Children matter greatly in all decisions

Our lives are filled with decision points and we are constantly bombarded with new information that makes decision making difficult. Sometimes the decisions are made because of the need or the circumstances of the day. In a family the people with probably the least say in a decision are the children. This is probably how it turned out for the people of Judah. Decisions to be taken and children become consequentially involved in the move.

Jeremiah 43:5-7

But Johanan the son of Kareah and all the captains of the forces took all the remnant of Judah who had returned to dwell in the land of Judah, from all nations where they had been driven — men, women, children, the king’s daughters, and every person whom Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had left with Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, and Jeremiah the prophet and Baruch the son of Neriah. So they went to the land of Egypt, for they did not obey the voice of the Lord. And they went as far as Tahpanhes.

Jeremiah had told them to stay in Judah, but the leadership said no. They were moving to Egypt. Everyone had to move, including the children. They were the innocent bystanders in this whole process. Jesus welcomed little children even though they may have been a little playful. We need to welcome them and lead them well.

I am reminded that we have a huge responsibility to lead our children well. They have no choice except to follow us. Father, help me to lead my children to the right ways.

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