‘Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate’ (Ps 127:3-5).
The value placed on children in the Bible cannot be overstated. All throughout the Bible children are meant to give a sense of hope and expectation. Eve overheard a promise (when God was cursing the serpent) that one of her children would be the serpent’s downfall (Gen 3:15). Abram (Gen 12:1-3) and David (2 Sam 7:13) likewise focus our hopes.
This blessing, of course, comes with great responsibility. Parents are to teach their children the ways of God. They are to teach their children the law, the salvation that has been achieved for God’s people, and the way of wisdom.
But parents should not be on their own. God has placed us into a community. He has given us the church; people who have also been united to Christ by faith, who are our brothers and sisters. So how can we, as a church, help parents of children in our church?
Prayer and practical help are a great start, deserving some time of discussion themselves! But another real help will be volunteering to be a helper in our soon-to-start Sunday School! Because of Safe Church requirements we (understandably) can’t just have one teacher with the children. We need helpers. People to be in the room and lend a hand where needed. We’re not asking for teachers, but men and women willing to be present in the room. Can you help? Speak to Bec and experience the blessing of being a servant (Mark 10:43-44).