Grandchildren. They are a huge blessing–and a great responsibility.
The first thing God tells us is that we should be NEAR TO HIM. We teach our children to love the Father with all their heart, to serve our Lord Jesus, and to care for others. Then they teach THEIR children. We all want to be near to God’s grace and blessings.
Genesis 45:10:
And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be NEAR UNTO ME, thou, and thy children, and thy CHILDREN’S CHILDREN, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast.
The next thing that God reminds us of, is that He is FAIR AND JUST to all people, including our children and grandchildren. He is merciful and forgiving. Yet, when people allow Satan to direct them, they receive the consequences of their lack of trust in God.
Exodus 34:7:
Keeping MERCY for thousands, FORGIVING iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear THE GUILTY [who reject God’s grace and blessings]; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the CHILDREN’S CHILDREN, unto the third and to the fourth generation.
The third thing God tells us is that CULTURE WILL TRY TO TURN YOUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN TO IDOLATRY. When we remain “long in” cultures, we can be corrupted and set up “idols” of our own making [so much worldly thinking and so many deceiving “truths” are open and free on the internet and in a smart phone today]. That is why we must constantly pray and trust and read and understand God by going to His Word–and teaching our children and grandchildren to do the same!
Deuteronomy 4:25:
When thou shalt beget children, and CHILDREN’S CHILDREN, and ye shall have REMAINED LONG in the land, and shall CORRUPT YOURSELVES, and make a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, and shall do evil in the sight of the LORD thy God, to provoke him to anger.
The next thing God shows us is that life is a matter of HEART NOT RELIGION. People can think they are doing the will of God and serving Jesus Christ, yet be following the lies of another spirit. It’s not enough to say “Jehovah” and still serve “graven images.” All true religion is to walk by the spirit, stand fast in the freedom with which Christ has set us free, and live by the “law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus.” That is what we teach our children to teach THEIR children.
2 Kings 17:41:
So these nations feared the LORD [rituals to Jehovah], and SERVED THEIR GRAVEN IMAGES, both their children, and their CHILDREN’S CHILDREN: as did their fathers, so do they unto this day.
When we truly love and respect our Father, we will live the way He WANTS US TO. We will constantly see His MERCY in our lives, and our RIGHT LIVING will pass on to our children and grandchildren. That is the greatest heritage and inheritance we can give–HOW to walk with the Father.
Psalms 103:17:
But the MERCY of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear [love and respect and honor] him, and his RIGHTEOUSNESS unto CHILDREN’S CHILDREN.
When we obey God’s Word, we have BLESSINGS that pass on to our grandchildren. That includes PEACE where they live. Both on the inside, and in their relations with others.
Psalms 128:6:
Yea, thou shalt see thy CHILDREN’S CHILDREN, and PEACE upon Israel.
What is the GREATEST INHERITANCE we can leave our children and grandchildren? Learning that “my God shall supply ALL YOUR NEED according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Then they will be well provided for no matter the economy or world conditions. Trust in God is the key to prosperity.
Proverbs 13:22:
A good man leaveth an INHERITANCE to his CHILDREN’S CHILDREN: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
Whenever we are with our grandchildren, it’s like wearing a “crown” that shines with their love and respect for us. When we are faithful fathers [and mothers] that our children “glory” or boast in, then we will have the crowning joy of teaching and training THEIR children as well!
Proverbs 17:6:
CHILDREN’S CHILDREN are the CROWN of old men; and the GLORY of children are their fathers.
God seeks to love and care for EACH GENERATION. God “pleads” with us, our children, and THEIR children to do His will and be blessed. Let’s take heed to His beneficent request.
Jeremiah 2:9:
Wherefore I will yet PLEAD WITH you, saith the LORD, and with your CHILDREN’S CHILDREN will I plead.
The final thing that God notes about our grandchildren is that ALL BLESSINGS come from God our Father THROUGH our Lord Jesus Christ [1 Corinthians 8:6]. It is the salvation that we have in Christ that is the true riches. Let’s teach and train our children and grandchildren to know the Lord, and see his blessings forever.
Ezekiel 37:25:
And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt; and they shall dwell therein, even they, and their children, and their CHILDREN’S CHILDREN for ever: and MY SERVANT DAVID [Jesus, the true David] shall be THEIR PRINCE [Messiah and Lord] FOR EVER.
Let’s do our best each day to love our children and grandchildren with tender hearts, forgiveness, and kindness.
Ephesians 4:32:
And be ye KIND one to another, TENDERHEARTED, FORGIVING one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
