Last week’s study showed us how disobedience and doubt seriously hinder us from following God and his plan for our lives. But one may ask what happened? Or why did Israel fail like this? Who was to blame? All good questions. Therefore it is necessary to understand that the generation after Joshua was a generation that was TOLD the way but not SHOWN the way. Huh? Yes. They were told the stories of the Red Sea miracle, the manna in the desert, and the water from the rock, but unfortunately they were too young to have experienced any of that first hand. So we have a failure to communicate on the part of Joshua’s generation to their children, right? Or do we just have very stubborn, rebellious children that refused to obey the commands of their parents and the God they followed? I’m not here to answer that, but I will highlight the dangers in either scenario.
As parents, we have an obligation to instruct our children in the ways of the Lord—despite their acceptance or rejection of those “ways”. For instance, I grew up without a choice of whether or not I would attend family functions that were required by my parents—including church. However, I’ve noticed the freedom of choice that is so prevalent in this generation as I work with youth week in and week out that seems to have crippled their spiritual growth potential. Being forced to attend church was good for me. It was good for my parents and their parents. How could it not be good for my own kids? As parents, my wife and I will strive to teach our children how to listen for God’s voice and obey his commands when they are given. Although, this is unpopular [with them] at times, it is best for them. And since we love them this is what we will continue to do for them. LESSON #3: FAILURE TO TEACH GOD’S COMMANDS TO OUR CHILDREN RESULT IN LIMITED SPIRITUAL GROWTH FOR THEM.
As children, the only obligation for many years is to trust and obey. Ironically enough, I’ve learned this lesson from not being my father’s son but being the Father’s son. God has shown me that as his child, he has only required me to trust and obey him. Everything else is simple after that. Just as I implore my children to rely on me, their earthly father to provide for all their needs [and some wants]—He has shown me that he wants me to do the same. But unfortunately, I let extracurricular affairs entangle my mind from that focus. It is hard for me to juggle life as a man in this sinful world and life as a child of the King. But learning to master that juggling act makes all the difference in the world. If I look back at Israel as an example and recognize their error in not trusting God I see where I fail. Imagine the heartache they could have avoided by just heeding God’s commands to trust and obey what he had for them versus what they could produce or provide for themselves. It seems they would have had much better years in the land of Canaan that God promised his child Abraham long ago. As they sought to provide for themselves and trust their own ways, they naturally turned their back on God who wanted to provide for them all along. He longs for us to do what is right in his eyes so that we will live a life that pleases him and that is the most profitable for us. We can learn from Israel that disobedience and doubt keep us from receiving God’s best for us and lead us to do what is right in our own eyes.
God help me to trust and obey you. At times it is hard for me to realize that you truly are doing what is best for me because of how things look. But I want to believe, help me in my unbelief. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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