#sigosherts #inspirationsunday
Today I was a part of a baby dedication at church. It feels kind of strange to say I was a part of it because it wasn’t my child, it wasn’t even my family, but I love being a part of child dedications, because the whole congregation does take part. The congregation is called to support the parents and also help encourage the child to know and follow the Lord. Today was much like baby dedications I have been to in the States. The family was called to the front to bring their newborn infant for dedicating her back to the Lord. The pastor gave a quick explanation for the intent of a child dedication and the parents of the precious, tiny bundle committed to raise their daughter to know the Lord. But two notable things were different from other baby dedications I have been to.
First, the entire family was called up: grandparents, siblings, aunties and uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. This is another reminder of how family-oriented the Solomon Island culture truly is. The mother looked a little shy about being upfront, so grandma got to hold the baby girl. It was just so sweet.
Second, after the parent’s promise and the following congregation’s promise, the congregation sang the song “The Blessing” over the family. I cried. Like real tears flowed from my eyes as we sang “The Blessing” over the family. I have never been more moved during a baby dedication. To sing these words over the child and the parents and their family members was just so significant. (I’ve embedded a YouTube video of the song at the end of the post.) Here are some of the lyrics, based off the blessing that God gave the people of Israel in Numbers 6.
The Lord bless you
And keep you
Make His face shine upon you
And be gracious to you
The Lord turn His
Face toward you
And give you peace
May His favor be upon you
And a thousand generations
And your family and your children
And their children, and their children
May His presence go before you
And behind you, and beside you
All around you, and within you
He is with you, He is with you
In the morning, in the evening
In your coming, and your going
In your weeping, and rejoicing
He is for you, He is for you
He is for you…
Take that in. He IS for you. He really is. If we had nothing else to say to our children or our friends or even complete strangers on the street, “He is for you” is enough. He sent Jesus because He wanted to redeem His children. He works all things for our good and for His glory. That little precious and innocent babe has a life before her, and our God is for her.
God is for you too. We are all on a journey, and my prayer is that whatever you are going through at this moment you will be able to turn your eyes up, towards the one who wants to show you himself. He wants to lead you and guide you, in perfect peace. He will never leave you, nor forsake you. He is THAT awesome.
Full lyrics here
(Another really good article about God and his plans for us by John Piper here.)