June 19th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE EPHESIANS 

TRAIN AND INSTRUCT CHILDREN

Ephesians 6:4 “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”   

Today’s devotional verse continues St. Paul’s Spirit inspired words focused upon the Christian family unit. Note that today’s verse is addressed to “fathers.” One would think that these words should be addressed to parents as both fathers and mothers are responsible for their children.   

Carol Geisler in her essay “Authority in the Home. . .” which is found in the new Large Catechism (Pages 213ff) states, “His (God’s) will for our lives in this fallen world is expressed in His commandments, given in love and mercy to restrain sin, to reveal our daily disregard for divine authority, and to guide our steps according to His intended purpose.” She then states, “All authority flows from God to those whom He has designated to hold that authority on His behalf.” (see Romans 13:1) 

With authority comes responsibility. Today’s devotional verse focuses our attention upon the responsibility God has given to fathers who God says children are to obey and honor (Yesterday’s devotional verses.) “Fathers,” God says, are to “bring them (their children) up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”   

“Training and instructing of the Lord” means that first the husband and father receives the Lord’s instruction. He receives this training and instruction through faithful worship, regularly reading the Scriptures, and attending Bible study. (See Ephesians 4:9-16) What the father receives from God through hearing and studying the word he passes on to his wife and children. It is important to note that here in Ephesians 6:4 God’s word is addressed to “fathers.” From God’s word it is to be noted that God assigns to fathers the responsibility to train and instruct. 

A Christian father is not one who misuses or abuses his authority. Rather, under his authority, as given by God, he teaches and leads through God’s word. He trains and instructs his children in the way God wants them to live. Jesus Himself taught, “Jesus said, Suffer the little children, and forbid them not, to come unto Me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14) and 2 Timothy 3:15 says “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 

Prayer: Lord, bless fathers that they faithfully use the authority You have given them to train and instruct their children through Your Word to live their lives trusting in You all their days. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Oh, blest the house, whate’er befall,
Where Jesus Christ is all in all!
A home that is not wholly His—
Hos sad and poor and dark it is! 

Oh, blest that house where faith is found
And all in hope and love abound;
They trust their God and serve Him still
And do in all His holy will! 

Oh, blest the parents who give heed
Unto their children’s foremost need
And weary not of care or cost,
May none in them and heav’n be lost! 

Oh, blest that house; it prospers well,
In peace and joy the parents dwell,
And in their children’s lives is shown
How richly God can bless His own. 

Then here will I and mine today
A solemn promise make and say;
Though all the world forsake His Word,
I and my house will serve the Lord.  (LSB 862)