TOPIC: CLEAVE AS ONE III
MEMORIZE:
And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. Mark 10:8
READ: Deuteronomy 6:6-8
6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
7 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.
8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
MESSAGE
I conclude my discussion on this topic by stating that God wants His children to enjoy their marriages, as We see in today's memory verse. However, for this to happen, they must cleave to their spouses. When you want to glue two objects, they must be in close proximity. When couples live in different states or countries for a long period of time, their children are usually affected negatively and may end up being raised by only one parent or other people. God instructed parents to train their children (Proverbs 22:6), but this cannot be effectively done virtually or by proxy. Parents' physical presence greatly impacts the quality of training and also strengthens the bond between them and their children. When both parents live in the same house with their children, it is easier for the couple to monitor and correct them as required.
Zeruiah's story is one of the most pathetic accounts about families in the Bible. Zeruiah was David's sister, and she had three sons - Joab, Abishai and Asahel. Throughout the Bible, I observed that there was no mention of their father (1 Chronicles 2:16), and I’m inclined to think that this was because he was not as involved in the family as a good father should be. Although the boys grew up to become mighty men, they exhibited weaknesses that became their undoing. Asahel was a swift runner, and at one time, he ran until he was killed (2 Samuel 2:12-32). Joab's hot temper made him go against his boss and uncle, David, until David placed a curse on him (2 Samuel 3:26-29). Abishai was rash in his attempt to kill God's anointed, Saul, and David had to caution him (1 Samuel 26:5- 12). Another person in the Bible whose children didn't turn out well was Eli. In my studies, I observed that there was no mention of his wife's role in raising their children, so I was not surprised that they became sons of Belial (1 Samuel 2:12).
Living in different locations might be unavoidable for married couples sometimes, but this should only be for short periods of time. Single parenting is highly challenging, and I pray that God will give all single parents the strength and wisdom to raise their children according to His will. When both parents are alive and well, it is important that they work together to raise their children in the way of the Lord.
KEY POINT
It is important for all parents to be actively involved in raising their children in the way of the Lord.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalms 34-37
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE
HYMN 28: GUIDE ME, O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH
1. Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah!
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but Thou art mighty,
Hold me with Thy powerful hand:
Bread of heaven! Bread of heaven!
Feed me now and evermore (2ce)
2. Open Thou the crystal fountain,
Whence the healing stream doth flow:
Let the fiery, cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through:
Strong deliverer! strong deliverer!
Be Thou still my strength and shield (2ce)
3. If I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside:
Bear me through the swelling torrent,
Land me safe on Canaan's side:
Songs of praises! songs of praises!
I will ever give to Thee (2ce)
4. Saviour, come! We long to see Thee,
Long to dwell with Thee above;
And to know in full communion,
All the sweetness of Thy love.
Come, Lord Jesus! Come, Lord Jesus!
Take Thy waiting people home (2ce)
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