrations, fears, and stresses. Ask the Lord to help you sit in the silence. Allow your soul to find rest in Him. In this time of silence invite God to speak to you. Consider praying this Scripture as you begin: “Speak, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:10).
May the Lord give you ears to hear His voice when He calls. And may He reveal to you the way He has chosen for you as you seek to follow Him in a life of worship.
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