Who is responsible for teaching children about God—parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, teachers, preachers, reporters, writers, actors, celebrities, sports stars?
Perhaps all of the above are responsible to one degree or another. But parents have primary responsibility—and grandparents may come in second. God repeatedly tells the Israelites to talk to their children and grandchildren about his word and his commands. He told Moses and Aaron that while they were dealing with Pharaoh:
“Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart … so that I may do these miraculous signs of Mine among them, and SO THAT YOU MAY TELL YOUR SON AND GRANDSON how severely I dealt with the Egyptians and performed miraculous signs among them” Exodus 10:1-2.
In passages that follow, the message is repeated: “When your children ask you… you are to reply…” 12:26-27. “On that day, EXPLAIN TO YOUR SON…” 13:8. “When your son asks… say to him…” 13:14.
God gave Moses not only rules and lessons to share but also stories to tell to his children and grandchildren. God gives us stories too. Some are just fun stories, little adventures or comedies that happen in life. But when you walk with God, you will see him at work around you—and those are stories you need to rehearse and remember so that you can tell them to your children and grandchildren.
What has God done in your life that you will share with your children or grandchildren?
God, help us to be aware of the future, to make decisions today that we can be proud of decades from now when we share our stories with children and grandchildren. Help us to honor you in all our decisions—and to rehearse and remember everything that you do in our lives.
ΑΩ
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