Children: A Gift from God



Jonathan Spencer Lyle was born on December 3, 2010 in Laconia, New Hampshire.  I am the proud grandfather.  The birth of a child changes everything for all individuals involved:  parents, siblings, grandparents, etc…  This was certainly the case in our family.  The birth of Jonathan has created many moments of introspection and feelings of joy, hope, anxiety, and anticipation.  My instances of deep thought have led me time and again to this passage in Psalms:

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one's youth.
 Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.”

(Psalm 127:3-5)

In the midst of new birth, I am reminded that God is working in human affairs.  Life cannot ever simply be viewed from the narrow perspective of humanity.  Thus, this Psalm reminds me that life and children are a gift from God.

Children are a Heritage

“… children are a heritage from the Lord, …”

From a literal and perhaps legal perspective, children could be viewed as property or possession.  This, however, seems cold and callus. From another perspective, children can be viewed as God’s possession.  As a heritage, God’s possession is being passed on to us with the necessary ramifications of care, responsibility, etc…  God shares children with us and we, in turn, are to share our children with the world.  That which is shared by God must be passed on from generation to generation.  I appreciate this perspective that children are God’s gifts and a perpetual sign of God’s unending favor to humanity.

I am furthermore caused to reflect that children are a heritage and, yet, children gain a heritage from those who parent them through care, responsibility, nurturing, etc…  I can make a fairly high percentage forecast concerning Jonathan’s heritage:  He will love the outdoors and nature.  He will reverence God.  He will care for others.  He will value family.  And he will probably love German Shepherds.

 

Children are a Reward

“…the fruit of the womb a reward.”

In the Old Testament, the absence of children could mean that your inheritance could be lost (Numbers 27:8-11) and passed on to others.  Children are to be viewed as a blessing.  This presents the idea of appreciation, pleasure and joy.  Children should be seen as physical and spiritual blessings from God.

“Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb…”

Deuteronomy 28:4

Children are like Arrows

“Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one's youth.
 Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them!”

The bow and arrow were one of the choice weapons of warfare during this period.  They could be used as a defense against many forms of assault.  It must be noted, however, that arrows are directed by the archer.  The arrow must be hued and carved to a point of precision.  The wood selected must be strong without defect and not susceptible to bending or warping. The archer guards his bow and quiver of arrows with care.  In similar fashion, parents and grandparents are to care for their children as an archer watches over his quiver of arrows.  Children are like arrows in the hands of their parents and grandparents.

“Train up a child in the way he should go;

Even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

What heritage are you creating and giving to your children and grandchildren?

Thank God today for your children and grandchildren and please see them as a blessing from God.

Are you preparing your children and grandchildren to be productive members of society and children of God?