“CHILDREN ARE AN HERITAGE OF THE LORD”
The Psalmist wrote, “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate” (Ps. 127:3-5). In Matthew two we have the record of the birth of Jesus Christ. “Now when Jesus was born…” (Mt. 2:1). Children are a great blessing and we see the love of Jesus for children in the scriptures (Mt.18:2-6).
In children we see a picture of humility, salvation, to receive a child in the name of Jesus, he said, is like receiving him; the warning of offending a child (Mt. 18:3-7).
In Matthew two there are several things to remind us of the importance of children:
One, the devil is after your child (Mt. 2:1-10). Herod tried to destroy Jesus. The devil is pursuing the destruction of your children. Peter wrote, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). Solomon warned, “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not” (Prov. 1:10).
Two, there is a message from God about your children Mt. 2:19-23). In Matthew and angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and gave him instruction about Jesus. An angel is not going to appear to you but the Holy Bible is from God and gives us instruction about our children (Eph. 6:1-4; Deut. 6:1; Prov. 13:24).
Three, Joseph followed God’s instruction. (Mt. 2:22). “…Being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee” (Mt. 2:22). We must follow God’s instruction in his word. Remember the words of God regarding Abraham? “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him…” (Gen. 18:19).
Four, Joseph made a decision on what was best for the child. (Mt. 2:23). Parents many times become involved in things that are not wrong within themselves but might not be good for their children. Maybe taking a job because it pays more money but requires moving to a place where the church is weak and their children may not have the best influence.
Yes, “Children are an heritage of the Lord.” Let’s teach them, lead them, protect them and prepare them for the work of the Lord.
Larry