For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands…” vs. 6
2 Timothy 1:6-14
Confirmation hadn’t been invented yet in the life of the church when this letter was written, but its predecessor was certainly there. Paul says that when Timothy was a youth, he laid hands on him and gave him a precious gift of God. That sounds exactly like what happens when a pastor lays hands on the head of a confirmand and says, “Stir up in this person the gift of the Holy Spirit, confirm her faith… guide his life… empower her in her serving… give him patience in suffering… and bring her to eternal life.” Sometimes pastors wonder what that all means to the young person kneeling there. Many are never seen again at worship–for them it’s been a graduation ceremony, and they just disappear. It appears that something like that might have happened to Timothy–Paul reminds him to rekindle the gift of God that had been given him. Most of us need those reminders from time to time, because if we’re honest, the fire of faith can and does go out. In those moments, when all we have in our hearts are the cold embers of old convictions, we need revitalization. It could come through meditation or honest conversation with a friend–or it could be as simple as refocusing on regular worship. The spark can come in a variety of ways, but when it catches fire we’ll feel the warmth, and faith will be renewed.
Thought for the Day: What did confirmation mean to me?
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