Job 1:5
‘When the days of feasting had completed their cycle, Job would send word to them and consecrate them, getting up early in the morning and offering burnt offerings according to the number of them all; for Job said, “Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Job did so continually.’
This is what good parents do. They worry about, pray for and do what they can for their children. My wife and I are constantly doing this. We pray for, worry about and attempt to influence them for righteousness sake.
I recall sending them off to college, thinking I was done with raising them. Not so. That was 13 years ago and we are still praying for and worrying about them.
Acts 16:31 is a hopeful verse, ‘They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household.”’ Coming to Christ must be done individually. However this verse says our whole household will be saved. When the parents come to Christ, they provide a godly influence in the house. They also have the Holy Spirit who has a strong influence in the house. That house is following Christ. The kingdom has come there. The children are taught God’s ways. They are brought to church and attend youth group throughout the week. The Holy Spirit draws them and keeps them from evil. As we will learn from Job, God puts a hedge around them. They still must accept Christ on their own, but they have much in their favor that they will come to Christ.
There is also the age of accountability. God keeps the innocents. Unfortunately some are in horrible households which lead them to evil. Once they leave the age of accountability, they aren’t on a God trajectory. They can still be saved, but their path doesn’t intersect with God’s. He will seek them out and draw them. Unfortunately, their home is more the territory of the devil.
Thank You, Lord, that You hear our prayers about our children. You want them in Your kingdom more than we do. We claim Your promise that our household will be saved.