April 25, 2019 -- Psalm 127:3-5 -- The Blessing of Children

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.

Psalm 127:3-5 ESV

Yesterday I learned that some climate change activists have vowed not to have children. Their purpose is to make others aware of climate change; to reduce their carbon footprint and in so doing help save the planet. My heart hurts for them in so many ways.

Climate change activists are being faithful to their religion. According to many climate change activists there is no god, no order or plan. The universe is pitiless with time and chance ruling evolution. Since people were created to worship something greater than themselves, such activists are making the planet their focal point of service and sacrifice. It is, in fact, their cause and their god.

In sharp contrast Christians knows God is the Creator. All people were made in the image of God. We were made without sin and Adam, our representative rebelled against God in the Garden of Eden and sinned. Since all people are descended from Adam and Eve, all people bear the corruption of sin. Yet, God in His great mercy has provided salvation through Jesus Christ. All who believe in Him know that their sins are forgiven. All who believe in Jesus are guided by the Holy Spirit and the written Word, the Bible. The Bible teaches us that winter and summer, planting and harvest will continue until Jesus returns. People are not to serve the planet and fear climate change, people are to worship God and sacrifice themselves in service to Him in thanks for the great salvation that is ours.

The consequence of Adam and Eve’s rebellion against God is this: death entered creation. They were to be cut off from life, from God and from hope. Yet again we read of the great kindness and mercy of God. He promised that the Deliverer, Jesus Christ, would one day be born. From certain death and destruction the Living God of Glory brings life. Children are the sign of God’s blessing. Children are the sign of God’s hope. For people to intentionally choose not to have children is to spit in the face of God’s great loving kindness.

Hear me clearly: I believe people have a duty and responsibility to be caretakers of creation. We should not be polluters who are wasteful with the resources God has given us here on earth. I believe those who are single can and do serve the Living God when they are celibate and not promiscuous and so live in obedience to God’s commands. I believe those couples who long for children and are unable to have biological children are loved of God and need our love also. And I believe to intentionally not have children is to embrace death and the curse of God on our sin. Scripture clearly teaches that children are a heritage from the Lord. Children are a sign of His covenant of love with people and point to the great and glorious day when there will be a new heaven and a new earth.

Faithful followers of Jesus, be prophetic voices of hope in this world of climate fears. Our God reigns. He have given charge to Jesus Christ Who rules from the throne of heaven. Those who believe in Jesus are saved from our fears and live in love and hope. The world is experiencing trials and troubles (remember there was a world-wide flood and it was followed by an ice age) as it ever has and will until Jesus returns in glory. Believers have this sure hope: God will direct history to its rightful conclusion in Christ and the Spirit of God is the deposit guaranteeing our salvation. In obedience to God’s command, have children and raise them, not to be afraid the sky is falling, but to fear the LORD in reverent love, obedient awe and right worship.

Thank You, LORD for the glorious hope that is ours in Jesus—we have been brought from death to life. Thank You King Jesus that we live in the sure and confident hope that history will rise to its rightful conclusion when You return in glory to judge all nations. Spirit of the Living God, guide us by the Truth of the Bible so that we will raise our children to know and serve Jesus. Banish false fears from us. Cause us to be bold, faithful, prophetic witnesses to our trembling peers in this world. Blessed be Your Name, Jesus, and for the honour of Your Name we pray. Amen.