In our previous two issues, we considered the greatest spiritual responsibility a parent is entrusted with. We learned that as a parent we are responsible to teach our children God's Word. We read the remarkable statement recorded in the book of Judges.
Judges 2:10 And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.
For what ever reason (all wrong) these parents neglected to teach their children the Word of God.
Psalm 78:2-8 2I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: 3Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. 4We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of theLORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. 5For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: 6That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: 7That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: 8And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.
This needs to be the goal of every parent look at the vision of the psalmist. That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:
The parents who were delinquent in teaching their children faithfully had a heart problem.
Matthew 22:36-38 36Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38This is the first and great commandment.
These delinquent parents loved someone or something else above God. As a result, their children suffered.
Psalm 71:16-18 16I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only. 17O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. 18Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.
You are never too old to teach the next generation. If your heart is right before God you will always have something to give.
Psalm 44:1-8 1We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old. 2How thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; how thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out. 3For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them. 4Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob. 5Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us. 6For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. 7But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us. 8In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah.
This is the only way a child will learn how to trust in the Lord they must be taught. Do not be so naive as to think the Devil does not want your children's life. He programs them everyday through the media, music, their friends, TV, drugs, sex and the list is never ending.
You only get one chance at this.
Isaiah 38:18-19 18For the grave cannot praise thee, death can not celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth. 19The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth.Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.Psalm 119:9 BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
Many parents today are scratching their heads looking for the answers. The word gives us the answers. If you want to help, your children cleanse their ways you need to faithfully give them the word in doctrine and practice. If the Word does not live in you, it will be very hard to convince your children why it should live in them. You must be an example to your children both word and deed.
When was the last time you prayed with your children your grandchildren? When was the last time you spoke of the Lord Jesus Christ with them?
Ephesians 6:1-4 1Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) 3That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. 4And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Every day we live is a day closer to the return of our Lord and savior Jesus.
Let us do it right and let the redeemed of the Lord say so. Let us teach our children the way of the Lord.
If you don't teach them, the devil will teach them his catechism.
Psalm 128:1-6 [A Song of degrees.] 1Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. 2For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. 3Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. 4Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD. 5The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life. 6Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.
God bless youÿ