January 5, 2023

Passage Read: Judges 2-5
Meditation Verse: 2:10

Thought

How could a generation grow up not knowing the Lord or what He had done for Israel? Their fathers knew Him and His deeds, didn't they teach their children? They were supposed to! Why were the fathers so unconcerned about the Lord and making sure their children knew Him? Didn't they want the Lord to have favor on them, protect and bless them? Or were they too busy with fields and buildings, making the land their own and multiplying their crops and flocks? Did they forget so quickly that it was the Lord who helped them? Weren't they concerned that their children would suffer when the Lord withdrew His blessing because of their ignorance of His ways?

Application

A father's love must also include training his children to know and fear the Lord, so that they too can enjoy His favor and blessing. If a father is only concerned about his children's immediate physical needs, how can he say he loves them? He's then teaching them that the only thing that matters is their physical needs, and they'll grow up living for material wealth and comfort. And when they know and care nothing about the Lord, when they don't live to honor Him, He will withdraw His blessing and let others rule over them, and those others will not love them but oppress them. How is that love for children? I must do what I can to make sure my children know and fear the Lord.