Note to Parents: My hope is to extend the conversations we have at Firebrand Academy; the additional questions and journal options are to give you another opportunity to explore the truths of God, as a family. As always, please give me feedback and thoughts that could serve you, your children and your family better.
“You know Eleanor, once upon a time, most babies went home to live with their families. You are one of the few exceptions to the present situation. This kibbutz is different to most of the kingdom. In this kibbutz live many who serve Azrael and the kingdom. He bought our allegiance by agreeing to protect our families.
“You see, in time, Grandpa came to be a renowned teacher in the kingdom. Eleanor, we don’t agree with Azriel or the ways of this kingdom. We made decisions hoping one day there would be someone who we’d trust enough to share the secrets. When you were six years old, Grandpa was the first one chosen to be caretaker in the land. In exchange for his service, you and I would continue to live a life of freedom. We were allowed to stay in this home with your parents, while Grandpa went to live in proximity to Azrael. And although your parents are deeply loyal to Azriel, they, like many in this generation in the kibbutz, wanted their family home with them. They enjoy us. That’s not typical across the land. The elderly and children are sent to live away from family.
“In the baby homes, I had unique privileges as house mom. Not only did I care for the littlest ones before they could live independently, I also loved on and prayed for each one, when no one else was around. But I also gave each one their name. Do you know that names are important Eleanor?”
“I know names are how we know each other, but is there more to their importance than that?”
“Yes, names have meaning. When you were born, your parents asked me to name you, since it was a job given to me in the kingdom. As my granddaughter, I took this job even more seriously. Grandpa and I prayed for days, to be sure we were hearing from Yahweh correctly. He gave us your name. Eleanor means “light-hearted, shining light” and that’s exactly what our heart was for the one that would come to our family next. We prayed that Yahweh would send a grandchild who would be a “shining light” for this next generation. I believe there is a lot of meaning in the names we each have, whether the meanings were considered or not. And you, dear one, have one handpicked from Yahweh Himself.”
“Grandma Beulah, what does YOUR name mean?”
“It seems a strange meaning. It means “married”. In Yahweh’s book, the name was referenced to the land of Israel, where God’s people were from. In so many ways, it is an accurate description for me, as I made a vow as a young woman, to be committed to Yahweh, first and foremost. Grandpa’s name was Nazarite John, although most knew him as John. Nazarite means “one chosen” or “set apart”. John means “God is gracious”. Grandpa was set apart, to make way behind the scenes, for Yahweh’s name to be carried to this next generation. And certainly, Yahweh was gracious by allowing us to live here in protection. He used Grandpa to make sure of that.
“Eleanor, listen to what Azrael means, it means “angel of death”. There is a verse in Yahweh’s book that says ‘The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy, but I have come that they may have life and life to the full.’ Azrael is very much a thief. He has done nothing but seek to erase Yahweh’s name from the lips of the people. But Yeshua is life! And dear Eleanor, this is the day I have waited with bated breath for: the day I get to tell you about my Moshiach, my savior, my Yeshua.”
Family Connection
Talk about the meanings of your names, if you haven’t already. Encourage your child to journal (draw or write) about it – the story, the namesake, the meaning… [If your kids’ names don’t have a meaning, talk about your family and the generational legacy that is attached to that, even if you are first generation Christians. “Our __________ family is one that will know and love the Lord all the days of our lives…” Maybe make a family declaration statement, that corresponds to being God’s children.] Consider spending time as a family to pray and ask God anything further He wants to tell you and your children. We are soon moving into a time where the kids are going to spend time listening to God tell them their identities. Learning to listen to His voice, as families, is one of the most important things we can offer our children. Look up the name meanings from Adam to Jesus: it’s a powerful reminder of how the whole Bible points to Jesus (posted on our FB group)!
Moshiach is the Hebrew word for “messiah”. Jesus is our Moshiach, but many Jewish people are still waiting, not believing that Yeshua (Jesus) was the one prophesied of in the scriptures. Pray for the Jewish people, that God would reveal the truth to them. [Here is something I wrote way back about praying for the Jewish people. If your family wants to know more, this could be a help (it was not written for kids): https://asurrenderedlife.com/bible/purim-join-in-prayer/]
Scripture to memorize: 2 Corinthians 6:18 (have kids personalize it with son or daughter and make it a declaration, “I am _______”)
Journal Ideas:
Take one of the trading card figures (missionaries, evangelists, ministry leaders) and journal through some of the things that threatened to hold that person back from his/her calling and how they overcame to become a vessel for the Lord’s work. You may look up some of these figures to get a fuller picture (Torchlighters has great video on Gladys Aylward).
[If you want to read great biographies of trailblazers (firebrands) for God’s Kingdom, I recommend God’s Generals for Kids; any of the Trailblazer books, by Dave & Neta Jackson; or any of the Christian Heroes: Then and Now, by Janet & Geoff Benge. I have many other titles I could recommend, as this is one of my FAVORITE ways to excite my children about being a light for our King.]
Free Journal: Journal about something you have been talking about as a family, something that struck you at FBA or something you learned at church. What is God teaching you?
