Bless Your Children, But Don't be Afraid to Teach Them!

Bless the Children, But Don’t be Afraid to Teach Them!

CHILDREN ARE WORSHIPERS

1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching Children’s Perspective

In teaching your child, never overlook the obvious. Remember, they view life differently than you. One teacher told the following story:

Some third-graders were studying a unit on patriotism. After a discussion about how France had given us the Statue of Liberty, the teacher asked how many of her pupils had seen the statue. Several children raised their hands. Anticipating a chance to be dramatic and to recite “Give me your tired, your poor …” the teacher asked if anyone knew what was written on the base of the statue. There was silence. Then one youngster raised her hand and said, “Made in France?”

THE FOUNDATION OF PARENTING

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I was asked recently, should we bless our children or grandchildren by placing our hand on top of their head? From a biblical standpoint I see no problem with this because instances of this practice can be found in both the Old and New Testaments. When you do this, you are asking God to Bless the child.

The following excerpt was taken from homefrontmag.com regarding blessing a child:

“How to Give a Blessing to Your Child

Drs. John Trent and Gary Smalley outlined five biblical steps for giving a blessing to children in their book The Blessing: Meaningful Touch, A Spoken Message, Attaching High Value, Picturing a Special Future, and An Active Commitment. I have expanded on these steps below.

1. Meaningful Touch. Before a word is spoken, there should be the laying on of hands, a hug, or a reaching out to touch. We see this throughout Scripture, both in the Old and New Testaments. Appropriate touch conveys in powerful, nonverbal ways our love and affirmation. Touch prepares the way for our words.

2. A Spoken Message. In biblical times, children weren’t left to “fill in the blanks” as to whether they were valuable to a parent or grandparent. Words were used, aloud and in writing. Today, words can place unconditional love and acceptance into the heart of a child or loved one.

3. Attaching High Value. But what words do you say or write? The word blessing carries the idea that the person you’re blessing is of incredible worth and value, even as an imperfect person. In short, you’re helping a child get the picture that you see things in his or her life today that make the child special, useful, and of great value to you.

4. Picturing a Special Future. With our touch and with our words that attach high value, the response in our children’s or loved ones’ hearts can be nothing short of transformational. The light goes on in their hearts and minds when they realize that, because of the way God made them, they can do more than they ever dreamed in living out a God-honoring future.

5. An Active Commitment. Blessing children doesn’t mean we never discipline them or point out areas where growth is needed. But children know at an incredibly deep level if they have their parents’ blessing—if their mom or dad, grandmother, aunt, uncle, or other loved one really sees high value in them—even during the tough times. Genuine commitment is an unconditional commitment to an imperfect person that says as long as I have breath, I’ll be there to see to build these five elements of blessing into your life story.

Blessing children was often done by “Laying on of Hands” in the Old Testament. In the Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible, laying on of hands is described as follows:

Excerpt from Becoming a Spiritually Healthy Family, by Michelle Anthony (page 115–116).”

Blessing children was often done by “Laying on of Hands” in the Old Testament. In the Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible, laying on of hands is described as follows:

Blessing children was often done by “Laying on of Hands” in the Old Testament. In the Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible, laying on of hands is described as follows:

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Laying on of Hands

Phrase used in the Bible to describe a gesture or a ceremonial act. Central to both uses is the notion of power. The hand, particularly the right hand, was often a symbol for power in Bible times (see Ex 15:6; Ps 17:7; 20:6; 44:3).

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In the old testament, laying on of hands may symbolize the following:

Representation

Participation

Bestowal of Blessing

Commission people for important service

Bestowal of the Holy Spirit

To Heal

An example of the bestowal of blessing in the Old Testament can be demonstrated in Genesis 48:9-14:

The New King James Version Chapter 48

9 Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, whom God has given me in this place.”

And he said, “Please bring them to me, and I will bless them.” 10 Now the eyes of Israel were dim with age, so that he could not see. Then Joseph brought them near him, and he kissed them and embraced them. 11 And Israel said to Joseph, “I had not thought to see your face; but in fact, God has also shown me your offspring!”

12 So Joseph brought them from beside his knees, and he bowed down with his face to the earth. 13 And Joseph took them both, Ephraim with his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh with his left hand toward Israel’s right hand, and brought them near him. 14 Then Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands knowingly, for Manasseh was the firstborn.

Jesus gave his blessing to children, by laying on His hands seen in Mark 10:13-16:

The New King James Version Chapter 10

13 Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” 16 And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.

PARENTING IS A DUTY

PARENTS REPRESENT GOD AS AMBASSADORS TO THEIR CHILDREN

FINAL POINT

The Bible tells us to bring up your children to know God in : “4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.”

4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.

And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

1). Only He can order the life of children.

By teaching our children about God’s gift of salvation, we will ensure their place in Heaven. The Bible states in , “And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

Prayer Today taken from Crosswalk.com:

ESVFor I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.”

Dear God, 

We praise you for your love and faithfulness. We thank you for your protection and care over our families. Thank you that you give us the power to love well; the wisdom to lead and teach our children. We know you’re for us; that you fight for our families today. You are Redeemer, Restorer, and Friend, we believe you have good in store. We confess, some days, parenting is tough. Many days we can feel anxious or overwhelmed. We ask that you would make us more like you, more aware of your constant Presence in our lives. Help us to release our children to You, so that You are free to fully accomplish all that You desire, in them, through them. Please fill our families with your truth and cover us with your favor. 

Lord, we pray for these blessings over our children, today, and every day…

i. God instructs Abraham to instruct his children and household in the “way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice.”

Amen

Vertical righteousness unto the Lord.Horizontal justice unto our fellow man.​

Works Cited

2). Children belong to God. He gives them at his discretion.​

Green, Michael P., 1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching, Grand Rapids, MI, page 46.

ESVUnless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.​

Elwell, Walter, Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible, page 1317.

i. Children are a gift given to us.

The giving of children does not communicate some innate ability. All parents suffer from an inability to parent well on their own.

God gives children and gives instruction in the ordering of their days.

THE FRAMEWORK FOR PARENTING

AS GOD’S AMBASSADORS, PARENTS ARE TO REFLECT GOD’S CHARACTER, USE HIS METHODS, AND TEACH HIS MESSAGE IN THEIR PARENTING DUTY.

1). Modeling God’s nature. “Be like the Heavenly Father.”

a) Benevolent authority

b) Although Jesus had been given all things he came as a servant. ESVJesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

2). Use God’s methods. “Take every opportunity to talk and drive out foolishness.”

Two Biblical method’s1. Communication - The Shepherding of the Heart. (Shepherding is leading someone where you want them to go.a. Purposeful engagement. ESVThe purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.​b. Engaging the heart and the conscienceRomans 1:18–23 ESVFor the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.​ ESV“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. ESVhe said to them, “Take to heart all the words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your children, that they may be careful to do all the words of this law.2. The RodProverbs 13:24 ESVWhoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.​ ESVFolly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.​ ESVDo not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol.

3). Proclaim God’s message. “Don’t ask the Law to do what only the gospel of grace can do.”

a) God did what the Law could not do.

ESVIs the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. ESVFor God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

b) “Be gospel empowered givers of law and grace.”

ESVFor the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.​

THE AIM OF PARENTING IS TO ORIENT THE HEART TOWARDS GO.

I cannot save my children. God has not ask me to do what only He can do.

​THERE ARE SHAPING INFLUENCES IN LIFE. HOW OUR CHILDREN RESPOND TO THEM DEPENDS ON THEIR GOD-WARD ORIENTATION.

My children are gradually becoming more and more independent. For now I’m seeking to discern the Holy Spirit’s leading for my children. Each day I want them to trust God more and more. God has chosen me and my wife to serve as sign-posts in their lives pointing them Heavenward. I point and point and point some more until one day their gaze remains fixed upon the one who has given Himself for their redemption.