How can Isaiah 28:9 guide parents in raising their children biblically? The verse in focus “Whom will He teach knowledge? To whom will He explain the message? Those weaned from milk, just taken from the breast?” (Isaiah 28:9) Foundational insight: truth starts early • God pictures the learner as a recently weaned child—brand-new to solid food, yet ready for the next step. • Parents are reminded that biblical training begins the moment a child moves from total dependence to growing awareness. • Early instruction establishes categories of right and wrong before competing voices arrive (Proverbs 1:8–9). Layering truth: precept upon precept • Isaiah 28:10 immediately follows with “For He says, ‘Order on order, order on order, line on line, line on line, a little here, a little there.’” • The pattern is incremental, repetitive, and clear—exactly how children grasp and remember. • Scripture supports this staircase approach: – Deuteronomy 6:6–7: teach God’s words “diligently… when you sit… walk… lie down… rise.” – 1 Peter 2:2: “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk.” – Hebrews 5:14: solid food comes later, for the mature. Practical ways to apply at home • Begin with Scripture stories—simple, vivid narratives that reveal God’s character. • Use consistent phrases: “God is true,” “Jesus saves,” “Obey right away.” Children thrive on repetition. • Tie lessons to daily rhythms—mealtime, bedtime, car rides—mirroring Deuteronomy 6’s “along the way” model. • Memorize short verses together; even toddlers can echo phrases like Psalm 136:1. • Celebrate obedience immediately; correct disobedience promptly, reinforcing that God’s commands matter (Ephesians 6:1). • Provide visual reminders: posters, songs, and illustrated Bibles that keep truth in view. • Gradually introduce doctrine: sin, grace, faith, lordship—moving from milk to meat as comprehension grows. Guarding the process • Avoid overwhelming detail; too much at once breeds frustration. • Watch for mere rule-keeping. Isaiah criticized leaders who parroted “rule on rule” without heart engagement. Pair instruction with affection. • Model what you teach—children decode hypocrisy faster than lengthy lectures (James 1:22). Encouraging growth toward maturity • As children age, transition from “what” to “why,” grounding every rule in God’s character. • Invite them to read Scripture aloud, journal insights, and pray for peers (2 Timothy 3:15). • Assign age-appropriate responsibility—service projects, church involvement—demonstrating faith in action (James 2:17). Takeaway Isaiah 28:9 positions parents as patient guides, feeding truth in bite-sized portions, steadily advancing from milk to solid doctrine. By building “a little here, a little there,” families nurture disciples who know, love, and obey the Lord for life. |
    |