Parenting through the Old Testament
I recently read through the Old Testament for an Old Testament Survey class. As I read, I found that lessons in parenting kept standing out to me. There’s so much we can learn, not just from God’s instruction to His people but also by His example as a Father. As I read, I started to notice a pattern of how God dealt with His people as the books progress. It’s as though there is this parallel that you can draw between the age of your child and the page in the Bible. You can look at how God deals with His people in each book of the Old Testament and know a little better how to parent a child of the corresponding age.
The Law (The Very Early Years)
Genesis: Creation - You’ve created a life. You haven’t given your sweet baby any rules; you’re just spending time with them, loving them. As they get a little older, you give them boundaries, but there’s still plenty of leniency. This is also when, as a parent, you notice that things just don't go the way you hoped they would. It’s okay to be flexible in your style and try new things.
Exodus: They’re still pretty young and at this point you really don’t know who the slave is and who’s the master! Just expect lots of disobedience and utilize the time out (call it exile); it’s good for you both! This is a very good time to lay out some basic family rules. (See the 10 Commandments)
Leviticus: They’re getting old enough to have friends outside their family and they start to notice what everyone else is doing. So now you have to remind them that your family isn’t like everyone else and you find it necessary to make up crazy, gross rules that you never imagined you’d need! Your kids need to know that your standard is different from the world’s.
Numbers: You start realizing how many kids you got and how much that costs!
Deuteronomy: They are getting older, but still preschoolers and a little older. As much as they drive you crazy, spend time with your kids. It is so important to tell your kids more about God than the world tells them about anything and at this age they give you those opportunities because they are so curious. Everything is “Why?” All you have to do is be there for the questions (when they wake up, when they lie down, and as you walk through the day) and remember that every answer can get you back to God.
The History Books (The Elementary Years)
Start teaching them some bigger life-lessons:
Joshua: Be strong and courageous to seek and do God's will.
Judges: God uses the weak and the strong; be willing.
Ruth: God generates faith in unexpected people.
1 & 2 Samuel: Learn from the mistakes of others.
1 & 2 Kings: Even the good guys aren’t perfect.
1 & 2 Chronicles: Instill in your children a love of history.
Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther: They’re getting even older and your kids should have more personal responsibilities now. They play a role in the family and there’s work to be done!
Poetry (The Teenage Years)
Job: We really know this is for teenagers; his life was literally the worst!
Psalms: Luckily, we have the psalms for parents and teenagers alike to help us all cope during this trying time.
Proverbs: They’re not out of the house yet and there are still lessons to be learned! What kind of man/woman is this child going to be? Saturate them with wisdom.
Ecclesiastes: Your soon-to-be-adult children are probably starting to look everywhere for meaning. But perspective is key. Both they and you need to remember that if they aren’t seeking God’s will, everything is in vain. Help them put God’s will above their own. Be sure not to get your own will in the way either.
Song of Solomon: Don’t stir up love until the appropriate time. Honestly, is there any reason to have a boyfriend/girlfriend before you’re old enough to marry? Encourage them to protect their heart and save all that for the right time. A much later time!
Prophets (The Young Adults)
They’re about to leave the house. Things are going to get real. Consequences are real. You’re not going to be there to bail them out. Now’s the time for those last warnings and then there’s really nothing left for you to say. In a sense, you’re kind of done. It might seem like you’re in for 400 years of silence, but rest in the Lord. Jesus has it from here.