Daily Devotionals

John Gossner's Treasury

Devotional: July 13th

For I know him, and that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord. Genesis 18:19. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. Colossians 3:21.

God promised Abraham that all nations should be blessed in him. Why did God give the patriarch this promise? The blessed Lord tells you Himself: God foresaw that Abraham would teach his children and his household ’’the way of the Lord," and lead them in it. The faith that did such works, was the justifying faith of Abraham. Thus did he show his faith, and this active faith was counted him unto righteousness. You also believe; but what do you do for your children and your household? God knows whether you teach them the way of the Lord and whether you guide them therein by your example. God does not consider the faith that you speak of with your mouth, but the faith that manifests itself in your life and conversation and in the training of your children. Your faith can not save you if you permit your children to be damned. You do not walk in ’’the way of the Lord," in the way of saving faith, if you do not also lead your children and subordinates in the right way. If you have formerly, while you walked in the evil and perverted ways, neglected it, and if you are not now able to bring your children, misguided by yourself, back into the right way, notwithstanding all the zeal and care you employ, do not cease to admonish and to warn them; do not become weary in watchfulness and prayers to the Lord. Despair not; for He who has saved you will also save your children, if you do not neglect your part. It were better that they were not born, than that they should be lost. Could you wish to be saved without your children? But you must not provoke them to anger by endeavoring to force salvation upon them. This is something which you cannot accomplish by force. You may hinder it thereby; by such procedure you may easily plunge them deeper into depravity. Train and guide them as God has guided you. Do to them what God has done to you. Have patience; not a patience like that of Eli, but the patience of earnest love, the patience of God, which desires to lead all men to repentance. (The same applies to children who have unconverted and unbelieving parents).

O blessed house, where little children, tender,

Are laid upon thy heart, with hands of prayer,

Thou Friend of children. Who will freely render

To them more than a mother’s loving care;

Where round Thy feet they gather, to Thee clinging.

And hear Thy loving voice most willingly.

And in their songs Thy hearty praises ringing.

Rejoice in Thee, O blessed Lord, in Thee.