The Profound Impact of These Biblical Grandparents

Have you ever wondered what the Bible says about grandparents? We hear a lot of Bible verses that mention parenthood and focus on the roles of fathers and mothers. However, there is also much in the scriptures that can tell us about the unique calling of being a grandparent and what God says about it. Today we are going to see what we can learn from grandparents in the Bible.

Wayne Rice of Focus on the Family shares his experience as a youth ministry worker, where he studied who were the most spiritually influential people in the lives of young people. He shares, "Researchers found that parents and grandparents, not educators, topped the list."

As we reflect on this research by Wayne Rice, it makes us think about the value grandparents have in the lives of their grandchildren. Think of all the wisdom gathered by these people over time. Think of all the treasures of scripture they have heard and learned over the years. Think about the mistakes and sinful struggles these people have struggled with, and how this can be a boon as they encourage the next generation to avoid those mistakes. God is very clear that he believes there is a voice and a purpose for grandparents.

Also, surrogate grandparents are of great value. Maybe you are someone who has no biological grandchildren, but you enter the lives of young people as a voice of wisdom and encouragement for them. These are precious opportunities that the Lord would have this generation pass on to the next.

Deuteronomy 4:9 – “Only be on your guard and watch over yourselves, lest you forget the things which your eyes have seen, and lest they escape you as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren."

This verse from Deuteronomy reminds us that the things we have seen and the memories we hold have great value when God can use our personal stories and testimonies in the lives of young people. Under the guidance of the power of His Holy Spirit, they can impact those who come after us.

Biblical Jewish culture valued family in a beautiful way that we can often miss in our cultures today.

Lois is a grandmother who is talked about a lot in the scriptures. She is Timothy's grandmother. 1 Timothy 1:5 says, “I remember your sincere faith, a faith that first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, also dwells in you.” Lois helped shape young Timothy's life and was influential in his ministry. We don't have many more details about Lois, but when we look at Timothy's life and character, we know that his mother and grandmother had a profound influence and impact on who he became. Maybe you were one of those unsung heroes in a grandchild's life. You may not see the fruit of what you invest in them now, but the Lord sees you in all the hidden moments and in the mundane, and He is working in that child's life.

Think of the impact of Methuselah. He lived for 969 years, and during that time he was able to serve his family line for many years. Thinking about that might overwhelm and wear you down, wondering what it would have been like for Methuselah to have so much time for his children and grandchildren. But it was a vocation for him, and he knew how to be there for those who came after him. In fact, it is through his family line that Noah, his grandson, will build the ark and be part of a redeeming era in human history in the midst of a fallen world. Through Noah, God was able to fulfill his covenant and follow through on his promise to one day send a redeemer for his people. Methuselah's investment not only impacted his direct family line, but also the lives of believers like you and me today. Being a grandparent is a powerful gift that the Lord can use if we submit to his call.

Ruth 4:21-22 says, “Salmon begat Boaz, Boaz begat Obed, Obed begat Jesse, and Jesse begat David. Boaz is another unsung hero who was a grandfather. He was the father of Obed and the grandfather of David who became king of Israel. Boaz married Ruth; he was the Kinsman Redeemer. Think about the type of family line in which David grew up. This would have been a unique situation considering...