relationships (Luke 2:39-36 part 1) Educating and Learning

(Luke 2:39-36)

39 And when His parents had completed everything in accordance with the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth. 40 Now the Child continued to grow and to become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the favor of God was upon Him.

41 His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up there according to the custom of the feast; 43 and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days required, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but His parents were unaware of it. 44 Instead, they thought that He was somewhere in the caravan, and they went a day’s journey; and then they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 And when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for Him. 46 Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. 48 When Joseph and Mary saw Him, they were bewildered; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You!” 49 And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” 50 And yet they on their part did not understand the statement which He had made to them. 51 And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued to be subject to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart.

52 And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and people.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

Joseph and Mary were both believers, faithful in following God’s directions, which included raising their children as they should. Mothers were responsible for children at an earlier age, and fathers were responsible for their education.  Until the age of 6, children were taught home-based religion and practical life skills.  Until the age of 10, boys were taught God’s commandments, the law, as well as life skills. 

In having to work on memorizing the Torah, around the age of 12, a boy was considered a “son of the Law” and they would receive phylacteries (tefillin) as a symbol of his readiness to keep the commandments.  By the age of 13, a boy was considered a man.  And for the boys/men who demonstrated a scholastic aptitude, he could be put into an advanced study of the Tanakh.  These were the ones who could choose to become scribes, which could involve being a lawyer. 

Some Jewish teachers conducted their advanced classes in the temple courts.  And asking questions was used both in teaching and in learning, but it was important for learners to ask intelligent questions, as Jesus does here. Teachers often answered questions with questions, therefore, by Jesus’ intelligent questions and answers, these teachers could see that He was a prodigy.  Well, of course He was!  Since Jesus came to earth, fully man while still being fully God.  And in this, Jesus was literally walking in our shoes- yet without sin! 

I have a difficult time imagine what it would have been like to raise God’s Son.  Joseph and Mary could have just thought- why bother teaching Jesus anything, because He already knows everything, but Joseph and Mary still did what they should.  Now, even as a parent, raising two “normal” children, while we had so much to teach them, in many ways, they taught us a few things- especially about ourselves!  And we were able to relearn some things and see things from their fresh perspectives.  

It helps to be humble in our positions of authority, even though we might know a lot of things, we do not know everything, and we are not perfect.  There were a few times I had to apologize to our children.  And  I was constantly asking God for wisdom- especially when the kids would come up with new ways to test me.  So, the most important things we could teach our children, was about the Lord God, and having a close relationship with Him. 

It’s important for the children to learn, and the parents (and teachers) to keep in mind- God sees everything!  And when He sees that we are willingly striving to be obedient, this is pleasing to Him.  As well, it helps us all get along better with others!  And, God knows everything, and He wants the best for us!  So, why not go to Him with all our questions and requests!  We should never stop asking questions and learning.  And most definitely, we should never stop growing closer to the Lord in our relationship, who desires to help us in all things.

relationships (Luke 2:25-38) Never Stop Serving

(Luke 2:25-38)

36 And there was a prophetess,Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband for seven years after her marriage, 37 and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She did not leave the temple grounds, serving night and day with fasts and prayers. 38 And at that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak about Him to all those who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

As a reminder, Simeon had been prompted by the Holy Spirit to walk into a certain portion of the temple, where he found Mary and Joseph, and had a chance to hold Jesus and bless and prophecy over Him.  In the same way, this prophetess "happened" to come up, just at the right time to see Jesus, as well. 

Now, let's learn a few things about this woman!  Interestingly, her father's name, "Phanuel" means "the face of God".  If her father had lived up to his name, seeking after the Lord God to be a faithful testimony to others, he most certainly had been a great example for his daughter.  NOT for her to follow after her father's footsteps- but LIKE her father night have done- follow faithfully after the Lord her God!  

I remember people at my mom’s funeral telling me that I now had big shoes to fill, and now I should really live in such a way to make my mom proud.  Well, I appreciated my time with Mom and this is only a short-time-loss, but- as I had already been doing- I was going to continue serving God.  And, do you know what?  My mom knew and saw this about me while she was still alive, and because she also followed after the Lord, she was pleased to see this.  I have my own “shoes” to fill- and I desire that the Holy Spirit fill those, so that I live in such a way that pleases the Lord! 

Now back to Anna.  It looks like she had been married for seven years, then her husband died.  We are not told what she did from that time (most likely in her twenties) until the age of 84.  One can only speculate.  So, let’s look at what we can know! 

Since the temple was to look after orphans and widows (who didn’t have families), it’s possible that they had a type of “senior citizen’s home” set up.  Having visited quite a few senior homes, I’ve noticed that a lot of aged people are there just waiting to die.  I’ve also noticed that many people work hard until they can retire, so that they continue on just “enjoying” life… until they die.  But nowhere in the Bible are we told to “retire” from serving the Lord.  The only place that gives an age, is for the men who carried the ark of the covenant.  Between 30 and 50 is when men’s backs are the strongest.  That doesn’t mean that once those men were 50, that they could then kick back and do nothing.  They were just not to be carrying around the ark of the covenant. 

Therefore, Anna is a great example to us.  In her “senior’s” dwelling place, starting at the age of 84, she continued to do what she could to serve the Lord… fasting and praying.  I’m sure that her prayers would have been very much like the prophet Daniel’s, involving repenting, and forgiveness of sins, for herself, and then for her nation of Israel, and then praying for the Lord to come and save and fulfill!  And THEN, once she saw that the Lord Jesus was here- on earth- in flesh (fully human and fully God), NOW she did what she could to continue serving the Lord… sharing the good news to those who would listen! 

My takeaway and prayer is that I don’t ever want to retire from serving the Lord!  As long as I am still here on this planet, the Lord has a purpose for me.  In my relationship with Him, He will faithfully continue to guide, fill and equip me as needed!  And with a heart of a servant, in serving the Lord, we will be serving our loved ones and others.  This is what makes relationships strong!  This is what relationships are all about!  And the most important relationship we can ever have- is with the Lord!

relationships (Luke 2:28-52) Spiritual Rebirth

(Luke 2:28-52)

28 then he took Him in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29 “Now, Lord, You are letting Your bond-servant depart in peace,
      According to Your word;
30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
31 Which You have prepared in the presence of all the peoples:
32 A light for revelation for the Gentiles,
     And the glory of Your people Israel.”

33 And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary, “Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and as a sign to be opposed— 35 and a sword will pierce your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

The world witnessed the Lord Jesus coming to earth in flesh, fully man while still fully God, to be our light- our hope- our salvation- to bring spiritual peace to anyone who puts their faith in Him.  But in order for this to be possible, as prophesied, Jesus had to suffer and die for all sins, for all people, of all time.  This is why, Simeon let Mary know that at some point, she would experience great pain as a mother as she witnessed Jesus being crucified.  But she also witnessed Jesus' resurrection!

The Lord Jesus is our righteous Judge, who knows all hearts, and will judge everyone according to their sins, UNLESS one has asked for His forgiveness (and received His salvation), then He will judge us according to our good deeds done in His righteousness and love, all to His glory.  Those who are too proud to repent of their sins will fall, and those who humble their hearts and repent will rise.  For those who reject Jesus and don't want Him in their life, they will go to a place void of God.  For those who love Jesus and embrace having a personal relationship with Him, we will spend all eternity, worshipping, praising and serving the Lord, our Savior.

Representing new life, the birth of a baby is a joyous event for parents, friends and family, although this precious time is brief.  Also representing a level of innocence, let's not be deceived, we are all born into sin.  Therefore, as a parent, even though we pour love into our babies, and do our best to teach them what is right, it's obvious how quickly they figure out how to manipulate and try to get what they want in their own way.  

Therefore, the birth of Jesus was necessary!  Therefore, His death and resurrection was necessary!  It was only because of this, that we can be spiritually reborn, to become a child of God.  Just like Jesus was "reborn" to take on flesh in order to die for us... in salvation, we are reborn to take on His Spirit in order to have eternal life.  It is in our rebirth that we receive the Lord's indwelling Holy Spirit who changes us from the inside out, and then remains with us to guide and help us to become more and more like Him.  And because of God's grace, we cannot lose our salvation.  Once a child of God, always a child of God!  This is the good news, and it is a very joyous thing!

relationships (Luke 2:25-28) Willing Hearts

(Luke 2:25-28)

25 And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, 28 then he took Him in his arms, and blessed God...

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

Salvation is through Jesus Christ, and Simeon recognized Him immediately.  The closer we get to the Lord God in our relationship with Him, the more closely we will walk with Him, and the more blessings we will see.  God’s Holy Spirit had let Simeon know that he would see Israel’s Messiah (the Christ) before he died.  And the Holy Spirit prompted Simeon to go to that part of the temple, right at that moment, for this to happen.  Imagine if Simeon had decided to ignore the Holy Spirit’s prompting in that moment?!  Simeon would have missed out on this tremendous blessing!

Anytime that I’ve been obedient to the Holy Spirit’s calling, nudging and prompting- I have never regretted doing so.  It has always been a blessing.  So, I wonder, what have I all missed out on when I’ve questioned the prompting, or just outright chosen not to follow through?  Now, God doesn’t want us to be beating ourselves up over these things. 

God’s patience and grace is overwhelming!  He does not hold grudges.  He is faithful to forgive.  So, the simple solution is that we humbly confess (agree with God that what we did was not in His will), and ask God to help us have a willing heart that is ready to rely on His guidance, and ready to follow through- in His love, strength and wisdom- all to His glory- and in His blessings!

relationships (Luke 2:21-24) Inspiring and Making an Impact

(Luke 2:21-24)

21 And when eight days were completed so that it was time for His circumcision, He was also named Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

22 And when the days for their purification according to the Law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord  23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord: “Every firstborn male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what has been stated in the Law of the Lord: “A pair of turtledoves or two young doves.”

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

Basically, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to dedicate Him to the Lord God.  Obviously, because Jesus is the Lord (part of the Trinity), we can know that this formality (this ordinance) has nothing to do with receiving salvation.  (Keep in mind, that as our example, Jesus chose to be physically baptised publically, just before starting His ministry here on earth.

We need to understand that just like childhood baptism, child dedication does NOT save someone.  This ordinance is for parents, who are believers, to put into practice what God asks of them.  We are to train up our children in the way they should go, and share with them the good news of salvation, so that hopefully, prayerfully, they too will one day become believers.  And we are to be praying and asking and alllowing the Lord to work in their lives, letting God worry about them!

Only the Lord is able to save!  This is because salvation is all about having a personal relationship with the Lord.  Therefore each person must understand, believe and decide for themselves.  While we love our children and others, we cannot make that decision for them, and we cannot force them to believe.  

Physical baptism is an ordiance for someone to carry out- after they have become believers- demonstrating publically one's spiritual baptism that has already occurred. 

(Romans 6:3-7)
3 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; 7 for the one who has died is freed from sin.

Now, certainly, our decision and actions will impact and inspire others, but still understand that this is the power of the Holy Spirit at work!  Like in this amazing event...

(Acts 13:29-34)
29 And the jailer asked for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear, he fell down before Paul and Silas; 30 and after he brought them out, he said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 And they spoke the word of God to him together with all who were in his house. 33 And he took them that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately he was baptized, he and all his household. 34 And he brought them into his house and set food before them, and was overjoyed, since he had become a believer in God together with his whole household.

relationships (Luke 2:1-52) Being Relatable

(Luke 2:1-20)

Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all the people were on their way to register for the census, each to his own city. 4 Now Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 in order to register along with Mary, who was betrothed to him, and was pregnant. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock at night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 And so the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army of angels praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
     And on earth peace among people with whom He is pleased.”

15 When the angels had departed from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem, then, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. 17 When they had seen Him, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it were amazed about the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

The Lord is nothing else but "relatable". Desiring to connect with us, He came down from glory, to be born in flesh, to be fully man while still being fully God, to literally "walk in our shoes".  As, not just the King of the Jews, but the King of kings, He could have chosen to be born in a palace, but He didn't even choose to be "middle-class"- He chose to be born into a very humble state, which led to His ministry, as He perfectly put into practice everything that He taught.  

Now, here are some of the mind-blowing symbolisms that connect!  The Jews were more than fine with the fact that their important ancestors, Abraham, Moses and king David had all been shepherds, who become great leaders among them, all being blessed by the Lord, and all receiving covenants from the Lord.  

The Abrahamic covenant promises land, seed and blessings.  The Mosaic covenant promises that in perfect obedience, all covenants will be fulfilled.  And the Davidic covenant promises a throne that is eternal.  All of these covenants can only be fulfilled through Jesus.  The first time Jesus came in flesh, the Jews rejected Him as their Messiah and King, but during the Tribulation, they will see the signs of Jesus' return, and as a nation, they will believe!  In their salvation, there is "obedience".  This is when Jesus will come again- in might, strength and glory- to bring physical peace and justice to the earth.  Jesus will sit on the throne of David, and fulfill the promises of land, seed and blessings.

Meanwhile, the first time Jesus came, He established the new covenant with all people, paying the price for all sins (past, present and future), for all people (past, present and future).  When we put our faith in the Lord Jesus, He forgives our sins, covering us with His righteousness, which leads us into obedience.  Jesus becomes our King for all eternity.  And our promised land is heaven.  Our "seed" is the good deeds that are done in the Lord's love, strength and guidance, all to His glory.  And our blessings are what God has done, is doing, and will do in our lives.  This includes the spiritual peace that we experience in Him....

(Hebrews 13:20-21) 20 Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, that is, Jesus our Lord, 21 equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

In our salvation, immediately, we receive the Lord's indwelling Holy Spirit, who guides us.  Jesus is our Great Shepherd, and we are His sheep!  As well, Jesus tells us that He is the Bread of life.  He nourishes us, not only physically, mentally and emotionally, but spiritually.  So it was fitting that He was laid in a manger!

It was also fitting that God sent His angels with this great news to these shepherds!  LOWLY shepherds, though, which demonstrates to us that God is not prejudiced!  He loves all people.  Even those who are outcasts, and hated by society, like these shepherds, who because of their work, kept them from participating in the religious activities of their communities.  Interestingly though, because this was close to Jerusalem, some scholars speculate that these particular shepherds could have been looking after the sheep belonging to the temple, meant for sacrificing.  In any case, sheep were used in the sacrificial system to (temporarily) pay for sin.

(John 1:35-36)  35 Again the next day John (the Baptist) was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as He walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!”

Jesus had come in flesh, not just to walk in our shoes, but take onto Himself all the suffering and punishment that we all deserve, and die in our place, so that anyone who believes, can have a personal relationship with Him, and with that, eternal life.  The following passage is a prophecy that is still to happen.  After the rapture, when the Lord catches up all believers of all time, to be in heaven with Him, the Lamb of God will continue with the last set of seven years left in the Jewish Age, which will be followed by the Millennial kingdom, when all covenants will be fulfilled.

It's not about the do's and don'ts - it's about relationship - and it's very personal...

(Revelation 5:4-10) 

Then I began to weep greatly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. 5 And one of the elders said to me, “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to be able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

6 And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slaughtered, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 And He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. 8 When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying,

“Worthy are You to take the scroll and to break its seals; for You were slaughtered, and You purchased people for God with Your blood from every tribe, language, people, and nation. 10 You have made them into a kingdom and priests to our God, and they will reign upon the earth.”

relationships (Luke 1:57-50) Dedication

(Luke 1:57-50)

57 Now the time had come for Elizabeth to give birth, and she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had displayed His great mercy toward her; and they were rejoicing with her.

59 And it happened that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to call him Zechariah, after his father. 60 And yet his mother responded and said, “No indeed; but he shall be called John.” 61 And they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.” 62 And they made signs to his father, as to what he wanted him called. 63 And he asked for a tablet and wrote as follows, “His name is John.” And they were all amazed. 64 And at once his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began speaking in praise of God. 65 And fear came on all those who lived around them; and all these matters were being talked about in the entire hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard them kept them in mind, saying, “What then will this child turn out to be?” For indeed the hand of the Lord was with him.

67 And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying:
68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
     For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people,
69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us 
     In the house of His servant David—
70 Just as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient times—
71 Salvation from our enemies,
     And from the hand of all who hate us;
72 To show mercy to our fathers,
     And to remember His holy covenant,
73 The oath which He swore to our father Abraham,
74 To grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies,
     Would serve Him without fear,
75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.
76 And you, child, also will be called the prophet of the Most High;
     For you will go on before the Lord to prepare His ways;
77 To give His people the knowledge of salvation
     By the forgiveness of their sins,
78 Because of the tender mercy of our God,
     With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us,
79 To shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death,
     To guide our feet into the way of peace.”

80 Now the child grew and was becoming strong in spirit, and he lived in the deserts until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

John the Baptist’s parents had very similar experiences as the parents of the prophet Samuel.  They had both been childless, they prayed, and when God answered their prayers, their children were dedicated to the Lord in service at a very early age.  Samuel had gone to live in the temple as soon as he had been weaned, and here we are told that John went to live in the wilderness (either immediately, or very soon after his birth).  It’s possible that because Elizabeth and Zachariah were both very old, they could have died soon after his birth.  And as it often happened, the reclusive Essenes would have adopted John, to raise and train him.  It’s also possible that the family simply moved away from any possible threats from society.

This miraculous birth, and the sudden prophetic utterances of Zachariah, who had been mute for nine months, obviously got people talking.  And while neighbors and family rejoiced with them, others were afraid.  I’m sure some people might have wondered if John was their anticipated Messiah, even though the prophecy delivered spoke about John preparing the way for the Messiah.  Well, what did that actually mean?  People like to speculate.  And for those in any position of power and authority, if they loved their power and authority, they would have felt threatened, whether John was the Messiah or a prophet preparing the way for the Messiah.

If people actually understood the good news in all of this, they would not have felt fearful or threatened.  They would have rejoiced that this was all about to happen.  If the Jews had accepted Jesus as their Messiah when He came the first time, He would have taken them into the Millennial kingdom, and fulfilled all of their covenants.  Of course, the Lord knew that the people would reject Him, and crucify Him… but it was in this way, He died for all sin, and had victory over death, so that all those who accept Him- believe in Him- can be forgiven of all sins and receive eternal life!

The Lord Jesus redeems us from our slavery from sin, so that in a personal relationship, we can serve Him without fear, serving WITH Him, with His love, help and guidance, in His holiness and righteous, forever!  And we have the honor of sharing the gospel message with those who sit in darkness.  God wants to save everyone, not because we deserve it, but because of His tender mercy and His great love for all people!  The Lord wants to guide us all into the way of peace.  But, it is our choice.

Regarding our children, and/or those we mentor, we should be encouraging.  And what I have found that helps, is to “dedicate” them- “give” them to the Lord… in that, I do not want to have the control of them.  I choose to emotionally give them to the Lord, and let God worry about them.  As a parent, mentor, neighbor, or a friend, I desire that God use me to serve in the way that He desires of me… which includes me allowing the Lord to work in the hearts of everyone else. 

Just like the good news of salvation is not a threat or a fearful thing, we should never use guilt, shame or fear-mongering as a tactic to bring people to obedience.  In His great love, God doesn’t even make people love Him back or obey, although He will discipline those He loves, to protect us from ourselves, as well as other dangers… in a way that will draw us back to Him and His way of peace.   And because Christianity is all about having a personal relationship with the Lord, it is each individual’s choice, and therefore, their salvation and purpose and walk with the Lord- is- between them and the Lord!  So, let us dedicate others to the Lord, and let the Lord deal with them.  At the same time, let us dedicate ourselves (our time, energy and resources) to the Lord, and be willing, thankful and excited to serve without fear- to serve with Him, with His love, help and guidance, in His holiness and righteous, forever!