This post is Day 18 in a series of studies about “Babies and Children”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Babies and Children – Day 18

In most cases, a couple who have been together for a long time without children would be generally considered to have made that choice. But in Biblical times, a man was considered a failure if he did not have several children. In Genesis, God told Adam Be fruitful and multiply.

Genesis 15:3-4

Abram said, “You have given me no children, so a servant in my household will be my heir.” Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.”

The Thought

In our day it is difficult to understand the shame that existed in Biblical times for childless couples. It still exists in some present day people groups. In most cases today, a couple who have been together for a longtime without children would be generally considered to have made that choice. But in Biblical times, a man was considered a failure if he didn’t have several children. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them (Psalm 127:4-5).

God told Adam Be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:28)! And in a way God still says the same to us. Maybe not to produce too many children in our own families, but to increase God’s family by making believers of those we meet.

In the verse today God was telling Abram that he would have children and eventually he did. But first he made a mistake by listening to his wife and sleeping with her servant!

More of that tomorrow.

Action

Pray today for those you know who have adopted or foster children. Often we do not know if a child is adopted, but sometimes people choose to adopt from a different culture, then the difference is often more obvious.

Read Genesis 15 today and meditate on verse 6. Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness.

What are you believing God for today?

Pray today for any “spiritual children” that you have influenced.

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