Blessings

For a man who has two daughters, five grandchildren and recently a great granddaughter, this Proverb resonates with me. Grandfathers were originally referred to as old men. Seems appropriate. A numerous progeny was believed to be a great blessing to a man; to have his table surrounded with children, as olive plants; to be encircled with a large family was a crown of glory. And to live to see children’s children, a large number of grandchildren, was even a greater joy. Still is today. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 Jn. 1.4).

To witness your children having their own is something very special. The Psalmist puts it well. “Yes, may you see your children’s children” (128. 6a). For years I have prayed to be able to witness this and be able to, as the high priest of our family, pronounce a blessing on them. I also got bold with the Lord and asked him for the opportunity to see my grandchildren’s children. He has honored that. Blessing upon blessing. But the Proverb goes on to say; ‘the glory of children is their father’. This requires that the ‘father’ also walks humbly with the Lord. To not bring disgrace on the children and theirs.

The ultimate blessing

All of this relational joy and blessing emanates from our heavenly Father. In John 1.12 we see the spiritual nature of fatherhood. “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” God secured his eternal family by sacrificing his Son, Jesus, for us. That has brought a true crown of glory to him, and his children. Hallelujah!!