Welcome to The Turnaround!
INTRODUCTION
Moses speaks God’s words to the Israelites following their 40 years of wandering as they make their way to Canaan, the promised land. Imagine, God is reminding them of HIS plan for their inherited blessing and how special their relationship is! Can’t you hear the Lord’s deepest desire: LOVE ME! I AM THE LORD, YOUR GOD! WITH ALL OF YOUR HEART! WITH ALL OF YOUR SOUL! WITH ALL OF YOUR STRENGTH! And for this blessing to pass from generation to generation, TEACH THIS TO YOUR CHILDREN! Easy right?
God knew that the enemy was on the attack! These instructions were and are an integral part of the Israelite culture. Hebrew children are expected to memorize the Torah, the first five books of the Bible. Even more, this command was to place this within one’s heart, to intentionally align oneself with God so it could be taught and passed to the children!
INSIGHT
How serious was God about His command? Consider Jesus’ answer to the disciples when they wondered who was the greatest:
Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in my name receives Me. Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and be drowned in the depth of the sea.”
This warning did not come out of left field. Can you see this was a reminder to the disciples of their responsibility to teach children? And not just any children but LITTLE children. Jesus was sounding the alarm!
As far as we know, none of the disciples had children of their own. So why would Jesus be warning them? Could it be this instruction extends further than a “parental obligation”, but it is an act of stewardship to bring the gospel to children of their nation? Or within their sphere of influence? Who will teach the children when the parents lose their way?
As we ponder the seriousness of teaching little children, let’s remember these words:
“Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven”, Matthew 19:14.
TURNAROUND QUESTION
Why isn’t childhood outreach highly treasured as the most effective discipleship to establish a person’s life?
PRAYER
Father God, hallowed be thy name! Thank you for creating us so we may live in relationship with You! Your Word guides us so we may guard our hearts from the lies of the enemy. Awaken us to the significance of young children. We turnaround to teach them of your love and of your ways! It is our pleasure to bring the truth to the next generation! Light a passion in our hearts to share the gospel to every child in our community, our state and our nation for it is for such— the children— is the kingdom of heaven! We submit our plans to activate evangelism to grade schools! We ask that you guide and direct our hearts! We commit to bring the Gospel to the most undervalued, unreached and at risk people group in our country— the children! In Jesus’ name, amen!
