Every parent has a dream for their child. A good school, a good job, a good life. But have you ever asked what God wants from your child? The Bible gives the answer in one verse, in Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament.
Did he not make you one, although he had the residue of the Spirit? Why one? He sought godly offspring. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let no one deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. (Malachi 2:15, WEB)
What a wonderful revelation! Look at what this verse shows us. First, it is God who joins a husband and wife and makes them one. Marriage is His idea (Genesis 2:24). Second, He had a purpose behind it: God sought a godly offspring. Not a rich child or a famous child, but a child who knows God and walks with Him. Third, He tells the husband to be faithful to his wife, and the same is true for the wife. A faithful home is where a godly child grows.
But a godly child is not automatic. It takes prayer, teaching them God’s ways, and leading by example (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Proverbs 22:6). Look at Timothy in the Bible. His grandmother and his mother taught him from childhood, and he grew up to be a man of God (2 Timothy 1:5, 3:15). Our children really belong to God. He is their true Father, and we parents are the caretakers (Psalm 127:3). God gave you your spouse and your children as a gift (Proverbs 18:22). What can you give God back before you leave this earth? A godly offspring.
If you are a parent, be encouraged. God wants this for your child even more than you do, and He will help you. If you are a child and your parents are separated or do not know God, do not lose heart. God Himself is ready to be your Father (Psalm 27:10). All who receive Jesus are given the right to become children of God (John 1:12). And if you are still waiting for a child, bring it to God in prayer. He heard Hannah (1 Samuel 1:27), and He hears you.
So what does God seek today? He still seeks a godly offspring.
Let’s pray!
Heavenly Father, thank you for this life that you has given me, thank you for the parents you have given me. Help me to become the godly offspring You were seeking for. Help us to be the kind of parents you wanted us to be. Help us to have godly children. Guide us Lord. I receive you as my Lord and Savior, in Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen
