Tell the Children

“We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.” – Psalm 78:4

When I read the Bible there is a thread woven through that strikes me whenever I come across it.  It is God’s love for children and his command that we adults tell them about him.  You can’t escape it in the Old Testament.  “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.  You shall teach them diligently to your children…” - Deuteronomy 6:6.  See also Deuteronomy 4:9 and 11:19.

Joel 1:3 gives warning to, “Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children to another generation.”  The book of Joshua talks of several heaps of stones built as monuments of remembrance for the coming generations (see Joshua 4:21-22).  The entire Psalm 78 is dedicated to telling the coming generations of what the Lord has done for his people.

In the New Testament we see Jesus gathering children to himself to be blessed.  He knows there is no better place for them to be than in his presence.  He openly receives them and sternly tells his disciples not to keep them away. 
“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.’ ” – Matthew 19:13-15

Oh, if people would heed these words today!  Do not hinder the children from coming to Jesus!  Do not stop them from being in his presence or from hearing his Word!  Direct them there, point the way, encourage them to know who he is and what he has done.  Do not close the door on the relationship by not attending church or not reading the Bible.  Stop acting like the name of Jesus is taboo unless used as a curse word.   If this describes you, hear the rebuke of Christ loudly in your ear today – “let the little children come to me and do not hinder them”!  

Tell the children about God and his glorious deeds and wondrous works.  Tell them of his powerful wrath, his holiness, his perfection.  Tell them of his standards and righteous judgement.  Tell them of his immense love for his people, his glorious grace and his victory over sin and death.   Tell them the story of Jesus that is only found in the Bible and is the only way to life forever. 

You cannot rely on someone else to do this: not school (ha!), not church, not grandparents, not the internet, not a friend.  You must do it.  Do not stand aloof and think they will find their own way – someday – somehow – if they want to.  If you wait until they are “old enough” to make up their own mind it will be too late.  By then they will have learned from you that God is unimportant and not worth talking about.  

Tell the children about God.  Start with what is in the Bible and then (if you are a Believer) tell them of what he has done in your life.  Tell of the times he provided for you, instructed you, and answered prayers.  Tell of the time he claimed you as his own.  There is so much to share, you have to start as soon as they are born and never stop. 

Don’t go a day without talking to your child about God.  Why?  The answer is given in Psalm 78:7 – “so that they should set their hope in God.”  God is their only hope, so you sure better let them know it.  The only legacy worth leaving is the one that has eternal promise and points to Christ.
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“Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.” – Psalm 34:11