How do you know when God rewards you? You might be surprised. It often has to do with…babies!

When God Rewards You

We have a promise directly from the Holy Spirit in the pages of Sacred Scripture:

“Lo, sons are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.” (Psalm 126[127]:3–5)

My blessed vista at supper every night: “May your wife will be a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table.” (Ps 127[128]:3)

Two quick questions for you and for everyone you know:

1. Do you believe that babies are a “reward”?

2. Do you want a quiver full of them?

The Cocktail Party Conversation

If you were at a cocktail party and someone asked, “What do you do for a living?” and you responded, “I built my own business.”

Reply: “That’s great. How many employees do you have?”

If you answer, “Two employees,” the response would be “Oh, that’s nice.”

If you answered, “Two thousand,” the response would be, “Oh wow. That’s amazing. You must be an amazing entrepreneur. Tell me more.”

Now transform that conversation to one about family.

“How many children do you have?”

If you answer, “Two children, a boy and a girl,” the answer will be, “Way to go! You have two and you’re through. Good thing you lucked out and had one of each right away, right!”

But if you answer, “Eleven children, seven girls and four boys,” the room will get quiet and the crickets will start chirping.

If you have lots of employees, that’s a good thing. If you there are more people in the football stadium, that’s a good thing. If the seats are full for the concert, that’s a good thing. If lots of people are present for your birthday, that’s a good thing.

But if you’re dinner table or mini-van is full…that’s a bad thing…What?!

A Satanic Conspiracy?

There is a Satanic conspiracy about having children. We have seven beautiful children and we are “pitied” by people all the time. We were out to dinner last week and an older lady came over and told my wife Joy (surrounded by seven children) and told her how bad she felt for her. What? It’s a good thing my wife’s a saint and didn’t clobber the lady.

Let’s get back to the Bible. ““Lo, sons are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.”

Here’s another one:

Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord.” (Psalm 127[128]:3–4)

How to Be Blessed!

The relationship between being a blessed married couple and wanting a “quiver full” and “shoots around your table” is in the Holy Bible. It’s part of God’s revealed truth. You can’t be a Christian and pretend it’s not true or doesn’t apply.

Too often we speak of happiness, but not enough about being blessed. Being blessed means that God’s favor is upon you and you have deep joy. Happiness depends on what happens. They have the same linguistic root. But joy is placed in our hearts by God. Nobody, not even the devil or your boss, can take that away from you. You alone can relinquish you joy.

Strive to be blessed and have that joy and peace that only Jesus Christ can give you. Be blessed every day. If you’re in Christ Jesus, you are blessed. Now go out there and be the salt of the earth. Be salty.

Be Not Afraid!

Don’t be afraid to have a large family for Jesus. It’s the most rewarding thing that you can do.

Question: Have you had similar awkward conversations about family size? What is your experience with having a “quiver full”? You can leave a comment by clicking here.

PS: If you’re interested in the Jewish and early Christian prohibitions against contraception and abortion, I have a section on it this book.

PPS: Please “Share” this post on Facebook if you have friends or family who need encouragement!