Devotions – Parenthood

2 Samuel 9-12 (February 27th)

2 Samuel 9:1

And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may shew him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?

2 Samuel 10:2

Then said David, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father shewed kindness unto me.

2 Samuel 12:14

Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.

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As I was reading my devotions yesterday (from an altitude of 38,000 ft.), God was bringing my attention to several verses that have a similar theme.

2 Sam 9:1 and 2 Sam 10:2 both speak of kindness. Not just random acts of kindness but thought out and intentional decisions to be kind. David wanted to show kindness to the families of these men that had been loyal and kind to him. Because of Jonathan’s and Nahash’s friendship, David was eager to be a blessing to their family. David ends up showing this kindness to the sons of both Jonathan and Nahash. These fathers left a sweet testimony behind for their children to enjoy. What their fathers had done was now reaping benefits in their children’s lives.

2 Sam 12:14 is a different story. David commits a wicked and heartbreaking sin. Out of this sin a baby was conceived. God was displeased with all that David had done and chastised him greatly for it. Sadly David and Bathsheba’s baby did not live as a result of David’s grievous sin. God plainly states in 2 Samual 12 that David’s baby would die due to sin.

Today’s chapters brought to mind the important influence I will have on my children for the rest of their life. God doesn’t always allow us to know the reason behind a death as He did here in 2 Samuel 12. We don’t always know God’s plan behind every situation. But I still believe the principles that we learn from these verses can easily be applied today.

We influence our children more than we will ever realize. Will my influence be one that blesses my children or hurts them? I’m thankful for these reminders today as we set foot in Burkina Faso with our baby boy in hand!