Raising the Next Generation of Gospel Movers
As Christian Moms, we can learn some lessons from the life of Elizabeth, one of my favorite Biblical characters. Through the years I have sat with sisters in the faith and we have debated how to raise children to ensure they would passionately pursue Christ one day. We discussed in love (and sometimes guilt) the decision to work outside the home or be a stay at home mom. We discussed schooling options — home school, Christian school or public school being the big three choices. Debates regarding age appropriate milestones like piercing ears, driving, having a cell phone, and dating have been held as well.
I have given many hours to this pursuit and gather from my younger friends this timeless conversation continues. Sisters, I think we may have missed the boat. As I look at the life of John the Baptist, I realize that who his parents were, was more important to God than how they chose to have him schooled, etc… If our goal is to raise the next generation of gospel shakers and movers, then our life should reflect this goal as well. If we think our parental decisions will make the difference, then we would get the glory for being awesome parents, not God or His plans.
The arguing over the hot button issues of today will not make any eternal significance. Home school, pierced ears, rock music will pale to the influence a child feels while being parented by a mom and dad who truly reflect the gospel and are passionately pursuing Him themselves! Don’t be offended. Morally, we have a need to make parental decisions, but let’s not think they are spiritual guarantees. Elizabeth’s life points to several specific spiritual disciplines that she practiced that we can learn from.
Elizabeth was the wife of Zechariah, mother to John the Baptist, cousin to Mary, the mother of Christ, and a devout believer (Luke 1:6). She obviously was also known by Luke, the writer of one of the gospels. She is only mentioned in his accounting, so I suspect they had met or had mutual friends. Elizabeth’s story is treasured and told by many different religions and mentioned by historians, so there is no chance she was an allegorical character, but rather flesh and blood.
As the story starts Elizabeth and her husband Zachariah are busy about normal everyday life. Zechariah, a priest was on his way to work. Traditionally there were as many as 8,000 priests who served in Herod’s temple- and he had just been singled out by God. It was determined by lots which priest would offer sacrifices and be allowed in the inner sanctuary of the temple.
Most priests only served in this capacity a couple of times in their life, so this day was a big deal in the life of Zechariah. It is here in the inner sanctuary where the story gets exciting, but their story began years before this day. Zechariah and Elizabeth were not able to have children. This is always a tough situation. And back in those times it was not only heart breaking but it was accompanied by shame.
THE FAITHFULNESS OF ELIZABETH
Neither Zechariah or Elizabeth appeared to be bitter but instead they faithfully served God. Elizabeth is known as a devout believer and her husband has just been chosen by God to enter the inner sanctuary of the temple. So their faithfulness together is the first lesson we should glean from our brother and sister in Christ. Are you and your spouse faithful? Are you daily in the Word of God, on your knees in prayer and in fellowship with other believers? This is the foundation of a godly life. It requires spiritual discipline, and if this is not your strong suit or you have not seen it walked out well, find a believer who will disciple you. It will be their honor to show you how to begin building a deep relationship with God.
While Zechariah is in the inner sanctuary, an angel of the Lord, Gabriel, appears to him and tells him that he and his wife are to have a baby (Luke 1:13). The angel gives him the child’s name, John, and gives him strict instructions about how to raise this boy. Zechariah doubts the angel and is rendered deaf and unable to speak. Time passes and God is good to his word, Zechariah and Elizabeth, older than natural child bearing years are expecting their first child. Elizabeth is, I’m sure, perplexed and pleased. She stays indoors,(Luke 1:24) Probably in shock about all that is happening, and yet she still practices hospitality.
HOSPITALITY
Think back to when you were last pregnant, how excited were you for a house guest? If you were like me, you would not have been thrilled to have a cousin, unwed mother, come live with you – right? No warning, just show up on her doorstep. (Luke 1:39-40) But Elizabeth is nonplussed. She gets a surprise visit from her cousin Mary and immediately welcomes her into her home. This practically means – more work, less privacy and no time to do her “stuff” you might say. Think when was the last time you were uncomfortable for someone else? When did you last put the needs of others above your own?
This type of sacrificial love is what our children need to see in our homes for the roots of the gospel to sink into their hearts. John the Baptist, obviously watched his Mother love their family, neighbors and community well his entire childhood. He learned the lesson that serving God is more important than our personal rights and comfort. This enabled him to be open to the service of announcing the coming of Christ.
He was groomed by God through faithful parents. Consider for a minute what the environment of your home and heart teach your children. Sadly, I believe my children may have thought all company meant tiring cleaning and planning so that we looked good, not sacrificial love extended spontaneously to a troubled soul who needed a friend and support. I pray not, but time will tell.
THE STORY CONTINUES
Mary, her cousin and the Mother of Jesus, comes and spends a couple of months with Elizabeth and a mute Zechariah. When Elizabeth sees Mary, the baby inside her womb leaps for joy (Luke 1: 41)and the Holy Spirit inside Elizabeth speaks a blessing to Mary. It is probably one of the most precious verses in all of scripture (Luke 1: 42-43) and exactly what the young unwed mother of Jesus needed to hear to bolster her resolve to go back to her village and face her fiancé, Joseph. Elizabeth is not self-absorbed in her own miraculous birth but she is an encouragement to her cousin.
ELIZABETH ENCOURAGES OTHERS IN THE FAITH
An encourager at heart, Elizabeth is filled with God’s spirit and she yields to the Holy Spirit. She speaks a beautiful blessing on Mary. This happens so naturally it cannot be the first time, but rather a reflection of her lifestyle. Elizabeth is dependent on God’s spirit and allows Him to speak through her. John the Baptist was also blessed to have a mom who knew and followed the voice of God. That would have given him a very comfortable spiritual beginning where he realized God was real through his mom’s daily life.
These deep spiritual roots also allowed John’s faith to soar and the confidence to speak truth, no matter the cost. (Matthew 14:1-13) Consider what your children know to be true based on what you say to them and about others. Do blessings flow out of your lips as you are used by God or does your speech portray your self-serving nature or your insecurities? Ouch, may we allow the Spirit to be so evident in our lives that He is the only explanation that makes sense. May God be glorified in us each and every day!
John is born to a very happy Elizabeth and Zechariah. Friends and family ask what the baby’s name will be. The Bible says they motion to Zechariah, so we know he is still unable to hear or speak. (Luke 1:62) He immediately asks for writing utensils and writes out J O H N. The friends are incredulous- this is not a family name. God had given them one child, one heir, the boy should have a family name. But Zechariah is obedient to God’s command. Elizabeth cares more about being submissive to God and her husband than pleasing the neighbors. Zechariah’s voice returns! The miracle continues and he can also now magnify God for their beautiful healthy son!
SUBMISSION TO GOD
John the Baptist grew up in a home where submission was walked out each day with grace and dignity. This environment was needed to bring John to the point of faith that he could carry out God’s mission. (Luke 1:16-17) John was humbled and lived in the wilderness (Luke 3:2). His parents followed Gabriel’s rules for raising John and allowed him to follow God’s bidding to live in the wilderness and consume a strange diet, that would make any mothers stomach turn. But Zechariah and Elizabeth submitted to God’s will for their son.
All of this submission, the putting God before their own plans, was not left unnoticed for God. God uses John the Baptist to baptize Jesus Christ, the Messiah! (Matthew 3:13) Let that sink in. John was there when the Heavens opened up and God’s audible voice was heard on the earth “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:22) This was the first incidence when God spoke to His beloved Son on earth. I do not believe God could have honored John, or his parents sacrifice, submission, hospitality, encouragement and devotion any better. Wow, just wow.
When we consider how to raise up God fearing children, let’s not let the conversation turn into a debate over parenting issues. But instead let’s turn the focus back on to our obedience to Christ as parents. Are we chasing after God with our whole heart? What does our home reflect about what we really believe? These are the questions of the day!
Stay washed in the word, sweet friends.
- Selfishness in Marriage Stinks! - February 12, 2019
- Raising the Next Generation of Gospel Movers - May 24, 2018
- Five Ways to ABUSE Proof Your Marriage - February 10, 2018
Such a great post! Elizabeth is one of my favorites – such a godly woman. As a first time mom of twins (but in my later years!), I’m so concerned and overcome by so many of the things you mentioned. I carry such burdens, always praying that my boys will grow up to know Jesus. It makes decisions agonizing. But I LOVE how you simplified it- that how I live out my faith in front of them will make more of a difference. How freeing! I was really challenging by this and Elizabeth’s life! Thank you for sharing! (especially about the hospitality part! I’m a bit of an introvert, so hospitality is sometimes a challenge for me! 🙂 lol
I never thought of Elizabeth as an example of hospitality but it’s so true!
“If we think our parental decisions will make the difference, then we would get the glory for being awesome parents, not God or His plans.”
THIS RIGHT HERE. I love this whole post, but especially this point. Parenting pressures are real these days, and though we should have a plan, that plan is secondary to what the Lord has planned for our families.
This is SO good! I love the story of Elizabeth! It must have been amazing for her to feel her baby, John, kick within her when he heard Mary speak and being filled with the Holy Spirit. She just knew she was in the presence of the Lord. Such a beautiful post! Thank you! ❤
Excellent post! I really enjoyed reading this. I chose Elizabeth has my confirmation name years ago, and it was for all the reasons that you described. She is a frequently over looked saint that has so much wisdom to offer us.
I love that you emphasis placing God first. When we do this as parents, this will be evident to our children. This will speak volumes into their lives as they mature. Thank you for your post.
I have always enjoyed reading the story of Elizabeth and her family. Age old worry about raising children. We do our best but they have their free agency when they reach adulthood.
A great post! Thank you for sharing today over at #HeartEncouragement. Blessings!
This story was told so well and it is so relatable but also full of the important teachings….You did bring a smile to my face when you described how a pregnant mother feels when visitors come visiting.