QC and SG accountability (13/9/19)

Joyce mentioned how we do it tend to think of Jesus as a “superhero” whose life we model after - unlike David, or Daniel or Joseph. This is even though we see David’s imperfections, whereas Jesus had no imperfections.  This is because we tend to think of Him as ‘God’ and therefore not so vulnerable to temptation. And yet we only experience the full power of temptation when we resist it without giving in. Unlike Jesus, who resisted every sort of temptation like us (Heb 4:15)  we are like someone who tries to carry a heavy weight and then lets it down immediately when it becomes too heavy, unlike the Lord who bore the full burden without ever letting it down.\

I asked if it is the 'norm' for Christian couples to have children. Younger couples nowadays may not have a strong parental instinct and will often see children as an option. Scripture teaches us that:

1. The marriage mandate is not only about companionship (Gen 2:18), but procreation (Gen 1:28).
2. In both OT and NT, childlessness is viewed as a disgrace. God punished Michal (2 Sa 6:21) with childlessness.
3. There is a special awareness of what it means to have God as our Father when we ourselves become parents.
4. Children are a 'heritage' and 'reward' (i.e. a blessing) from God (Ps 127:3-4), not a burden,
5. Malachi speaks about God's role in the union of husband and wife and His desire that a marriage produce 'godly offspring' (Mal 2:15)
6. Unbelieving spouses and children are 'sanctified' by believing family members, although not in a saving way.

We then noted that some couples, though desiring to have children, are unable to conceive. How can it be that God permits something different from what He desires? I think while the 'norm' is to have godly children, there are certainly many cases 'outside the norm'. Childlessness can draw us to God to cry out to Him (e.g. Hannah). In this way, in the trials of life God desires to bring us nearer Him. Furthermore, not every child will be one that is physically and mentally normal - there may be those with inborn disabilities that will make them even more of a 'burden' than normal. So 'normal' children cannot be expected with every pregnancy. We will certainly be subject to experiences of sorrow and disappointment in our children. But "What if our blessings come through raindrops; what if our healing comes through tears?"