Urgent Warning: The Devil's Attack On Our Children And How God Can Save Them
The devil is after our children and we need God's help in rescuing them.
The Spiritual Battle for Our Children: Seeking God's Help in Their Protection
In the spiritual landscape we navigate as Messianic Jewish believers, one of the most pressing concerns is the welfare of our children. The adversary, often referred to as the devil, is actively seeking to lead them astray and ensnare them in his deceptions. The Scriptures provide both a warning about these dangers and a roadmap for seeking God's help in protecting and rescuing our children.
Recognizing the Adversary's Schemes
The Tanakh and the Brit Chadasha (New Testament) provide clear indications that the devil is actively working to corrupt and destroy the innocent. The book of Job describes Satan as roaming the earth and seeking to cause harm:
"And the Lord said to Satan, 'From where do you come?' So Satan answered the Lord and said, 'From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.'"
— Job 1:7 (NKJV)
Similarly, the Brit Chadasha warns us about the devil's intentions:
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."
— 1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)
These verses remind us that the devil is constantly seeking opportunities to harm our children and lead them away from the path of righteousness.
The Importance of Spiritual Vigilance
As parents and guardians, it is our duty to remain spiritually vigilant and to create an environment that nurtures our children's faith. The book of Proverbs provides wisdom on raising children:
"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."
— Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV)
This verse highlights the importance of instilling godly values and teachings in our children from a young age. By grounding them in the Word of God, we can equip them to resist the devil's schemes.
Seeking God's Protection and Guidance
The Scriptures emphasize the necessity of seeking God's help in protecting our children. The psalmist beautifully articulates this reliance on God's protection:
"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.'"
— Psalm 91:1-2 (NKJV)
In times of spiritual warfare, we must turn to God as our refuge and fortress, trusting in His power to shield our children from harm. Additionally, the prayer of Jabez demonstrates the effectiveness of seeking God's blessing and protection:
"And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, 'Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!' So God granted him what he requested."
— 1 Chronicles 4:10 (NKJV)
The Role of Prayer and Intercession
Prayer is a powerful tool in the spiritual battle for our children's well-being. The book of James encourages believers to pray earnestly:
"The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."
— James 5:16b (NKJV)
By fervently praying for our children, we can invoke God's intervention and protection over their lives. Interceding on their behalf, we can ask God to guide them, guard them, and fill them with His wisdom and discernment.
Empowering Our Children with Scripture
Equipping our children with the knowledge of Scripture is a crucial defense against the devil's attacks. The psalmist emphasizes the importance of God's Word in guiding the young:
"Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You."
— Psalm 119:11 (NKJV)
By teaching our children to cherish and internalize God's Word, we help them build a strong foundation that will enable them to stand firm against temptations and deceptions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the spiritual battle for our children's hearts and minds is real and intense. The devil is actively seeking to lead them astray, but as Messianic Jewish believers, we have the tools and resources to counter his attacks. By remaining spiritually vigilant, seeking God's protection through prayer, grounding our children in Scripture, and creating a nurturing environment of faith, we can safeguard our children and guide them on the path of righteousness. Let us continually turn to God, our refuge and fortress, trusting in His power to rescue and protect our beloved children.