Will We Give Our Children A Rock, Snake, Or Scorpion?

Jesus once asked His disciples, “If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?” (Luke 11:11-12).

Our Lord’s questions presuppose that a loving father would never give his hungry child a rock, a snake, or a scorpion to eat. To any caring and loving person, giving such a thing would be anathema. However, we live in a world where not every parent loves and cares for their children as they should. News reports are filled with horror stories of abused and abandoned children.

As Christians, we would never imagine committing such an irresponsible act, but do we really believe that by only supplying our children’s material needs, we have done all we need to do for them? Do we tell ourselves that a packed refrigerator, a sturdy roof and a closet filled with clothes take the place of our time, our conversation, and spiritual training? (Ephesians 6:4).

Regarding the spiritual teaching of their children, Moses admonished the Israelites:

“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates” (Deuteronomy 6:6-9).

Beloved, we must avail ourselves of every opportunity to give our precious children the most precious gifts we possess — our time, our godly example, and the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. To do less, would be like giving them a rock, snake, or scorpion.

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets