Issue 794 – Let The Children Come – July 3, 2022
Today’s image is from the very early days of “the Cowboy Church,” showing the entrance to our children’s area.
It was a phenomenon of “the Cowboy Church” that most children who attended came with grandparents or neighbours rather than their parents. The parents were often non-believers or lapsed believers, but the grandparents were investing in the spiritual life of the grandchildren.
That can be seen in many churches today. I suspect that most children who attend come with parents or other primary caregivers, yet many come with grandparents for that exact reason.
As parents, grandparents and even great-grandparents, we are obligated to the generations to come to speak Christ into their lives. It is an act of love.
Not every grandparent has access to their grandchildren or permission to bring the grandkids to church. Still, we can pray for them.
I prayed for my son’s wives long before they ever even dated. I prayed for their children before they were ever born, and I pray for the children down the line until Jesus returns. Only God knows, and time will tell, of the effect of those prayers. I believe God is faithful, so I will keep praying for them until I go home to glory and trust the Lord.
At this point, we are blessed; our sons are pastors, and our daughters-in-law are believers. The grandchildren are young but exposed to the faith; the eldest has committed to Christ and been baptized. That has far more to do with God’s grace and mercy than our parenting abilities.
Children are designed as a blessing and a responsibility.
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. Psalm 127:3-5
“You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 11:18-19
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4
Where we have the opportunity, let us do all things possible to let the little children come to the Lord.
What if you don’t have children or grandchildren? Spiritually adopt nieces or nephews or children in your neighbourhood. Pray for them, and do whatever is within your power to be a godly influence in their lives.
Many a parent has come to (or come back) the Lord due to a child coming to faith. Kathy and I came to faith following the examples of our children who wanted to know more about God.
Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” And he laid his hands on them and went away. Matthew 19:13-15
Jesus loved the children. They represented the weakest and most vulnerable people in their society. Let us follow His example.
May you be a godly blessing to your children and children’s children on down the line until Christ returns or the Lord takes you home.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed
Kevin.
Gleanings From The Word.
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (for the glory of God alone.)
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