Blessed Beginnings: Embracing God’s Plan For Our Children Series

Blessed Beginnings: Embracing God’s Plan for Our Children

Introduction

Today, we gather for a special occasion: the dedication of a child.

This is a moment where we acknowledge God’s gift of life and commit to raising this child in the ways of the Lord.

I want us to reflect on the importance of nurturing children in the way of the Lord.

In doing so, we turn to the Bible to understand God’s vision for their lives and our role as stewards of the young ones entrusted to us.

Point 1: Children Are a Gift from God

Psalm 127:3 (NLT): "Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him."

The Psalmist reminds us that children are not merely byproducts of human will but are gifts from God Himself.

The Hebrew word translated as "gift" is nachalah, which can also mean an inheritance or heritage.

The word carries the connotation of something valuable that has been entrusted to us, much like an inheritance that must be cared for and passed on.

‘Nachalah’ emphasizes that children are not just a temporary blessing, but a lasting legacy and a precious trust given by God.

This understanding deepens the appreciation of the verse, as it underscores the value and significance of children in God's plan, and the responsibility we have to nurture and guide them according to His will.

In Genesis 33:5 - When Esau asked Jacob about his entourage, Jacob responded, "These are the children God has graciously given to your servant."

Children are blessings bestowed by the divine grace of God.

Imagine a beautifully wrapped gift received at a surprise celebration. Just as we would handle a gift with care and joy, so should we cherish and nurture our children.

May we approach parenting and mentorship with the recognition that each child is a divine trust, calling us to stewardship and care.

The preacher & author Max Lucado once remarked, "Children are God’s apostles, sent forth, day by day, to preach of love, and hope, and peace."

This view compels us to consider the broader impact of our parenting and the responsibility we have to nurture and guide children of all ages according to God’s will.

Point 2: Training in the Way of the Lord

Proverbs 22:6 (NLT): "Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it."

This proverb highlights the importance of foundational spiritual and moral education.

The word "direct" involves initiation and setting a course, implying an active role in guiding children’s spiritual journeys.

Listen to the words of Deuteronomy 6:6-7 "And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up."

Moses instructs the Israelites to embed God’s commandments in their hearts and to diligently teach them to their children, emphasizing constant dialogue about faith.

Think of planting a tree. The way we nurture and support its growth from the beginning deeply influences its strength and direction as it matures.

We are called to be intentional in teaching our children about God’s love, guiding them through example and instruction.

It was Billy Graham who said, "The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith."

Point 3: Covered by Prayer and Blessing

Numbers 6:24-26 (NLT): "May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you His favour and give you His peace."

This priestly blessing conveys the idea of covering one's life with the protective and favourable presence of God. Each phrase bestows a layer of God’s loving intention towards His people.

Mark 10:16 “Then He took the children in His arms and placed His hands on their heads and blessed them.”

Jesus blessed the children, demonstrating the value of spiritual covering through prayer and God’s presence.

Consider the act of shielding a candle’s flame with your hand to prevent it from being extinguished by the wind. In the same way, our prayers serve as a shield for our children’s lives.

Let us commit to praying consistently for our children, invoking God’s blessing, protection, and peace upon them.

Charles Spurgeon encouraged, "Train up a child in the way he should go – but be sure you go that way yourself."

This reminds us that our prayers for our children must be matched by our own faithful living.

Conclusion:

As we dedicate this child today, let us embrace the roles God has assigned us, committing to raise them under His guidance and love.