Judges 1:1-21; 2:6-10
Today we begin a trek through the Book of Judges. Now this is one of my favorite books of the Bible because it parallels (in kind of a scary way) attitudes and behaviors that are prevalent in the world today. That means we can learn a lot from Judges.
Judges picks up right after Joshua dies and the first two chapters are basically foundational, giving us information before we actually get to specific judges. Judges 2:6-10 kind of summarizes and explains it all and then lays out for us the underlying problem for the Israelites moving forward. "And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel" (vs. 10).
So what does our introduction to Judges tell us about the importance of teaching younger generations about the Lord and following Him? What are some things we can do, both inside and outside our families, to ensure that another generation doesn't miss out on knowing God? Tami W.
P.S. We're starting a new series on Judges on Back to the Bible today. So join Dr. Kroll and me for Judges: Turning Defeat Into Victory.
(Proverbs 22:6)Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.(Proverbs 22:5-7)(Ephesians 6:4)
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Some wilderness decendants not only didn't train their children up in the way they should go they encouraged the evil to prevail by not ridding the land of the evil idol worshipers God said to get rid of.
If we can't get through to our children or grandchildren then go to the community. We can in schools and churches share Jesus so they can hear and seeds planted. There's a great need for study buddies in school and churches can start grandparent programs that not only help with homework but children can attend Bible classes afterward. Volunteer in WRE ("Weekly Religous Ed")for 4th graders to leave school during the day and go to a church to learn the Bible.Or teach a Sunday School class or be with the little ones in the nursery, singing and playing games that talk about Jesus. Do something! Our children, our future!
It is of the greatest importance that we teach our children to love the Lord our God with all our heart and with all our soul, and with all our might. Deuteronomy 6:7 continues about loving God, " And thou shat teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up" (KJV). God says it, and if it were not important He would not have said it. Fathers must play a more important role in the bringing up of our children. Mothers if they do not, the onus is on us. It should be done as a team but if that does not happen let us just do it. If we teach them from they are very young I personally think there would be less crime, less suicides and the young men and women would know that others treat them with disrespect and not with love or care they will know the most important person in all times, God, cares and their parents also.
Even though we might not have done it when they were young we still have to discuss integrity and God's love with our older children and friends. God represents good, Satan represents evil, greed lust, envy and all those worldly things. From Old Testament to New Testament the teachings are on love.
God's Inspired Word is to guide us here on earth and when He sees how much we work to get His Word out to family, friends and others He feels good and He will be there with us. So if it seems that they are not listening just keep at it, ask God for strength that we do not lose faith and we will be suprised at the awesome outcome. Let us never ever give up praying for others and sharing our testimonies with them. I can say I see God's hand working within my family and friends and how people respond when you take up the phone and call to find out how they are doing. Sometimes these same people lift me up. So let us give God the glory and praise for it is only He that can make that happen.
Please forgive as I do not want to be "anonymous" especially when it has to do with my God. The comments appearing under anonymous are mine. Joan R. It was not intentional.
No problem Joan. It's good to have your comments. I appreciated what Mary said too. We need to support our children's ministry in our churches as well. I love to write, so I'm working on some stories that I can leave my family. Some of these stories incorporate Christ and the Christian beliefs. Graciously, God has already used them to encourage one family member.