As our children are enrolled in school and schedules that are somewhat different than expected at times we turn to this chapter. We deal with schedules, changes in it, and sometimes ask ourselves "why do we go through all these things?" And we must have a clear answer lest they fall to the wayside being detrimental to the church and covenant. This is a wholesome passage and is also the state of Israel. The practice of sacrificing children was gruesome and Israel adopted these practices from time to time. And the Lord comes to them and says "your whoredoms aren't enough and you sacrifice MY CHILDREN?!" They gave their children to other gods and were not theirs to give and they did not fulfill their covenant obligations.

God's children: "Taken MY sons and MY daughters that were born UNTO ME....slain MY children..." God has HIS children in mind. Nothing more touches people that ghastly pictures of helpless children, yet killing them in today's society does not even touch or phase them. God begins by saying "MY stamp is upon your children...you bear them up to me and I place them in your homes!" God established His covenant in their generations. Circumcision which is now our baptism that parents may bring them up in HIS fear. Households of coverts were baptized as God works in families and generations. It points us directly to the seed of the woman that brings us to the promise our Lord Jesus Christ! An adorning here to a magnificent Kingdom that was a world away yet He would be faithful to His covenant. These children are not yours but "born unto ME!" He conceives them and forms them in the womb. Not biologically but they are unique in their own way as God has made them fit for heaven. It is GOD who gives us our children and makes them who they are! And what did they do? God fashioned them as a nation in the land of milk and honey so the nations saw them as they stood adorned and as they took the fruit of their wombs and sacrificed them for food to idol gods! (In direct opposition to Samuel who was returned unto the Lord in the temple...the very house of the Lord! God's word stands and says the responsibility of children belong to the parents! And woe unto those who give instruction contrary to His word!

Purpose: His glory! The glory of the living God in His kingdom and in our lives to His glory. That's why He redeemed her! He said "live" in this passage. A picture of being the wife of the Lord. He fashioned His church into a beautiful adorned bride all for His glory! And Israel took His children and fed them to idols! Today we have gods of worldliness and materialism and we are so busy it becomes so very easy to neglect these fundamental principals today. Who do we trust our children to today as they are little sponges to indoctrinate and teach? Hannah had it right while the Lord uses a despicable picture here where He saves His bride! Do we use the means to teach our children about Him? God makes parents responsible to teach HIS CHILDREN about HIM!

Our responsibility: Are we so into this world and so busy with the things of it that we do not have our eyes focused on teaching our children about God and the Kingdom as it should be fundamental and paramount? It should be written on our door posts!!! And make sure it extends beyond our homes to our children and we ARE involved! This is our fundamental responsibility and obligation as parents!