by: Russell McLaughlin

"Train Up A Child"

            Mothers and Fathers have a great responsibility and opportunity in “train up a child”.  God has three names for the children we raise and teach in Psalm 127.  He called them a “heritage”.  As to their origin, He spoke of them as “fruit of the womb”.  He closed His short Psalm by describing them as “arrows”. 

            “Heritage”!  Ah, the gift unearned, conveying a blessing, desired.  Heritage conveys the idea of a possession, which is assigned.  Children need to be viewed as God’s property.  He assigns them to you.  Take care of your heritage and treat them with proper respect.

            “Fruit” is wholesome.  It is good for you.  It provides something nothing else can.  It conveys the idea of delight.  God intends the family for a special reward.  The “fruit of the womb” is His imparted blessing.

            Finally, children are “arrows”.  They are yours to aim.  They are yours to speed toward a target.  Responsibility is placed in your hands.  They were not designed for disappointment.  It is not their mission to embarrass.  It is their purpose to bless you, not to make you ashamed.  When the crisis comes, those well-aimed arrows will successfully find the mark.  They’ll speak triumphantly to the “enemy in the gate”.  The defense you established shall not perish with you, but courage and righteousness will continue in blessed presentation even after the parent leaves the field of battle.

            Your “heritage”, “fruit”, and “arrows” are worthy of every hour you can invest in them.

            Today, let’s thank the Lord for the investment our mothers and fathers make in their children’s lives. Do something special for your mom today on Mother’s day!!! Let’s all take time today and this week to pray for our families here at Midway.  May God bless us as we strive to have Christian homes.