“But my people would not hearken to My voice; and Israel would none of Me. Oh that My people had hearkened unto Me, and Israel had walked in My ways!” (Psalm 81:11, 13).
Both parents sat across the desk from Pastor Kenward. Sobbing almost uncontrollably, they would not be comforted. Their seventeen-year-old son had announced that he didn’t believe the way his parents believed. He rejected everything they stood for by way of convictions. He didn’t want the Lord. He didn’t want to live with them. He didn’t want his parents’ authority. He only wanted their financial support! In fact, he demanded it. The pastor knew these folks and had even walked through the adoption process with them. Dan was eleven years old when they had adopted him. Their convictions were Biblical. Their home rules were reasonable. They were loving, gracious, Godly and caring parents. No matter what they did, Dan was becoming more and more rebellious. Several counselors tried to work with him. Every opportunity was available to that seventeen-year-old. He still fully rebelled. Pastor Kenward took them to the text we read today. There are several lessons for each of us. First, may we never stop listening to the Lord by drifting from reading His Word. Second, may our hearts be tender toward Him and may we desire Him. Lastly, we need to remember that while we parents try our very best to raise our children to love and follow the Lord, they have to make this decision to follow Him for themselves.
For today: Oh Lord, please make our hearts tender toward you. May we walk in your ways.