Children – a blessing from the Lord
Luke 1:24-25
“Thus has the Lord done to me in the days in which he looked at me, to take away my reproach among men.” (v.25)
Today I read about Elizabeth, Zechariah’s wife, who was in her old age and barren, and God told Zechariah that you was going to have a child.
After realising that she had conceived, she said: “Thus has the Lord done to me in the days in which he looked at me, to take away my reproach among men.” (Luke 1:25)
This reminded me how children are a blessing from the Lord.
Even Elon Musk (a father of six) agrees. The other day he said: “If people don’t have more children, civilization is going to crumble. Mark my words.”
And in the case of Elizabeth and Zechariah: In those days having no children was regarded as shameful. However, there are a few instances in the Bible where God performed a miracle on barren women, and gave them children in their old age.
- Sarah, the wife of Abraham, and the mother of Isaac, and grandmother of Jacob (Israel) – Gen 21:1-7, Heb 11:11
- Rachel, the wife of Jacob bore Joseph and Benjamin – Gen 30:22-24
- Hannah, the wife of Elkanah, and mother of the prophet Samuel – I Sam 1:19-20
And God, who told his creation to be fruitful and multiply, says this about children:
- He settles the barren woman in her home, as a joyful mother of children. Praise Yah! (Psalm 113:9)
- Behold, children are a heritage of the LORD. The fruit of the womb is his reward. (4) As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the children of youth. (5) Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. They won’t be disappointed when they speak with their enemies in the gate. (Psalm 127:3-5)
- Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in his ways. (2) For you will eat the labour of your hands. You will be happy, and it will be well with you. (3) Your wife will be as a fruitful vine, in the innermost parts of your house; your children like olive plants, around your table. (4) Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD. (5) May the LORD bless you out of Zion, and may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life. (6) Yes, may you see your children’s children. Peace be upon Israel. (Psalm 128:1-6)
- Children’s children are the crown of old men; the glory of children are their parents. (Proverbs 17:6)