TRAIN YOUR CHILD IN THE WAY OF THE LORD
"His sons used to hold feasts in their homes on their birthdays, and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would make arrangements for them to be purified. Early in the morning, he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts" (Job1: 4–5).
Job's sons were grown and carried on a separate business on their own accounts and had houses of their own; and being some distance from each other, they met by appointment at certain times in their own houses, and had friendly and family entertainments in turn. The feasts were meant to cherish love and affection and maintain harmony and unity among themselves, which must have been very pleasing to their parents. The holy practice of Job is reflected in the care of his children. He sent a message to them to prepare them for the holy duty of offering the burnt offering, or sacrifice. This was Job’s regular custom.
He had a spiritual life that outshined others. Notice how spiritually sensitive he was. Every time his children would party, he would always be there to offer a sacrifice. "For Job said, Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts" (Job 1:4-5). How many fathers really ever get to think about the consequences of their children’s sins? They are often too busy counting their gains or mourning their losses.
https://mountzionblog.org/train-your-child-in-the-way-of-the-lord/
Below are some of the lessons adopted from these particular verses:
1. It is advisable for godly parents to give their children time for moderate refreshment and recreation with one another. Job did not stop them from feasting, nor did he deny them the freedom to feast. He didn’t forbid nor interrupt their feasting till the days of their feasting were gone. Parents should allow their children time to refresh, to engage in honest forms of recreation in their mutual society.
2. Parents must not neglect their children's care, even if they are grown. Job purified his children (adult men and women) who most likely live in their own homes. Some parents think that if they look at their children at school, and raise them for a while, and give them some instructions in their youth, they don’t need to trouble themselves any further. Whereas the care of parents ought to continue as long as they and their children are still living. Job’s care went after his children to their houses.
"And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4)
3. Children who have grown up or have their own homes and families should submit to their parents' lawful commands, counsels, and direction with all reverence and submission. Job sent the message to his children, and they all submitted and obeyed without questioning the purpose of the call. When your parents reach the age of consent, don't think you've outgrown obedience and respect for them. We must respond to our parents' call, especially in holy duty (service to God Almighty).
4. A parent’s main and special care should be for the soul of his children. The care of many parents is only to enrich their children, make them great and honourable, and leave properties and enough wealth for sustenance, but no thought of preparing them for holy living in reference to Almighty God. Every parent ought to say of his children, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in the truth" (Ephesians 3:4).
5. A good and holy Christian will be glad to make others holy too. Job was a holy person, and he ensured that his children would be holy. A drunkard would have companions with another man in his drunkenness. The same goes for a godly man; he will work and love to make others live a holy life. A good man will not be happy alone.
6. The good which others do with our advice and counsel is reckoned as done by ourselves. Job sanctified his children. The good that others do as a result of your counsel, advice, promotion, admonition, and instruction will be credited to us. If another person lives a holy life on your advice, it will be said that you made him holy.
7. Holy duties call for holy preparation. We must not touch holy things with unholy hands or with unholy hearts. Job sent his solemn message to his children to prepare them. Whenever we go to the house of God, we should prepare our hearts to receive from the Holy God. Prepare your hearts to receive divine instruction and not be in haste.
8. A joyful home influence, over which God pours out his heavenly light, is seen in the spirit of pure affection that bound together the hearts of the ten children. It was honorable of "the young men" that they should, at the same time, consult their own and their sisters’ happiness, as if the festive circle must be incomplete without the crowning joy of their presence.
9. Serve as a priest for your family. Job was concerned for them, and they had a really good relationship with one another. But you know what Job was more concerned about? that they had a good relationship with God. He would sacrifice for them—just in case they sinned. He was acting as a priest for them. He sacrificed to the true God, which he did outside of any temple. He works as a priest for his family. He could be happy enough with his riches and his family but he’s most concerned about the spiritual aspects of life.
https://mountzionblog.org/train-your-child-in-the-way-of-the-lord/
10. Job’s children observed their feast orderly with great modesty and discretion. It is very rare to see brothers having mutual love and favor among themselves, especially in this present age. The devil will take evil steps to cast a bone between brethren, to make those that should love one another most deadly. An example of such discord can be related to the relationship between Cain and Abel, Esau and Jacob, and Joseph and his brethren. "A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city; and their contentions are like the bars of a castle, which, being strong, will neither bow nor yield" (Proverbs 18:19).
Parents must use all reasonable means to prevent discord among their children and to maintain the amity and unity that Psalms 133:1-3 explicitly describes. "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments. For it is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the LORD commanded the blessing—Life forevermore."
"Train up a child in the way he should go, and he will not stray when he is old." (Proverbs 22:6)
To God be the glory.
James Dina (james@mountzionblog.org)
July 23, 2020
https://mountzionblog.org/train-your-child-in-the-way-of-the-lord/
Reference
"Exposition on the Book of Job" by Joseph Caryl
