"In the River, on the Bank" Read Mark 1:9-11. Wesley Chapel is partnering with the YMCA for a third summer, hosting a children’s camp. It is a joy to have children in the building every day playing games and interacting with one another. As I walked through the worship area on Monday morning, a group of children were playing "In the River, On the Bank". When the leader shouts “In the River”, the children jump to the right. When the leader shouts “On the Bank”, the children jump to the left. The object is to listen to the leader and jump to the correct side on the correct command. This simple game is a lot like being a Christian. As Christians we are to follow the lead of Jesus. When Jesus tells us “Go and baptize” ,we go down to the river. When Jesus tells us “Feed the hungry”, we help out the food bank. Because Jesus was baptized, we show ourselves to be followers by being baptized. Because Jesus fed the hungry, we show ourselves to be good listeners when we also feed the hungry. In the children’s game, there are only two commands to follow. As followers of Jesus, we are to obey all the commands of Jesus, including forgiving one another, breaking bread together, and serving one another. 



Holy God, thank you for the laughter of children. May your hand guide us to follow your instructions on this day. May our ears be attentive to your commands. May our minds and bodies follow your instructions. Amen.