The Why behind the what

As I read about the great Exodus in Exodus chapter 12, it touches a little on the very subject I will be teaching on at our next women’s event coming up February 22.
Verse 25 begins with Moses informing the Israelites concerning God’s instructions. “When you enter the land which the Lord will give you, as he has promised, you shall observe this rite. AND WHEN YOUR CHILDREN SAY TO YOU, “what does this rite mean to you? You should say, “it is a Passover sacrifice to the Lord who passed over the houses of the sons of Israel in Egypt when he smote the Egyptians, but spared our homes.”
These instructions are just that….instructions!! As parents and grandparents we are given the very very important assignment of helping our children and grandchildren understand the meaning of “why” we do what we do as Christians. The Bible teaches us to instruct our children, but not only to instruct them “what” to do, but “why” we do it. If left simply as “what”…. This can create, and usually does, legalism. While if we endeavor to not just explain to our children the “what” but the “why” as well, this creates a relationship of love ….which causes obedience to come at a much easier request and response!! And we as parents and grandparents know how very vital that is in training up our children!!! Our children MUST understand that we can choose to follow religious, legalistic rules of what we should or shouldn’t do….or we can choose to obey both God’s written word and personal spoken words to us out of a pure love and devotion to our Lord and savior! (Obedience)
God implores us to make these choice parental moments a perfect opportunity to teach ….
*Why we choose to obey
*Why we pray before we eat
*Why we take communion
*Why we meet the needs of
others
*Why we gather together to
worship…..
Why???? Because at some point down the road for our children and grandchildren THEY WILL BE EXPECTED to pass this command and teaching along to their children! It’s really not a request….ITS A COMMAND that we will all stand before our God and answer for! So let’s teach them wisely and thoroughly!