“Children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward.” (Psalm 127:3)
Children are a heritage from the Lord, the word “heritage” describes someone inheriting the financial or property from their predecessor . This allows us as parents to understand clearly that the ownership of our children actually belongs to God; they are a heritage rewarded by God to take care and for us to enjoy. When the Lord Jesus comes again, we would need to settle accounts with Him. At that time, may we all be commended by the Lord as good and faithful servants (Matthew 25:14-30).
“Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth.” (Psalm 127:4)
The function of a bow is not to hold it within the hands, but to shoot it out. The bible tells us, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24). Thus, when parents have brought up their child to become an adult, it is necessary to allow them to be independent. This means that they should not rely on their parents anymore, and when the parents grow old, children should be compelled to protect and to take care of them, earning also a promise from God, “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise.” (Ephesians 6:2)
An arrow is a weapon for warriors to defend themselves and to attack the enemies. The arrow must be straight while the tip must be sharp in order for the arrow to hit the target. Therefore, children need to be taught and trained, to walk on the right path in the future, to become useful, God fearing and reverent people. The book of Proverbs informs us, “The rod and rebuke give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.” (Proverbs 29:15) and “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
In the work of disciplining children, we cannot use our own beliefs and the values of this world to train them. In addition it is incorrect to discipline our children based on our own anger or emotions. The bible teaches us, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19-20) Paul in the same way instructs us, “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)
The responsibility of a parent lasts a lifetime, because parents often worry about the well-being of their children. Nevertheless, we should imitate Job: though Job’s children had their own family and careers, he still prayed for each of them individually every morning, “It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” (Job 1:2-5) If our sons and daughters are like Job’s children, having a good faith and loving one another (Psalm 123:1), we should not only thank God but also continue to pray that our children continue in the love of God. If our children have not believed in the Lord or they have believed at young but later became the “prodigal son” described in (Luke 15), the more we should intercede for them. We should never lose heart or refrain from praying, for the Lord Jesus said, “I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7)
We ask God to give us the wisdom to help us pray for our children according to His will, and we must know that we are not wrestling with our kids, but battling against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). Let our prayers stand firm before the Lord; we must persist and not lose hope, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9)
When God’s time has yet to come, and our prayers have received no answer, do not be discouraged, as Jesus had said, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” (John 11:40) May the Lord help us, through His grace and mercy, to learn how to become a good and faithful servant, and to raise up godly offspring for the Lord. In this manner, not only will we become blessed, God’s grace and blessings will also continue from generation to generation. May all the glory be unto God’s name.
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