Last time we talked about technology stealing our children’s hearts. How and why do you think that occurred?
The first generations not spanked by their parents were the “X and Y” kiddos. Their discipline came in the form of a time-out. What does a child learn of eternal value in time-out? God says, “He who spares his rod hates his son. But he who loves him disciplines him diligently” (Proverbs 13:24 NAS). In Hebrews 12:5 and 6 (NAS) God says, “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by Him; for those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and He scourges every son whom He receives.”
It’s easier to give our children things that will keep them quiet and entertained, rather than teach and discipline them or listen to their tantrums and tears if we say no. We have created spoiled children who demand what the market place provides. We give them things rather than giving them ourselves. Then we work harder to give them more. The spiral continues and multiplies because neither parents nor children comprehend the meaning of no.
But God says no, for our own good. When folks complain that God doesn’t answer their prayers, is it possible that God said no and they refused to listen? We can’t teach our children what we refuse to accept or understand ourselves.
Are our minds blank computer screens when it comes to the Word of God? Is there any memory of His Word saved on the hard drive that will provide His wisdom and solutions during times of trouble, trials and tragedies?
And so, generational sin continues.
In the Book of Deuteronomy we find the children of Israel poised on the banks of the Jordan River ready to go into the land promised to them by God. These young adults and their parents wandered the desert for 40 years because the parents rebelled against God’s instructions to conquer the land. So God told them no! No, you will not inherit the land. He would not allow anyone over the age of 20 to experience the blessing of His promise. They would die in the desert and their children would inherit the land.
Moses instructed the generation that finally went into the land: “Hear O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words which I command thee this day, shall be in thy heart; and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” ( Deuteronomy 6:4-7, KJV).
In Chapter 11:19, Moses reminded them they were to “teach these things to their children.” God promised them blessings if they obeyed and curses if they disobeyed. Moses told them in Deuteronomy 30:1-4 when they disobeyed God and were suffering the consequences of their rebellion, if they and their children returned to the Lord and obeyed Him with all their heart and soul, then He would have compassion on them and gather them from the places He scattered them.
God judged Israel for their rebellion. In light of his immutability, isn’t it reasonable that He will judge our nation too? America has turned her back on God. We have failed to teach His inerrant Word to our children and require them to obey. We have allowed the minority to toss God out of the schoolhouse, the courthouse, the White House, and most of our houses.
Is there a solution? Yes. The same remedy God offered to Israel in Deuteronomy 30:1-4 when they turned their back on Him. He said we must call our actions what He calls them—rebellion and sin. We must recognize that we have not obeyed the Lord our God and cry out to Him. And repent. Then we must return and obey Him with all of our heart.
We don’t need new words or a new translation of what He said. We need the commitment and courage to obey what He has already instructed. In Psalm 40:8 David says, “I delight to do Your will, O my God. And Your law is within my heart.”
My question is this—Do you delight to do His will? Have you hidden His Word in your heart? If you live these two statements at home, at the office and especially at church, would it change your life?
If we repent and turn perhaps God will have compassion on America. And forgive us and gather us from all the places we’ve been scattered. Then perhaps the time will return in our nation where Jehovah God is Lord over our hearts and the hearts of our children. But that decision has to begin with you and me. The alternative is bondage. Just ask the people of Israel how well that worked out for them.
NEXT: 2 Chronicles 16:9 and Psalm 328b