Title: Mark 01:9-11 God's concern
Content: God's Interest
I went to a restaurant last week. Do you wonder if there is a hwatojang on the kitchen window? Chapter 7 was in two lines. I later found out that it was the restaurant's phone number. Also, both phone numbers are in the form of a hwatujang. It was an interesting idea, but I thought that this owner was a person who was very interested in Hwatojang.
Last week was Children's Day. Looking at the children, there are two main concerns on Children's Day. "Dad, what gift are you going to buy for Children's Day? Where are you going to play?
What is the Lord's main concern?
In John 21, it was in "the sheep of the Lord." After the Ascension of the Lord, whom the sheep depend on and how they will be raised.
What is God's primary concern? He was the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.
So, when Jesus was baptized at the beginning of his public ministry, the Holy Spirit came down and there was a voice from heaven. In Mark 1:11 it says, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” God's attention is focused on His children.
What are your concerns about your children?
How will we raise our children well? There are things to watch out for and to avoid, and there are things to build on.
1. (B) What to do: "Do not anger"
Ephesians 6:4 "...do not provoke your children..."
When we say not to be angry, we mean that parents should avoid attitudes, words, or actions that provoke their children. Avoid making unreasonable demands, abuse of authority, inconsistent words and actions, etc. When this happens, children get hurt and lose their self-esteem. Recognize your children.
Recently, Professor Lee Lee-woo of Seoul National University drew attention by announcing the 10 Commandments of Housewives on the education of children. "First, treat your children with respect. That way, they will develop self-esteem and confidence and behave confidently when dealing with others. A child who grows up with reprimand from parents becomes a child who cares about others. Second, support a stubborn child. . Thinkers and politicians who have contributed to the development of mankind have been very subjective from an early age. Children who will protect their parents from death will be stubborn people."
There will be no one who is not interested in our children. But if we see, acknowledge, and love the possibilities, our children will grow up to be extraordinary. It's different when you're accepted.
Ex) depending on the level of interest
2. What to build: "Build your faith"
Ephesians 6:4 "...but bring them up in the discipline and admonition of the Lord"
The word to nurture them in the Lord's education and admonition means to build them up with faith training, the Word, and the truth. What builds up? There are two.
1) Build a good human supporter.
Last week, I met Pastor Gil-sik Ha (the president of the next generation of missionaries) among the pastors of the same class. His emphasis on youth is to have three human pillars in life. When a tree is planted in agriculture, it is supported by three props, which are the posts.
Human support is essential for children...
1. Among historical figures/ 2. Close friends and acquaintances/ 3. Emphasize that you choose one person from among those who will give you religious help.
2) Establish good faith habits.
Habit is repetition. When the same behavior is repeated over and over, it becomes a habit and later becomes a channel of lifelong blessings.
Three faith habits are necessary for personal faith to grow and stand. Worship, prayer, and the Word. In that case, you can lead a healthy and balanced life of faith and become more loving to God and people. It was the same with Jesus' childhood.
Luke 2:52 "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men."
It should be lovely, but it shouldn't be a concern
What was Samuel's childhood like?
1 Samuel 2:26 “And the child Samuel grew and grew more and more favored by the Lord and men.”
But, on the other hand, if you say, "... as he grew up, he became more and more problematic to Jehovah and people."
We hope that our children will develop good habits in praying, reading the Bible, and worshiping.