Chosen for Our Children

“No, for I have chosen him, that he may charge his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice; so that the Lord may bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.” Genesis 18:19

Today is Day 36 of Dispatches from a Suburban Parson During a Pandemic. Day 36. That means we’ve entered week six of this experience. I confess that, six weeks ago, I did not believe this would go on for so long. Debate continues as to when we should “open up” and what that will look like. My non-expert opinion continues to be that we shouldn’t rush things, lest we plunge ourselves back into another spike in the virus.

So, what to do with all of this time at home? For those of us who are parents of young children, the promises we made when our children were baptized are of greater importance than ever. Yes, we certainly spend time focused on their e-learning (giving thanks for great teachers along the way!). We focus on their physical and emotional well-being. We balance the desire to make the most of this time with the grace to remember that, right now, good enough is good enough.

The promises made at baptism remind us that there is other work to tend to in the lives of our children. We have promised to raise them in the faith, teaching them the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments, instilling in them a love for God’s Word, and showing them what it means to live within the baptismal covenant, leading godly lives until the day of Jesus Christ.

Today’s Old Testament passage selected for the Moravian Daily Texts speaks of the call and covenant given to Abraham and Sarah. It was not for them alone, but for their household and children, too. Abraham and Sarah were called to teach their children to lead lives of righteousness and justice. Our baptismal promises for our children call us to do the same.

Hopefully, when we are free to move about again, our children will have a sense of the privilege that it is to be with other people and will, therefore, treat them with kindness and compassion, in righteousness and with justice. I hope that I am able to help them learn such a way of life, even as I constantly relearn it for myself.

And for those of you without children, or whose children are grown and flown; for those of you missing the presence of your grandchildren or seeing kids at the children’s sermon: First, I invite you to pray for us. Raising children is the work not just of the family, but of the church. We can’t wait until our kids can see you again! And second, remember that the promise of the covenant is for you, too. We are all children of God’s promise. May we all seek righteousness and justice in these days.

Be well, friends. You are loved.

God of love, we thank you for our families and friends, near and far. Keep us connected while we are apart. Help parents manage all that needs to be done, and learn from our children even as they teach us. Use this time to make us better people, ever more faithful. In Jesus’ name. Amen.