Children Dedication Series

CHILDREN DEDICATION

Written by Senior Pastor Ndayiragije Misigaro Joel, July 24, 2023

"And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord." Luke 2:22

INTRODUCTION

Children's dedication refers to the act of formally committing a child to a specific religious or spiritual path. It often involves a ceremony or ritual where parents or guardians make promises to raise the child according to their beliefs and values. This dedication is seen to introduce the child to their faith community and lay the foundation for their spiritual journey.

What was the significance of this purification? Here, the term "purification" refers to the Jewish practice of being cleansed after childbirth. A woman was required to go through a purification ritual and was regarded as ceremonially unclean for a certain amount of time after giving birth, per the Law of Moses.

Why, then, have our children been dedicated to the church? The purification ritual mentioned in Luke 2:22 was specific to the Jewish customs and traditions of that time. It was a way for Mary and Joseph to fulfill their religious obligations as devout Jews. However, in modern times, many Christian families choose to have their children dedicated to the church as a way of committing them to God's care and seeking His blessings upon their lives. This dedication ceremony is not a requirement, but rather a personal choice made by parents to publicly acknowledge their child's place in the

According to the Law of Moses, this event happened forty days after Jesus' birth. The purpose of this presentation was to consecrate Jesus to God and fulfill the religious customs of their faith.

This act of presenting Jesus to the Lord in Jerusalem was a customary practice for Jewish parents, as it symbolized their dedication and obedience to God's law. It also demonstrated their recognition of Jesus as a special child chosen by God for a divine purpose.

1. THE CHILD GETTING THE BLESSINGS

Simeon and Anna, who were present when Jesus was presented as a baby in the temple, performed a blessing on the child, further emphasizing Jesus' significance and indicating his future role as the Messiah. As a public declaration of Jesus' identity and purpose, this act of presentation also signaled the start of his public ministry.

When a child is dedicated, God, who permitted and gave life to the child, bestows blessings on that child that correspond to everything the priest or pastor says to the child.

"From the mouth of infants and nursing babies, You have established strength.

Because of Your adversaries, To make the enemy and the revengeful cease." Psalm 8:2

The dedicated child receives blessings in the form of strength and safety, as well as direction for the future. Infants and nursing infants can have a significant spiritual impact.

A child's dedication is more than just a ritual; it is also a way to call on divine protection and direction for the child's future.

2. GROWING IN STATURE AND IN WISDOM

The dedicated child becomes a beacon of light and inspiration to others. As they continue to grow, they not only gain physical strength but also develop a deep understanding of the world around them. This growth in stature and wisdom allows them to navigate life's challenges with grace and make wise decisions that align with their purpose.

"The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom, and the grace of God was upon Him." Luke 2:40

Biblically, the importance of growth in both physical and spiritual aspects emphasizes that as the child grows, they not only become physically stronger but also gain wisdom and grace from God. This suggests that growth is not limited to the physical realm but also encompasses spiritual development. It highlights the significance of nurturing both the body and the soul, as they go hand in hand in shaping a well-rounded individual. Their wisdom and grace are not solely the result of their own efforts but also a divine blessing. This further emphasizes the significance of nurturing and supporting a child's development in all aspects of life.

3. THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NOT HINDERED FOR THEM.

Jesus's call to allow the children to come to Him and His statement about the kingdom of God belonging to them highlights the value He places on their presence and their ability to understand and receive His teachings. By emphasizing the need for childlike faith, Jesus emphasizes the importance of approaching God with a sense of trust, openness, and simplicity.

"And they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them, but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them. But Jesus called for them, saying, “Permit the children to come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” Luke 18:15-17