Remember Family Values

Over and over in Scripture we read that children have one responsibility in their families—to obey their parents. The world would be a much better place if children were instructed well by their parents and responded obediently to their instructions. Much of today’s crime and violence can be traced back to the home where good examples and teaching were absent or where the children were disobedient.

Simple but Hard

Work hard and obey God. This is what parents try to teach their children for the duration of the time they are with them. From the moment children are born it is the parents’ task to prepare them to leave. If all words of wisdom to children could be summed up it would likely sound something like the above. If children learn these two things, they can leave home expecting to succeed in life.

Pass it Forward

This passage is filled with attention to transition. This is the moment where Moses passes the mantle of leadership to Joshua. This is the moment that Israel finally enters the promised land. This is the beginning of the work to clear the land, and they will need strength and courage for that task.

This is the beginning of a new kind of rest as they begin to enjoy the provisions of the promised land.

Faith of a Child

Children rely on their parents or caregivers to feed them, to clothe them, to love and care for them. They trust freely. They expect that they will be nourished and nurtured. Children instinctively know how to get on with growing and discovering.

In today’s passage we sense the love Jesus had for the children who were being brought to him.

The Wise End of Discipline

Children seem to understand that getting it right takes practice. I was watching my 2 year old grandson recently threading a toy screw into a busy board. Round and round, over and over again he tried it without a hint of giving up. From time to time one of the adults would offer guidance. A verbal hint or a guiding hand was given.