The sixth chapter of Deuteronomy has much to teach us. Christ quoted from it more than once (Deuteronomy 6:5 cp. Matthew 22:36-38; Deuteronomy 6:16, 13-14 cp. Matthew 4:7, 10). From this chapter we learn:
- Our devotion to God and His Word is foundational to a prosperous life, individually and collectively – i.e. family and society (Deuteronomy 6:1-6 cp. Psalm 128; 33:12).
- Fathers (parents) are responsible to teach the Bible and create an environment in the home that keeps people remembering the Lord and His ways (Deuteronomy 6:7-12, 20-25 cp. Proverbs 6:20-22).
- What we do as parents will affect our grandchildren also (Deuteronomy 6:2 cp. 4:9).
This study will focus on Deuteronomy 6:20-25.
| Deuteronomy 6:20 | A father should establish a relationship with his children that stimulates questions and serious discussions. It should be safe for a child to ask questions. |
| Deuteronomy 6:21 | A father should talk about the lives of his generation and what important things happened before the children were born. |
| Deuteronomy 6:22-23 | A father should talk about the work of the Lord in the parents’ lives. Their stories should help their children to understand that God is real. |
| Deuteronomy 6:24-25 | A father should explain Scripture in such a way, that children understand the responsibilities, privileges and benefits of having a knowledge of the Bible. |
God is called “The Father of Lights” (James 1:17). This probably is a reference to the creation of heavenly bodies (Genesis Genesis 1:14-19). Those lights are used as a time piece, calendar and compass. The sun provides warmth and energy. Both sun and moon help us to see where we are going and what we are doing. The heavenly bodies also glorify God and help us to think of His greatness (Psalm 19:1-6; Romans 1:18-20).
Earthly fathers have an opportunity to shed light on the lives of their children. They should help them understand the times in which they are living. They should help provide them a spiritual and moral compass with which to guide the direction of their lives. With gentle strength, like the sun, they should share God’s love and truth. Like the moon and stars, they should inspire a sense of wonder. Consider the quiet testimony of the stars and consider how a father needs to listen well. The heavenly Father offers to listen and draws us to Himself (Psalm 65:2; I Peter 5:7 cp. John 14:6). |
