Bible Verse: In the future, when your son asks you, “What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the Lord our God has commanded you?” tell him: “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand.” Deuteronomy 6:20-21
Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 6:1-25
I was fortunate enough to know my grandpa well.
One of my favorite memories was a hunting trip I took with him. We didn’t take anything. We didn’t even really talk much; we just shared an experience. I got to spend time in the woods with my grandpa. His gentle spirit and love for the outdoors were gratifying to be around. Being with my grandpa was always a great experience. I learned a lot from him, probably not enough, but I did learn from him.
The last time I saw him, my wife and I had gone to visit. We got his favorite meal from Taco Bell and simply sat around and talked. As we got up to leave, he gathered us up and wanted to pray for us. He prayed that he was ready to come home and be with Jesus, but that my wife and I would love each other and God and serve Him with all our hearts.
Waiting to meet his Savior, Grandpa was concerned about us. More than anything, he wanted to know that his lineage was following his God.
Our faith is meant to be passed along. Even the hard parts.
As the Israelites were getting set to enter the Promised Land and Moses was giving his final instructions, he mentions the necessity of passing on their faith several times. There is a specific call to share this faith with their children, to explain the meaning and significance of the laws and decrees that God has given.
And what was the significance of the laws? What were the Israelite fathers to say to their children?
They were to rehearse the goodness of God in delivering them from slavery and calling them to be His people. Fathers were to share God’s great and wonderous deeds and obey what He commanded them so that they might live the lives He intended them to live.
As men, we want to lead well. And we want to know that those we lead follow the path we set out for them, especially regarding our faith. Seeing our children follow God depends on us talking about Him and passing along His stories, both from our lives and from Scripture.
Prayer: Delivering Father, thank You for the stories of rescue we read in Scripture and for the memories of Your work in our own lives. Help us to live by the words, ways, and wisdom You have given. Give me the boldness to pass along Your stories to those who are coming after me. Help me to be the father and leader You have called me to be. Amen.
Reflection: If you have children, how are you passing along the faith that God has grown in your life? If you do not have kids, who are you leading to God, and how are you leading them?
Copyright © 2024 Impactus. All rights reserved.
About
