Just as an attorney prepares a will for us to leave an inheritance to our children, so father's need to learn to bless their children and leave them an inheritance, a legacy of love, acceptance, and affirmation.
Jesus had a lot to say about children in Scripture. To quote Matthew 18: 3-6, Jesus said "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." And again in verse 10 He continues, "See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven." The apostle Paul, writing for the Lord, declares in Ephesians 6:4, "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."
I believe it's the work of the devil to have Fathers marginalized in the home, absent from the home, stressed out by work, etc, so children are not given much thought. Considered to be a bother. Silenced for reasons other than proper correction. Exploited. Trivialized. Ignored and overlooked, even if they are crying for attention. If satan can get our young children to feel devalued, angry, depressed and hopeless, he can control the next generation. We can't afford to let that happen on our watch.
Here's what I pray will begin in Christian homes in America and all around the world: the biblical practice of blessing one's chilren! Noah, Abraham, Jacob, and others show the godly pattern of blessing their children. But I love the example Jesus set by taking the little children up in his arms and blessing them one by one. I believe He modeled for those men standing around Him how to bless their children.
There are different ways to bless your children, such as an arm over the shoulder or a hug if they're disappointed or fearful, a pat on the back or a steadying hand, a whisper of assurance or instruction in the ear, kiss on the cheek, or tucking them snugly into bed at night. But the most powerful way to bless your children is to speak words of blessing over them.
Numbers 6:24-26 is a powerful blessing known as the Aaronic blessing. Aaron the priest was to speak these words over the Israelites every day. I love the way the One New Man Bible (a work by a Messianic Jew over a period of 20-some years) puts a strong emphasis on what the Lord will do. I quote it here: "The Lord will bless you and He will keep you. The Lord will make His face to shine upon you and He will be gracious to you. The Lord will lift His countenance to you and He will establish shalom for you."
Fathers especially need to make it a point to declare over their children words that compliment, approve, words that speak love and affection, words that give hope and self-confidence, words of faith and support when they suffer pain and disappointment. Share the truths of God's Word with them, let them hear your testimonies of what God has done in your life. That will bless them, too.
"Father God, give fathers a heart turned toward their children, and give children a heart toward their fathers. Amen."
Copyright © 2012 Elaine Beachy
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