April 28, 2024
Pastor Darin Youngberg
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Daily Bread June 1, 2017
Posted on Thursday, June 01, 2017 by Bro_D
Genesis 18:19 For 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."
Abraham was chosen by God, for God’s purpose, for God’s glory. Chosen so that the world may be blessed. As I read these verses the song, “Father Abraham” came to mind. “Father Abraham had many sons, many sons had father Abraham, I am one of them & so are you, so let’s all praise the LORD!” I like it that I am called a child of God. I really like that in Christ I have a glorious inheritance. Let’s face it, I like all the promises of Scripture that speak of my blessing!
This verse tells us that the LORD chose Abraham and that the LORD wanted to bring to Abraham all the LORD had promised. That sounds really awesome --- but those words in between those two points --- Abraham was to command his children and his household to keep the way of the LORD. What about those words? The Hebrew word “command” here is in the demonstrative sense, meaning, it will be done – no “ifs” or “buts” – no rationalizations – no excuses. The command is given with the full expectation of obedience. I wonder how many of us “command” our children to do certain things. I know I have said more than once, “I didn’t ask if you wanted to, I TOLD you TO DO IT!” That is normally pertaining to things like cleaning their room, doing homework …. Etc. I have heard more than one parent say they don’t think forcing a child to believe is a good idea. It normally sounds something like … “I don’t want to force my beliefs on my child, I want them to form their own.” This verse says nothing about forcing a belief system on somebody, it speaks of enforcing the way of the LORD in one’s life. As we drive the streets of our community, we are under the authority of traffic laws – there are law enforcement officers who will enforce those laws ---Why do we need enforcement officers? Because we will not stay within the limits of the law? Ask any officer, they have been asked more than once “How many miles over the limit can I go without getting a ticket?” – We seek to push the limits. With children, they will push the limit on everything. If the parent won’t enforce the “law” or the right way, the child will learn that there are no limits and will not know there is a right way. If the child is unable to recognize the “right way” then they will be on the wrong path – a path that leads to destruction. A path where they will not see the blessing of the LORD. A path where the LORD is unable to bring all that He promised.
As a parent I have many choices when it comes to teaching my children. Many choices of what to teach them, how to teach them. I do not have a choice of when to teach them. I teach them every moment of every day. They see how I do life. They hear what I talk about. They know what is truly important to me. The Bible tells me that as a parent I am fully responsible for teaching my child the way of the LORD. That same Bible tells me that as a parent I am fully responsible for teaching my children that the way of the world will lead to destruction. Enforcing the way of the LORD is the most loving act a parent can do for their child. Leading a child to live according to this world is the single most devastating act a parent can do --- being a lukewarm parent when it comes to enforcing the way of the LORD is a close second. If Abraham would not command his children & his household to keep the way of the LORD, the LORD would not be in a position to complete the promises made.
As an adult I have many responsibilities. As a parent, I have one great responsibility – Train my child in the way of the LORD, enforcing His truth, His way be followed. If I fail in that, I will be held responsible for the promises not experienced by my child. My children are a gift from Him (Ps.127), He gave them to me, for His promises to be fulfilled in them. They are His, given to me, I must raise them for Him, not me.