September 7, 2023 | Martin Luther – Day 28
“Children are the most delightful pledges of a loving marriage. They are the best wool on the sheep.”
Martin Luther
Martin Luther knew much about the blessings that children can be, and he also knew the heartache that could come from being a father. He and His wife, Katharina, had six children who were the joy of their lives, Hans, Elisabeth, Magdalene, Martin, Paul, and Margaret. Once a celibate monk, Martin, after the Reformation, rejected those vows, married, and lived the best years of His life filled with family.
He also suffered great heartache at the death of two of His children, Hans who died a few months after being born and Magdalene who died in her father’s arms. Luther knew both the greatest joys of being a husband and father and its greatest tragedies. If anyone knew what a great blessing children are, it was Martin.
Psalm 127:3-5 paints a beautiful picture of what God meant children to be for their parents. It says, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies at the gate.”
To God, each and every child is a miracle that bears His image, born and un-born alike and every child has a purpose, even those born to those who neglect their duties as parents. Each child deserves to be loved, not because they are perfect, but because they are the greatest gift on earth that God can give. “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward”
Children need parents to guide them, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). And they are to fill them with the wisdom of God, “All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children” (Isaiah 54:13), so that their joy may be full, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in truth” (3 John 1:4)
Today, reach out to a child, either yours or someone else’s, with the love of God. Let them know that they are cherished.
Our Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the great gift of children. Help us to be Your hands and feet as we care for them with love. Amen.
