Spiritual Endurance
Last summer we saw beautiful examples of physical endurance in the famous Tour de France, and especially during the Olympic games. The performance of the athletes was amazing. Did you see the Dutch rowers and sailors?
This Sunday the theme in the service is about spiritual endurance. How is it possible not to give in but to endure trusting our Creator and Redeemer, especially in times of trouble? Does something exist like ‘spiritual training’? In order to get some answers we read the story of the people of Israel, liberated from Egypt, when they ended in a mood of discontent and resistance (Numbers 11). They were not able to recognize the ‘spiritual training’ in the desert. And we certainly will learn from this story, as if we were looking in an inverted mirror.
And we see Moses, the shepherd, facing his burn-out. It is so instructive and comforting to see God’s leader so human, so full of brokenness. Is this about spiritual endurance? Yes, we will see that it can be part of it, but also that the Spirit of Christ is a beautiful and strong help to go through situations as Moses was in.
And finally we come across God’s endurance and compassion, how He deals with Moses, how He helps him not to be a ‘solver of problems’ but a ‘inspirer’. And we see God’s endurance in Christ, the Redeemer, who is the ‘frontrunner’ and perfecter of faith.
In this service we also celebrate the Holy Communion. It is God’s special gift that helps us to persevere in faith, hope and love. Come and see and taste God’s goodness!
Niek Tramper
TREASURE SEEKERS
From the book of Daniel, the kids saw that Daniel was faithful to God in a foreign land, and they saw God’s control of all situations. The story of Esther also takes place after the Jews had been taken into exile. They were permitted to return to Judah by the Persian king Cyrus, but many of the Jews chose to remain scattered throughout the empire.
The book of Esther records the attempted destruction of the whole Jewish nation and God’s incredible rescue of his people through ordinary means. Although God’s name is not mentioned once it is clear that he is behind this remarkable turn of events. The whole story can be divided into three sections, each taking place around a number of feasts and during which there is a great reversal of fortunes.
In the coming three weeks, the kids will learn that:
– God is at work in all things, both good and bad, for the good of his people,
– We can trust God because his plans and timing are far better than our own, and
– God always defeats his enemies and rescues his people, no matter how impossible it might seem.
Title: The King’s Feast
Text: Esther 1:1 – 4:17
Big Idea: Haman made a law to kill all the Jews in Persia, but Esther, the new Queen of Persia, was a Jew.
Aim: To teach that God is at work even in unseen ways and difficult situations for the good of his people.
The memory verse for the Esther series is: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
ICFD Kids and Youth Ministry
“Every child knowing Christ’s love”
Details
Date:15 September 2024
Time:12:30 pm
Location:New Church Delft
Speaker:Niek Tramper
Time:12:30 pm
Location:New Church Delft
Speaker:Niek Tramper
