Blessings of and for Children

UV 1278/10,000 Blessings of and for Children
Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion.
Isaiah 8 v 18

The massacre of more than a hundred innocent children in a school in Peshawar by misguided terrorists has broken the heart of God. Even the hardened grave digger who had never wept for those he buried wept bitterly over these slaughtered innocents. Children occupy a special place in the heart of the Lord. They are a sign from the Lord of the blessings and bliss of innocence. The Lord promises not only to bless us with children but to bless them and give them wonderful testimonies. For this to happen we only need to fulfill one condition that we spend time on Mount Zion or in the presence of the Lord and teach our children also to do the same. This uni-verse is a promise of generational blessings. It is also a declaration of faith and affirmation that God had given us the children and that He will be faithful and undertake to do signs and wonders of protection, provision, leadership and guidance in their lives. It is a sign of dedicating ourselves as parents and our children as a living offering to the Lord even as Abraham offered Isaac.

We need to acknowledge that children are a heritage from the Lord. It is he who has given them. The other day I heard a testimony of a young father of how his third child fell seriously ill while they were travelling in Singapore. When he knelt in prayer in the hotel room angry and asking God, “ Why are you letting this happen to me?” , he heard a voice that clearly asked him, “ Do you love me even if I take your child?” He thought about it and replied, “ You have given the child and it is for you to leave her with me or to take her.” The child and her illness was a test of his faith and a sign and wonder of His goodness and grace.

The term “ in Israel” implies that in all our struggles with our children and in all the struggles and challenges our children face, the Lord will manifest His mercy, goodness and grace. The term “ in Mount Zion” implies that the Lord rules in our every situation and predicament. He will demonstrate that He is sovereign and that He cares for us in every intimate aspect of our lives. He is the Lord of hosts or of the armies of angels of heaven. He sends His angels and messengers on behalf of our children. He gives them success and victory. He nourishes their spirits and strengthens them in spirit, mind and body. The greatest thing we can do for our children is to bring them up in faith and the fear of the Lord. The Lord is their eternal and permanent parent. He will teach them directly and lead them as He leads those with young with tenderness and care. Great shall be their peace and grace. Those who are parents will do well to claim this uni-verse every day for their children.

Prateep V Philip