As parents, we are commanded to teach our children the instructions of YHWH, His Torah. Deuteronomy 6:7 tells us that we are to impress His Word on our children. What does this word “impress” imply? The Hebrew word for impress is “shanan” and is often translated as sharpen when used elsewhere in Scripture.
If you think like I do, the first thing that came to mind when you thought of the word “sharpened” was a pencil. Am I right? What is unique about a pencil is that it is an instrument or tool that is used to express oneself that requires consistent sharpening. Sharpening is essential to performance. What is dull, rough, and appears to have little life left in it goes through the process of being formed into something that is refined, smoothed, and ready to perform at it’s fullest potential.
So it is with mankind. We are to be an instrument in which God’s justice, righteousness, love, mercy, and grace is expressed to the world. We are in critical need of His Word throughout the day. The Word teaches, corrects, rebukes, and disciplines us (2 Timothy 3:16). When we permit the Holy Spirit to sharpen us through the Word of YHWH, we are daily being refined and fashioned into our fullest potential, one that bears true witness of our Savior, Y’shua.
Our children need sharpening as well. It is not the obligation of society or the educational system to teach our children right and wrong. It is our responsibility as parents to train our children in the ways of YHWH, daily instructing them how to be good citizens of the Kingdom by teaching them the King’s commandments. Our children need to learn how to show loving kindness to those in need, how to share the good news of redemption and restoration that comes through faith in Y’shua, how to express love to the Father and our neighbor, how to recognize what is false, how extend mercy and forgiveness, how to pray, how to serve, how to repent, how to walk in holiness, and much more. To acquire knowledge and understanding of the above, the Word needs to be the foundation of our family life. It should guide our decisions and discussions from morning to evening, home and away.
Proverbs 22:6 (ISR), “Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he turns not away from it.”
Proverbs 6:23 (ISR), “For the command is a lamp, And the Torah a light, And reproofs of discipline a way of life.”
The command to train up our children should not be taken lightly. Our children are a gift that YHWH has entrusted into our care. We have the ability to put the next generation on the right path at an early age, a path that is illuminated by the light of Torah and Y’shua and leads to everlasting life in the Kingdom. The Word is an essential tool needed for the journey that lies ahead.
Weekly, our families each have the privilege of learning the beautiful ways of the Torah and Y’shua. Torah Babies Kids is excited to provide you, the parents, with a list of Torah study resources developed with young ones in mind that will help you impress the Word in a fun and exciting manner. Visit the ministry links below for studies specific to each Torah portion. And since most of the materials come at no cost, you can print out what you need and start using it today or the next Sabbath. (*Please note that endorsement of these sites does not necessarily imply that Torah Babies and Torah Babies Kids agrees with all doctrinal views held by these ministries.)
TORAH STUDY RESOURCES FOR KIDS
Deuteronomy 5:29 (NIV)
“Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!”
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