The Master’s Apprentices

Our family’s most prized piece of family history would have to be my great-great-grandfather’s apprenticeship indenture certificate from the 1860’s. To modern eyes, the terms and conditions border on slave labour. The young teenage George had to leave home to live and work with his ‘master’, who in turn had to teach him the mysteries and secrets of the trade of clothier, as well as house, clothe and feed him, and pay him the princely sum of two shillings at Christmas.

When the Bible talks about Jesus’ disciples, the concept of Disciple is very similar to that of Apprentice. The disciples lived, traveled and worked with Jesus, learning ‘on-the-job’. The commitment, to which they were called, included leaving their homes and jobs.

As we celebrate with the young people being baptised tonight, lets encourage them in their commitment. For the commitment of ‘becoming a Christian’ is not like joining an organisation, but rather the commitment of entering into a life-long relationship. And its a two sided relationship of commitment, for God has long ago made a commitment to us by loving us so much that he died on Calvary for our sins. Yes, it’s a relationship of obedience, but also of love, faith, teaching/learning, nurture, support, comfort, healing and the excitement of working together on The Way.

These new Christians are also entering into a relationship of the family of The Church. Let’s make them feel welcome as brothers and sisters, as well as supporting and mentoring them as fellow apprentices of the Lord.

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