We will be celebrating Christian Education in our worship this weekend. As we gather this weekend, our hearts and minds will be directed to the importance of God's Word which He has entrusted to His Church as a treasure. Because it is a treasure, Christians are called to pass that treasure of God's truth down from generation to generation as an inheritance.  

Our closing hymn will reinforce these truths. This hymn, written by Danish pastor and hymn writer Nikolai Grundtvig, was originally written as a fifth stanza to Martin Luther's "A Mighty Fortress." While it serve well in that intended role, this hymn also serves as a stand alone hymn, which is how it has been primarily used for the last century.

This hymn is based in part on Psalm 119:105 and 111: "Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path... Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever, For they are the rejoicing of my heart." God's Word is a precious treasure that "guides our way" through life and is our support in death. 

Our prayer in this hymn is that God would help us and strengthen us for the task of Christian Education, and the passing on of His Word of truth to the generations to come: "That the generation to come might know them, The children who would be born, That they may arise and declare them to their children, that they may set their hope in God, And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments" (Psalm 78:6-7).

Lord, thank you for the treasure of Your Word and all the blessings that You offer through it. Give us the wisdom and the strength to pass Your truth on to succeeding generations! Amen.