Have the conversation

That's the Book: Joel

I help with the preschool every Sunday morning. The littlest members of our church crack me up.  They also cause me to really think about why I believe what I do and why in the world they should care. This morning, one of the other teachers and I were talking about discussing issues in our culture with our kids. What and when should we talk about some of the more sensitive matters of faith? It's tempting to shelter and hide and shush tough questions. 

The little three chapter book of Joel has some advice. 

"Hear this, you elders; listen, all who live in the land. Has anything like this ever happened in your days or in the days of your ancestors? Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation." Joel 1:2-3

So. Questions for you. Has anything like this ever happened in your days? Have people been this lonely? This angry? This hopeless? Have children been sold into slavery for perverse pleasure? Have thousands starved? Have holy things been treated with such disdain? Do you think perhaps we might want to have some important talks with our children? 

Maybe this sort of talk?

Even now, declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.  Joel 2:12-13

Such gorgeous words of hope. The Lord wants our hearts. He is gracious. He is abounding in love.  This morning we talked to the preschoolers about how God is their shepherd. How he can supply all their needs. How he wants them to follow his voice. How when they are afraid they can run to his arms.  Important conversations. 

And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the Lord has said, even among the survivors whom the Lord calls.  Joel 2:32

Are there things you should be telling your kids? Take courage and start the conversation.

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Resources

Three chapters of powerful words. As always, so much better in context. The Bible Project again provides a useful overview of how this little book's structure helps explain its significance. Watch and learn.