This is the devotional addressed to GNC Leaders and Admins at Peninsula’s GNC Kickoff by Martha Clouse, GNC Coordinator for the Williamsburg area.
These last 18 months have been frustrating for you and me. We have not been able to meet with children to tell them about Jesus. But, CEF is God’s work, begun in 1937 and blessed for 84 years. He is still at work. At the same time, God reminded me recently just how critical and time-sensitive this mission is – to reach children.
I was reading the little card I have stuck on my kitchen cabinet that Tom Boor gave me several years ago. The card is a summary of four Bible truths about who I am in Christ; my worth is not found in things I DO for God, but is based on what God’s Word says about me.
As I read those truths, I was struck by the thought that only the first – I am deeply loved by God – applies to children who need Jesus!
In Paul’s prayer to encourage Christians at Colossae, he writes, “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Col. 1:13-14 There is a dividing line that can only be breached by faith in Jesus.
The children’s game, Capture the Flag, is an allegory of this truth. The basic rules of the game are:
- Divide the children into two teams. Divide the space into two territories and place a flag in each. Each child will “belong” to a territory and protect their flag. The goal is to capture the other team’s flag.
TRUTH: God has delineated two kingdoms: Satan’s domain of darkness and the kingdom of His Son. Each person – man, woman, boy and girl – belongs to one or the other.
This is what the game looks like. In the diagram below, the 4 truths about a Child of God are in the box on the right side, the Kingdom of Light.
What is true of an unbelieving adult or child? These are hard to hear, but not my words. An unsaved child is deeply loved by God, but also condemned already, a sinner, an enemy of God, a child of wrath, without hope apart from Jesus. This breaks God’s heart. May we see with His eyes!
- A player can be captured in the opposing team’s territory.
TRUTH: Satan will use his followers to try to divert you from the mission. Take heed lest you fall.
Q: Would someone on the opposing team recognize that you are different, or are on the other team? - Players are safe in their own territory.
TRUTH: A professing Christian who settles into the comfort of home, church, Bible Study is quite safe from Satan’s attack. Satan has no fear that person will lead children out of bondage to sin. - The team who captures the opponent’s flag wins.
TRUTH: JESUS HAS ALREADY CAPTURED THE FLAG!
Jesus left heaven and entered enemy territory. Satan threw every obstacle in His way, finally succeeding in The Christ suffering a humiliating death. Satan thought he had won.
Jesus said, “It is finished!” With His death, the atoning sacrifice was complete.
Jesus rose from the dead, proving He was the victor over sin and death!
We who believe that truth are on the winning team!
Now Jesus calls us to follow His example, to not stay in safety/comfort, but GO into enemy territory (the schools are enemy territory!) to rescue children out of darkness.
This message is to me first, then to encourage you:
Don’t give up. Galatians 6:9 “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we
will reap, if we do not give up.”
God will give you the desire and the power to do His will.
Philippians 2:13 “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work
for His good pleasure.”
