I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel…
2 May 2008 by Jeremiah Gumm
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth…” (Romans 1:16 - KJV)
In making preparations for this Sunday, I noticed the date on the hymnal I use when I am presiding over worship. I had received the hymnal as a gift from my parents when I was confirmed. The date imprinted on the front cover reads May 2, 1993. Fifteen years ago…
Can it really be that long ago that I and my other two classmates stood before our little mission congregation out in Wyoming and publicly confessed our Christian faith and faithfulness even to the point of death? Can it really be that long since the Lord allowed me the privilege of partaking of his body and blood in his Supper for the first time?
Time has flown, but I can remember it like it was today! My father, who was my pastor, has always had the practice of assigning confirmation verses to each of his students. He assigned me his confirmation verse, Romans 1:16, which had become the motto for his life and ministry…and for our family. It had been my mother’s confirmation verse as an adult and all my siblings after me had the same verse assigned to them.
Looking back, I chuckle, because when it was my time to recite my confirmation verse, even though I’d known it from years of Sunday School and Confirmation Class, I stumbled through most of it and even forgot the reference. By God’s grace, though, I’ve never forgotten it since.
Fifteen years later, I understand much better why the Lord moved my father to assign me that verse. It has been a guide and reminder from the Lord during those times when life and ministry have gotten really difficult, especially when the temptation rises up to compromise or water down what God’s Law and Gospel have to say.
I also remember that day vividly, because I remember what it was like to receive Holy Communion for the first time. I remember the mix of fear and awe and joy going through my mind. After years of anticipation, I could finally partake of the Lord’s Supper! Even today I think of that moment every time I receive Christ’s body and blood with bread and wine in the Supper and I realize again what a privilege it is to receive that precious gift.
It was an important day in my young Christian life and now another reason for me to celebrate God’s continued grace!
What was your Confirmation Day like? How about that of any of your confirmands over the years? Please share your Confirmation memories in the comment section below. You can also fill out the contact form above and I’ll post them for you!
