This weekend we celebrate grandparents, both biological and spiritual.

Grandparents link us to our roots. Matthew 1 and Luke 3 outline Jesus’ genealogy, showing us his grandparents and great-grandparents, demonstrating how famous figures such as Ruth, Abraham, and Adam were part of the salvation story. God gives us these family trees, which include both grandmothers and grandfathers. In doing so, God’s word establishes the importance of looking back to the generations that came before us. The story of Jesus as a man began with the notation of those that came before him.

In the same way, we can look back and see how God has worked in generations before us.

For some of us, grandparents can pass on valuable spiritual insight. Your grandparents may have had an impact on the way you know Jesus, whether directly to you or indirectly through your parents. Timothy was one of these blessed ones who inherited a strong faith from his mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois.

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.” (2 Timothy 1:5, English Standard Version)

Grandparents - thank you for passing on your faith

Regardless of what they believed in, your grandparents are part of the story that brought you to where you are today. Physically, emotionally, even spiritually, our grandparents have had some effect on who we are. Generations before you were born, God was working through your grandparents for your good, and by moving them and shaping them, He was also moving and shaping you.

“...even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will...” (Ephesians 1:4-5, ESV)

Grandparents - thank you for being part of our story

Finally - and most importantly - grandparents are proof that God uses people of all generations. In every age, God uses people of all ages to do His will and, through them, show His love.

It’s in the new grandmother who sacrifices time to care for her own children’s children.

It’s in the unmarried older woman who pours her heart into teaching Sunday School.

It’s in the widow next door who asks how you are every evening after work.

Serving God has no age limit, and grandparents - both those related by blood and those related by spirit - can be some of his greatest servants.

“So even to old age and gray hairs,
O God, do not forsake me,
until I proclaim your might to another generation,
your power to all those to come.” (Psalm 71:18, ESV)

Grandparents - thank you for letting God work through you

God has brought grandparents into your life for a reason. They guide, nurture and encourage the generations that come after them, and in doing so become a reflection of His love.

Today, we celebrate grandparents. Thank you for loving, for noticing, and for caring about the generations that have come after you. Thank you for letting God work through you. Thank you for being a model of God’s love for us.

Grandparents - thank you.

Thank You, Grandparents