Scripture: 1st Timothy 4:13-15
Until I arrive, give attention to the public reading of scripture, to exhorting, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. Put these things into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress.
Thought for the Day: When you are reading scripture and come across the word, Elder, do not think of it in terms of age. As a young kid, I looked at those people serving at the communion table every week, and I thought they were old…thus associating Elder with elderly. I think all of our current Elders at CCCC, though a great range of ages, would prefer not to be thought of as elderly. The word in the Greek that we translate as Elder is the word prebuterion, which is where our Presbyterian friends get their name. It describes an assembly of leaders, and though the root word presbus can describe an older person, the emphasis is more on the gifts, insights and wisdom of the individual. This coming Sunday, we will recognize and bless our 2016 Elders. They are not to be understood as the elderly among us, but as those whose gifts, insights and wisdom will help shape the spiritual life of our congregation.
Prayer: Holy God, you have given each individual a gift to be used for the sharing of the Gospel. This day, we give you thanks for those who are called as Elders in the life of the church. May your grace work through them as they cultivate and encourage the gifts of the entire faith community. Amen.
NEXT WEDNESDAY
Wednesdays During Lent
Starting February 17
Reading Adam Hamilton’s Book on John
Order it on Amazon
