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Questioning God
Yesterday, the day after our family's Passover Seder, my daughter Ellie, who is 8, asked me why God "killed all the Egyptian boys."
She was referring to the 10th of the 10 plagues listed in the Book of Exodus, where God kills the first-born sons of all the Egyptians because Pharaoh refuses to free the Jews from slavery.
These stories are dramatic and thought-provoking, and I thought she asked a great question. But I didn't know how to answer it. I said we can't always understand the ways of God. I said we don't know if it's a true story, but we tell it to show how God protects us.
She looked a little confused, but so was I. Do I believe these stories really happened? What do I believe about the ways of God? I may need to confront these questions myself before I can answer them for my kids.
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Comments
I had a similar moment with my kids last week when we were watching "The Prince of Egypt". Not sure if you've seen it yet, but there's a scene when Moses is first called by God through the burning bush, there's a part after Moses questions God's decision for him to lead his people out of Egypt. With the animation that was used, and the vocals by the actor, it seemed as if God was angry at Moses for questioning Him. My six year old, who is my eldest, had a concerned look on his face. I had an excellent opportunity to stop the DVD, and answer his questions, as best I could, based on our family's beliefs about God, the Bible, etc.
I agree, it may be confusing - for them, and us. Their questions definitely spur us on to find the answers ourselves - I know it has for me. Their questions have built firmer roots and foundations in our spiritual beliefs.
I encourage you to confront those questions yourself, as your article mentioned. "Ask and you shall receive...", to quote scripture. I believe that God will be faithful to answer those questions for us, we just need to have the ears to listen!
Posted by: Becky | April 4, 2007 4:10 PM
I'm a teacher and recently returned from an amazing trip the Egypt and Israel. I completed a tour called the "Exodus" which retraced the steps of the Jewish people from Egypt to the Holyland. We visited sites like Mount Sinai and crossed the Red Sea. We also then toured Jerusalem and walked the footsteps of Jesus. As we stopped at each site, we read verses from the bible that matched the site perfectly. There is no doubt in my mind that the bible in the inspired word of God and although it may seem hard to believe, nothing is impossible with God. I would share that with your child and let them know that sometimes God works in mysterious ways. Isaiah 55:8 states
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,neither are your ways my ways", declares the LORD.
Everyone has a choice whether to believe the bible or view it as a collection of mythical stories. Pray that God opens you heart and guides your words when speaking with your child. If you ever have the chance, I suggest you take a tour of the Holyland and I promise you that you will find the truth in every word of the bible.
Posted by: Dan | April 6, 2007 10:49 AM