October 10, 2023 | Martin Luther – Day 40

 

“The Word of God “Be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28) is not a mere commandment. It refers to a divine work that we cannot hinder or forgo, a work that is as necessary as the fact that I am a man, and more necessary than eating or drinking, digesting food and sleeping and waking. It is planted in our nature and kind just as well as are the members required for it.”

Martin Luther

 

 

Have you ever thought of your children as a divine work? I look back and can recognize that now, but I have to admit there have been times when I may have thought the opposite. Kids can be a challenge, but they are also a divine blessing necessary for the advancement of God’s people both physically and spiritually.

 

The full text of Genesis 1:28 says, “And God blessed them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth’”

 

That is why to be fruitful and multiply is no mere commandment. It is necessary to the point that humanity cannot survive apart from it. God said to Abraham in Genesis 15:5, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then He said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” This to a man who was 99 years old and whose wife was 90.

 

God was good to his promise towards Abraham and he gave him a son, Isaac, who would go on to father a nation. God needed a faithful follower to father his people and He chose Abraham. But to make it a reality, Abraham would have to “Be fruitful and multiply.” God made that possible as only He could.

 

Now the responsibility lies with present believers, to continue “nation building.” Our kids are a heritage, used to further the kingdom of God. The Psalmist makes it clear, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward” (Psalm 127:3). They are a divine work, a gift from a loving God given to us as a blessing to further God’s kingdom and to “Be fruitful and multiply” when their time comes to extend His blessings.

 

Today, let your children know how valuable they are to you and to God.

 

Our Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing us to carry on the work our forefathers had started. Thank you for the blessing of children and help us to bring them up with a respect for You and all You have done. Amen.