Spotlight
Please Daddy, Let’s Go …
Please Daddy, Let’s Go …
A little boy with shining eyes, His little face aglow,
Said, “It’s time for Sunday School. Please, Daddy, Let’s Go!”
“Oh no,” said Daddy, “Not today. I’ve worked hard all the week
And I must have a day of rest, I’m going to the creek.
For there I can relax and rest, and fishing’s fine they say;
So run along, don’t bother me, we’ll go to church some other day.”
Months and years have passed away But Daddy hears that plea no more –
“Please, Let’s go to Sunday School!” Those childhood days are o’er.
Now that Daddy’s growing old, When life is almost through,
He does find time to go to church, But what does his son do?
He says, “Old Man, you’re kidding! I’ve caroused around all night,
A-popping pills, and smoking pot … You should have seen me fight!
The Daddy lifts a trembling hand To brush away the tears,
He seems to hear the pleading voice, Distinctly through the years,
He sees his small son’s wistful face Upturned, with eyes aglow,
Saying, “It’s time for Sunday School, Please, Daddy … Won’t you go?
Author Unknown
When I read that poem, it brought to mind a concern that has been talked about at our elders meetings, Voters meetings – and I know a concern that is and has been expressed by many churches and pastors. That concern is the lack of attendance – not only at Sunday School, but also at worship services. What that means is people are not being nourished on the food that will build strong, healthy souls. This is a food that is more vital than any physical food we eat. This is a food that will last an eternity and bring people to eternal life. This is a food that will strengthen people in times of trouble.
Lack of attendance at worship, Sunday School and Bible class may very well mean that people have taken God, Who is to be number one in their lives, and have placed Him in a position of secondary importance.
It reminds me of the story of a couple who were walking out of church after just being pronounced husband and wife. The husband turned to his bride and announced that he loved her very much … but that he had to go places, see people, and do a lot of things. He would see her in about five years. You can imagine the kind of marriage (?) or relationship (?) they had.
Are we not just like that husband when we say, “Yes, God, I love you. But I have to participate in some sport, sleep in, read the paper, now the lawn, take care of house guests, have to cook dinner …” It just goes on.
Where would we be if Jesus had come up with all manner of excuses to try and get out of suffering and death that He would have to go through in order to bring salvation to us. He suffered hell for us so that we might have heaven. He died for us and rose again so that we might have life. He committed His entire life to us. For all this He has done, it is our duty to thank and praise, serve and obey Him.
When someone loves us and shows that love to us, we love that person back. We do things for them to show our love – not to get their love, for it has already been given. God loves us. He loves us very much. May we show our love for Him in all we think, do and say. May we show our love for Him by accepting His weekly invitation to dinner – to feed on the green pastures of His Word.
As we do, we will be equipped for our lives – to deal with things happening in our personal lives (the trials, tribulations and temptations) as well as the things happening in our communities (whether it be the coming of a Muslim mosque and how to relate to them or whatever it may be).
Jesus’ encouragement to us still stands: "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!"
