Series: Family Privilege
Message: Responsibility
Preacher: Jenniffer Ogden
Reflection: Jenniffer Ogden
Live Wonder: Jessyka Albert
Live Adventure: Jessyka Albert
Live Purpose: Don Pate
Editor: Becky De Oliveira

Refresh: Begin with prayer. Ask for the Holy Spirit to open your heart to new understanding and for God’s character to be revealed.

Read: Romans 10:1-21 in the New International Version (NIV). Note 1–3 insights or questions. 

Reflect: My baby sister and her high school best friend had a game they enjoyed. In our small house, they would race through the upstairs hallway, and then down the stairs and back up again, all the while stomping as heavily as they could. We heard what sounded like a thundering herd of girls whenever they were together and were just about driven mad by the ritual. We never had a doubt that they were present. They made their presence known by the very sound of their footsteps.

Have you ever wondered how you know God is present? Have you ever heard Him stomping through your house? Or rummaging in your pantry?

As a hearing person, it’s an honor to identify voices on the phone, admire the cackle of birds in the trees, and relish the rush of water over a massive waterfall. I hear small children giggle, the clanging of the pipes when the heat turns on, and the ding on my phone when a text arrives.

I have never, however, heard the voice of God. Nor has He recently thundered down my stairs. And yet, I know He is. I have heard the age-old story of a Creator who shielded, led, corrected, and loved His people. It is the recounting of the story of that God that first allowed me the honor of knowing Him. I heard the old, old story.

Sometimes it was the actual retelling of the history of God at work with people that I heard.  And sometimes it was the echo of His character demonstrated in someone else that stood afresh as evidence of His existence. I carry a steadfast faith because I have stood among giants of faith who shared with me their stories. These highlighted for me the greater story of a God for all ages.

I have heard of answered prayers. Sickness healed. Accidents prevented. Escape made possible. Families reunited. Hope born out of despair. Education made possible.

Again and again, the tale of God has been shared. There is no doubt that God is here. His story, retold and re-heard through the ages, has had similar a effect on millions. We know, we believe, and we have hope because we know the story.

Recalibrate: Recount, perhaps to a friend, the dawn of your faith, acknowledging who God used to welcome you to the family.

Respond: Ask for the ability to share the wonderful story of Jesus with those who may not know it yet in your sphere of influence.

Research: Ask someone who you consider a faithful person to recount their journey to faith and seek their recommendation for resources that helped tell them the story of Jesus.

Remember: “How beautiful are the feet of the ones who bring good news of good things” (Romans 10:15, KNT).

Jenniffer Ogden serves as the children and family pastor for Walla Walla University Church in College Place, Washington. She has been pastoring since 2009 and serves our church community masterfully as she ministers to kids and parents, adults and old folks alike.

How does your child know that you believe in Jesus? Make some kind of visual reminder for your family of your faith in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. When you are having discouraging days, point out this reminder to one another and pray together. Tell your child that whenever you see this object you created together it’s a reminder of your love and faith in Jesus. Read over the Words to Remember together and tell them that it’s important to bring good news to each other when we’re feeling sad.

Do you believe in Jesus? Why do you believe in Jesus? It’s so important to know why we believe things. Today, can you make a picture or even a skit of the reasons you believe in and love Jesus? When we share about why we believe in and love Jesus, we bring joy to other people. It helps them learn about why they believe in and love Jesus too!

Yesterday we looked at the meaning of “adoption” in the New Testament. We are adopted to privilege, not to the normal status of everyone else.  That’s the reality of what the Bible is trying to tell us. If you’re adopted, you get part of the inheritance. That’s good news. The bad news is that no one inherits anything until someone dies. The good news? Someone has already died so you don’t have to wait for the inheritance. And because of His resurrection, you don’t have to lose the One who had to die in order for you to receive your inheritance as a member of the family.  Astounding! That’s the best news!