Watching Eyes
"I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph. I will bring them back because I have compassion on them, and they shall be as though I had not rejected them; for I am the LORD their God, and I will answer them. Then the people of Ephraim shall become like warriors, and their hearts shall be glad as with wine. Their children shall see it and rejoice, their hearts shall exult in the LORD."
(Zechariah 10:6-7)
The EXODUS is probably the most well-known event in Israel's history (aka From slavery to the Promised Land in "40 easy years."). But the most devastating event (and the one with the most far-reaching repercussions) was The EXILE.
At two different times in a 125-year period, two global superpowers (Assyria & Babylon) came in and attacked the Northern and Southern Kingdoms of Israel, respectively. Not only did they destroy much in their path (including the Jerusalem Temple in the south), but many people were taken away into captivity. The Babylonian captivity lasted close to 70 years, before they were able to return by the grace of God. During those 70 years, the people of God had a life-altering, faith-changing "reset." And then when God brought them home, they rejoiced greatly.
Many post-exilic Biblical passages speak about the joy and liberating feelings that came from the return home. As I was reading Zechariah today, I came across a passage in chapter 10 that speaks directly to this. It talks about the return and how the adults will feel like triumphant soldiers after a great battle... or how their hearts will be as though they've drunk wine (and even though I'm not a drinker, I assume that's a GOOD feeling!). But the part that really hit me was this: "their children shall see it and rejoice, their hearts shall exult in the LORD." The children of the returned exiles will pay attention to this life-altering moment... and as their parents celebrate, they too will be excited because God is at work in their family!
As parents (and grandparents) we need to help our children interpret the significant moments and events in life in light of God's activity. Even when it may not seem like a "God moment," as people of faith we can look for the ways God has been present through it all. And tell our children about it. So they'll be able to have eyes to see with faith as they grow older. Some may call it "brainwashing," but not me. I call it faithfulness. And like anything else our children study in school, we have to help them grow in their understanding of this. Because the truth is, we need God... and we need each other, as people of faith. So let's help their watching eyes as they grow!