Ephesians 6:4 says that parents need to raise their children using Jesus' discipline and instruction. Hebrews 12 describes Jesus' discipline. Psalm 19:7-11 may be the best place to summarize Jesus' instruction:
Psalm 19:7-11
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul;
the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
The word "Law" in the Old Testament typically means "instruction." It's not simply the rules of the Old Testament, but it's the totality of God's instruction to his people. It includes the stories, the wisdom, the examples, the Psalms, and the rules. We see that in this Psalm because it describes the law as including testimonies, precepts, commandments, fear, and rules.
One of my favorite images for the "Instruction of the Lord" is the image of a path. God's way is the path that leads to abundant life now (John 10:10) and eternal life to come (John 17:3). Psalm 23:3 describes it as "the paths of righteousness." We want our children to grow up on this path and to stay on it throughout their lives. So we want to raise them in "the instruction of the Lord."
How could these verses influence your parenting? What could you do to help your children, or others to experience the reality of these verses? We'll explore the lines of this Psalm in future posts.
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