Ben Solomon, who works with School Impact to connect with students and parents, joins the discussion about the implications of Psalm 72 for today’s believers. He highlights the importance of advocating for children in poverty and how Christians can reflect Christ’s love in the educational landscape. The conversation encourages active engagement in public education, underscoring the need for compassionate decision-making and prayer support for local schools. Solomon inspires listeners to see education as a mission field for service and ministry.
Psalm 72 highlights God's command to defend and support poor children, urging believers to actively care for vulnerable communities.
Christians are called to foster positive conversations about public education, promoting grace and love for educators and students alike.
Deep dives
God's Heart for Poor Children
Poor children hold a special place in God's heart, as emphasized by the numerous references to both children and the poor throughout the Bible. The podcast highlights Psalm 72, particularly verse 4, which calls for the defense of the needy and vulnerable, linking this to the current back-to-school season. With approximately 90% of children in the U.S. attending public schools, a significant portion of those from impoverished backgrounds are found in these educational settings. This underscores the importance of caring for these children, as they embody the vulnerable population that God explicitly commands us to support.
The Church's Call to Public Education
The importance of being mindful in conversations about public education is presented as a crucial aspect of Christian life. Christians are encouraged to refrain from negative rhetoric regarding public schools, recognizing that they are places where God's special children learn and grow. This call extends not just to acknowledging the challenges faced by public schools but also to actively loving and supporting the educators and students within them. By fostering a culture of grace and understanding, the church can better advocate for the needs of these communities.
Engagement and Opportunity for Parents
As children return to school, parents are urged to embrace their role as active participants in their educational environment rather than passive observers. Schools present unique opportunities for parents to develop connections that foster community involvement and address pressing societal issues, such as immigration and education funding. The podcast encourages parents to identify ways they can contribute positively to their schools, including volunteering and mentoring, particularly for children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. This engagement not only enriches the children’s lives but also fulfills the biblical mandate of caring for those in need.
Today, Emma Dotter is joined by faithful Watermark member, Ben Solomon, who serves with School Impact to reach students and parents of local schools. In Psalm 72, Solomon describes a just king, but how does that relate to our call as Christians today? Ben walks us through how Psalm 72 is a picture of God’s heart for children in poverty and how we as believers can respond. No matter our decisions on education, our conversations should reflect the love of Christ and his heart for children of every socioeconomic status.
Additional Scripture Referenced: Ephesians 4:29 – "let no unwholesome talk come out of our mouths" Colossians 4:6 – "let your speech always be gracious"
For more of Ben’s story, check out his previous episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2-235-nehemiah-13/id1600151923?i=1000637165655
To learn more about School Impact and resources for parents or ways to serve, check out this link: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/engage/school-impact
Grab a NEW Join The Journey Journal for 2024: https://a.co/d/7rt0H3g
Got kids? Check out the NEW Join The Journey Jr. Journal for 2024: https://a.co/d/eYBgvUM
You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898
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