Children of Jacob

Genesis 30. The Jews looked upon parenthood as a stewardship before God, and this was especially true in the case of Jacob, whose descendants would multiply "as the stars of heaven" (Gen.22:17). God would honor him by making him the father of the twelve tribes of Israel, but the fact that four different women were involved in building his family would create for Jacob one problem after another. This chapter could also be titled "The Competitive Home". The man who had grown up in a divided and competitive home (Gen.25:28) would himself create a divided and competitive family.

Jacob's wives knew that children were blessings from God (Psalm 127:3-5; Psalm 128:3-6). This knowledge is evident in the contest between Leah and Rachel for Jacob's affection. Though their motive was wrong, the fact remains: children are a blessing from God. Throughout Scripture we find a running theme that highlights children as blessings from the hand of a loving and merciful God. We see Jesus gathering up the children in His arms (Matt.19:14). Yes, they can get on our nerves at times, but children are indeed a blessing from God.

How do you view children? As a blessing? Or a hassle? What's your attitude when you hear children cry during church? People often ask me does children crying in church distract you in your preaching? My answer is 'no'. I would rather hear that little fellow crying in church, than to hear him crying from a jail cell in eighteen years, because some sourpuss, so called Christian had him put out of the service as an infant. I'd rather have them crying under the sound of the gospel than, cry behind the clanging of jail cell doors closing. Catch yourself the next time children frustrate you and remember that even the smallest children are gifts from God.