Only in America can a pastor with a German name do a Hispanic "bat mitzvah." I even welcomed folks in Spanish. Only one sentence but they seemed impressed. This was "milder" version of the tradition but I think it would be good if the Anglos developed a ceremony for boys and girls coming of age. Something other than the birthday party with junk food though that can be a part of it but with more of a spiritual tenor and a charge for their life.
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We are here to celebrate the coming of age of Colleen. This is a time of joy. It is a time of reminiscing for her parents as they look back on the time she was born and all the first things that a child does in their life. To Colleen, it is a time of consideration and looking forward as she is now no longer a child but a young lady, who has many opportunities before her. She has to start asking the Lord what career He may have in mine for her and then what school she needs to attend to reach towards that goal.
Her father and I have already talked and one thing we agreed on was that it was not a time for her to start considering a husband. That time is at least several years away. I told my daughter that she was allowed to get married at age sixty with my signed consent. Colleen may not have to wait that long but age 22 is a good round number to start looking for a husband as it gives her the time to get through college. We want her to graduate summa cum laude not marry some dumb clod.
Although marriage is some time away high school graduation and college is rapidly approaching. She will have to study hard these next three years and pray even harder seeking God’s guidance. Many challenging decisions will be coming her way and sometimes it may seem like her life is a runaway train or a wild roller coaster. Thankfully, the Lord will be there to slow her down and take control if she will let Him.
Ps 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. KJV
God gave Colleen to her parents as a precious gift. She is dearly beloved of God and He expects her to be loved by her parents because of her priceless value to God. He not only gave her life but also gave the life of His Son Jesus to save her soul. While she has earthly parents, her Father is God for she has been born-again and made a joint heir to all the Father has given to Jesus Christ.
Daughters are very special. Speaking as a father, a man’s son is always his son but his daughter is always his baby girl or princess so it is fitting that Colleen is wearing her tiara today and has maids in waiting like a princess. Colleen is not going to want her Dad talking to me anymore after today because I also gave him an idea of what to say to a future son-in-law many years from now. I told mine that my daughter would always be my baby girl and that if he ever hurt her I would make the Death Angel look like the Tooth Fairy. Therefore, if your Dad ever says that on your wedding day you can blame Brother Ron. We always protect our daughters until our last breath. It is what Daddies do. We cannot help it. If Dad ever embarrasses you, chalk it up to that protective spirit and know he loves you. Yet, even with that protective spirit and love, God the Father and Jesus Christ love you best and will be there even if your parents cannot. Rejoice in that love!
1 Cor 13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. KJV
Today, this verse has much meaning for you. We are no longer looking at you as a child and therefore we will be looking for you to think and act as a young adult. I can say that I do not think that will be much of a problem for you as it might be for some. You are already a sweet girl and a tad bit shy since you will not give the three-hour speech I asked you to prepare. Someday you may find yourself giving lectures as a teacher or in whatever discipline the Lord directs you to serve Him. Often those who are shy when they are young become outspoken as they mature. There was a time when even I was shy and look at me now so only God knows how many people you may address one day.
We have already spoken to some of the things of a woman that you will have to consider and to do that you will have to put away the things of a child. It is very appropriate that on this day you will receive your last doll as token of that passing childhood. It does not mean you cannot have fun anymore. It just means your adventures will be different and you will find some things are not as much fun as they once were. You will have fun in new ways and that is a good thing. Parents may want their babies to stay babies forever but in most cases, the babies want to grow up, as they should.
Eccl 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. KJV
As an adult, you only have two things you need to be concerned about and they are in this verse. If you fear God and keep His commandments then everything else will fall into place. You will spare yourself much sorrow or wasted years. You will be able to sleep peacefully at night and look at any difficulty knowing God will be there with you to get your through it. If you fear God, you need fear nothing else for no one or no thing can ever do you any extended damage. If God be for you who can be against you and prosper? No one at all and that is a promise of God.
Prov 31:29-31
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. KJV
As you grow in the grace and admonition of the Lord by walking in His paths, you will acquire the character and do the deeds that will earn you the praise of these verses. Someday in your old age, your children and husband will rise up and call you blessed. You will be known in your community and your Church as a woman of virtue, wisdom and godliness. There is nothing greater for anyone, man or woman, to desire than to have that reputation. May you have it at an early age and wear it as a crown all your life until; one day in Heaven, you cast your crowns before Jesus!
Now, my daughter and sister in the Lord, may
Num 6:24-26
24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. KJV
And all of God’s people said Amen and Amen!
