Text: Psalm 127
Focus verse: “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” (Verses 3-5)
On the sixth day, God made man and breathed into him the breath of life. Then something marvelous happened. In his incomprehensible wisdom, the Lord gave man the privilege and honor to cooperate in his creative act. The Lord blessed the man and the woman saying, “Be fruitful and multiply.”
Life continued through the bearing and rearing of children. This is the Lord’s house-building, a gift for man’s continuation, for the handing down of life; a life that has its foundation in the breath of God. “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” This life, bestowed upon the man and woman, is treasured and extended through their union. Generation after generation shares more than just lineage; they share in God’s heritage of life.
This is true for the 91-year-old woman, down to her just-conceived-great-grandson, and everyone in between. Each has life, with neither having any more nor any less. Each forgiven of all their sins in the death and resurrection of Christ who also shares in this very life. Each being a blessing from the Lord to those before and to those who follow. “Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!” Blessed be they who uphold this heritage given by God. Blessed are they who are brought to the font, birthed in the church, and given the heritage of Christ’s resurrection; a newness of life that never ends.
Let us pray: Creative Father and giver of life, be with all the living and bless them with Your heritage of life and salvation in the death and resurrection of Your Son. Through Jesus Christ, our brother and Lord, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
(Jeffrey Kyler, Sem IV)