Daily Devotional:Passing on the Word

Based on Deuteronomy 6:6-7

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
— Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV)

Reflection:

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 is a powerful and timely reminder of the importance of making God’s Word an integral part of our daily lives. These verses were spoken by Moses to the Israelites as part of the Shema, a foundational passage for both Jewish and Christian faith. The command is clear: God’s commandments should not only be taught but should also become a part of our hearts, our conversations, and the rhythms of our daily existence. This is not just a one-time action but a lifestyle.

Notice the emphasis on passing the commandments on to our children. In a world that often promotes secular ideologies, we are called to intentionally teach our children and others around us about God’s love, His promises, and His ways. This teaching should happen naturally, in the midst of everyday moments—when we sit at home, walk along the road, lie down, and get up. It’s not just about formal Bible studies or sermons, but a living, breathing, continuous example of living out the gospel.

Similar Verses:

1. Psalm 78:4-7
   “We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done. He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which He commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget His deeds but would keep His commands.”
   This psalm reinforces the idea of teaching God’s ways across generations. The faith is not meant to be contained within one generation but is to be passed down so that each generation can trust in God and follow His commands. Just as we are taught, we must teach the next generation.

2. Proverbs 22:6
   “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
   This verse emphasizes the importance of early spiritual training. When we teach our children the ways of the Lord from a young age, we are setting them on a path that will lead them to a lifetime of faith. This foundational training lays a firm foundation that will guide them throughout their lives.

3. Ephesians 6:4
   “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
   This New Testament verse complements Deuteronomy 6 by encouraging parents, particularly fathers, to raise their children with intentional, godly instruction. The approach should be gentle, loving, and in the context of the Lord’s teaching—creating an environment where children can learn and grow spiritually in peace and love.

Application:

The call in Deuteronomy to impress God’s Word on our children and to integrate it into the fabric of our daily routines is not just about words, but also about modeling. We are to speak of God’s commands, but we are also to live them out in our daily choices. The way we show kindness, the way we handle challenges, and the way we respond to others should all reflect the love and teachings of God. In doing this, we make the Word of God visible in our actions.

Whether we’re driving in the car, doing chores, or sitting at the dinner table, these are all opportunities to discuss God’s Word and His influence on our lives. When our children see us actively living out our faith, they will be more likely to carry that faith forward.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for Your Word and the precious gift of Your commands. Help me to impress them on my heart and on the hearts of those around me. Guide me as I teach my children (or those I mentor) and help me to weave Your truths into every part of my life. May Your Word not only be in my words but also in my actions. Empower me to live out the gospel daily so that the next generation will know You, trust You, and walk in Your ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Challenge:

Today, find a moment to intentionally teach or speak about God’s Word with someone in your life. Whether it’s sharing a verse with a child, discussing a biblical principle with a friend, or reflecting on God’s goodness in your own heart—make God’s commands visible and real in your world today.