Stubborn is Not Flexible

If any man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey his father or his mother, and when they chastise him, he will not even listen to them, then his father and mother shall seize him, and bring him out to the elders of his city at the gateway of his hometown. They shall say to the elders of his city, 'This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey us, he is a glutton and a drunkard.' Then all the men of his city shall stone him to death; so you shall remove the evil from your midst, and all Israel will hear of it and fear. Deuteronomy 21:18-21 

 

This passage describes a pretty sad predicament. What parent would want to take their child to be stoned? It is strong motivation for parents to discipline their children at an early age. Deuteronomy repeats the laws of God—no additions, just the prior laws explained, embellished and commented on. God repeated His laws many times and His laws were to be read publically every seven years, just so everyone would understand. God showed His love by trying to teach His people how they should live—in so many different areas. In this particular passage the Israelites were being told that God wanted them to discipline and teach their children, or they would be permanently removed from society. Not much flexibility for stubborn, unruly kids.

Training Tip – Jesus loves us—for the Bible tells us so. He told His disciples to bring the little children to Him. He blessed them. Their parents loved and cared for them and must have told them who Jesus was. To them He was a prophet, a healer, a rabbi, a generous man—feeding thousands of people, a kind person. How have you portrayed Jesus to your children? Do you read them stories about Jesus? If He were to come to your town would your children run to see Him? Are they eager to go to church with you and learn more about Jesus? Be a good example, once again. Let your children see you studying—not just reading a verse or two from your Bible. Explain what you have been reading—and if they can read, challenge them to read their Bible and share with you something that they have learned. Guide them to read stories that will be interesting...not just lists of boring genealogy. Train up your child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6. Ann Landers once said, “It is not what you do your children, but what you have taught them.” Think about that.  

Lord God, I want my children and grandchildren to be obedient—not stubborn, rebellious, and obsessed with food or drinking. Please give me wisdom to guide them and help them to make good decisions that their lives would be pleasing to You.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.