In a way, this post is more for those who lead children than for children themselves, however, allow the words of Deuteronomy to reach into your heart. Placed in the post is a deep, heartfelt discussion about raising children. Also, there is a great Bible verse for children and parents to memorize. May the words of Deuteronomy bless you today.
Ministering and discipling to one’s own children is incredibly important, and also a command from God. A parents role in raising a child is vital; parents have one of the most influential roles–if not the most influential role–in a child’s life. Children learn and watch the parents very closely especially at a young age. The task of raising children may often seem daunting, even challenging, but parents have been given the opportunity and privilege to raise their offspring in the fear and admonition of God. For, it is God who has given these precious gifts, and ultimately, they are His and not the parents. Parents are the stewards that God has appointed to watch over these little ones. Those who watch over these young lives have been given an opportunity–a heavenly opportunity.
Deuteronomy Background
Deuteronomy is an exquisite book of the Bible. Jesus often quoted from Deuteronomy. Here, in this book of the Bible, the people of Israel have been preparing themselves to enter into the Promised Land. Despite the people’s constant sin and wanderings, God loves them and continues to lead His people by the hand in order to bless them. Moses, Israel’s leader and mediator between God, does not have long for the world. Moses during this time is trying to prepare the people to enter the land; so, he is reminding them of God’s law and the covenant the people made with God at Mount Sinai. Thus, the book is full of instruction–instruction about living a life pleasing to God.
Memory Verse/Life Verse
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (NIV)
4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Response
The verse above paints a great understanding of a characteristic of God. God is one; He is Father, Son, Holy Spirit, who is all one. In verse 5, the people are give a command; it is not a suggestion, but a command. We are to love God with every part of our lives. Now, let us look at the whole text of Deuteronomy 6:4-9…
4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
These six verses are often referred to as the Shema, and it has been very important to the lives of Jews and orthodox Jews for many, many years. We, as Christians, should follow the same pattern. We should follow this pattern, because it is a part of our Scripture, and because it pleases God.
Notice how there is a continuing command to teach children to love God. Those who teach, or have children under their care, are to “talk” about God in every circumstance. When we “sit,” “walk,” “lie down,” and “get up.” We are to have constant reminders about God, that is, have the love of God on our minds all the time.
Closing Thoughts
Children are a gift of God, and He has placed them upon us. Since they are under our care, we are to always remind children who God is no matter where we are or what we are doing. We can ask and talk to children about God during football games, doing laundry, taking them to school, while they brush their teeth, at dinner, at breakfast, or any other time. They are under our care, our protection, and we are to train them as God has commanded us. We are to lead children in the fear and admonition of the ONE TRUE GOD.
