Grandparents Day Homily

Grandparents and Special Friends Day

Wyneken Memorial Lutheran School

08 November 2019

 - 2 Timothy 1:1-5

“When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.”

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, because of Your tender love toward us sinners You have given us Your Son that, believing in Him, we might have everlasting life. Continue to grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in this faith to the end and finally come to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Today is Grandparents and special friend’s day here at Wyneken. Today we say “thank you” to you our grandparents and special friends as you give your influence and guidance in the faith formation of our students. We thank you for your assistance, your direction, your wise counsel.

As Paul writes to young Timothy he gives us wonderful wise words of wisdom.

Guard the Deposit Entrusted to You

Behind Timothy’s strong faith.Behind Timothy’s deep convictions. Behind Timothy’s solid doctrinal foundation. Were two WOMEN. His grandmother Lois. And his mother Eunice.

The gospel had been long enough in the world to have a history in families. We find three generations here. The grandmother Lois.The mother Eunice.And Timothy also. Here we see the Christian faith in its morning - that is, in the life of young Timothy. We find it at noon. In his mother Eunice. And at the evening of life. In his grandmother Lois.

This is the only reference to either of these women in the entire Bible. And yet these women take their place beside all the other great heroes of faith in the Bible.  Because of the godly influence they had on their son and grandson.

It might also interest you to know this is one of the very few times the term “grandmother” even appears in the Bible.

What would Paul remind us as we consider the influence of his mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois?

Follow the example of the great ones of faith

Here was Paul. A "prisoner." "Suffering for the gospel." Yet, he says of himself, "I am not ashamed."Instead of responding with a sense of defeat or depression;a feeling we have all experienced when life has finally gotten us down, Paul is filled with confidence. He does not have a "spirit of timidity." The reason is simple; Paul knows whom he believes in.  He is confident of Christ’ power.

Rest on God's grace

This grace of God is found in Christ. It was revealed in Christ. - In His life. And particularly in His resurrection. Grace is the substance of the gospel message. What is this kindness of God? The substance of God's grace is the gift of "life." Of "immortality." "Given us in Christ." With such an amazing gift. How can we fear?

Rely on the abiding truths of Scripture

Unlike the mass of humanity. Timothy is not without any direction for living. He has the "sound teaching" of Jesus Christ. He has the "deposit." "Entrusted" to him. Having a gospel direction in life. With its promise of eternity. Can only but give confidence and drive fear away.

Paul's advice to Timothy can be ours.  We all have people in our lives who have been used of God to bring us to Christ. No one comes completely on his or her own. It pleases God to use godly parents and grandparents, teachers, pastors, leaders, in our lives. We all have others who make their mark on us. They help us come to the place where we put our trust in Christ alone.

We are told that Timothy had known the scriptures from the time he was a young child. No doubt he had learned the scriptures from his mother and grandmother. II TIMOTHY 3:15

It was that early spiritual nurturing that prepared Timothy for the responsibilities that would one day fall on his shoulders.

Paul had his forefathers. Timothy had his mother and grandmother.  Our children have parents and family. The students and youth here at Wyneken have teachers and leaders and pastors. They also have you. Grandparents and special friends. Who help to shape and mold their lives. 

My hope and prayer is that we all guard and pass on this good deposit.

Words – 850

Passive Sentences – 6%

Readability –78.3%

Reading Level -4.5

Collect

O God, our refuge and strength, the author of all godliness, by Your grace hear the prayers of Your Church. Grant that those things which we ask in faith we may receive through Your bountiful mercy; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

 Prayer for the Christian Day School

Heavenly Father, mercifully bless the Christian education of Your children in our parish that they may grow up in Your fear to the praise of Your holy name. Bless our Wyneken School and all other settings in which our children are brought closer to You. Restrain the activities of the evil one who would seek to undermine these efforts to provide for the spiritual growth of Your children. Help me to regard these children and our educational ministries as gifts from You. Encourage the members of our congregations to support those who teach and those who learn. Give joy to all who serve as teachers, and give them the privilege of seeing the fruits of their labors; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.