The Privilege of the Children of God
“All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children.” Isaiah 54:13
There are childhood moments that stay with us, not because they were big, but because they were filled with love. One of those moments for me was when my mother read to us. Reading wasn’t common in our village, but my mom loved books. She had a small bookshelf that could maybe hold forty or fifty books, even though she didn’t have that many. Now and then, she would take a book, call us to sit with her, and start reading. Her face would light up as she read, especially when we followed the story and asked questions. Those simple moments shaped my love for reading, a love that continues to grow.
However, as special as my mom’s influence was, the Bible shows me an even greater privilege.
God as Our Teacher
Isaiah 54:13 gives us an incredible promise: God Himself teaches His children. F.B. Meyer puts it beautifully: “God has opened a school in this dark world, and has Himself undertaken to act as schoolmaster.” These words come in a chapter where God is comforting His people. Israel had gone through shame, fear, and instability. And into all that pain, God speaks hope. He says there will be a new city, new peace, and a restored people. And this peace will come because the Lord Himself will teach them.
God teaches from a heart of unchanging love (v. 10)
My mom had only a few books, but God teaches from an endless library of His own love.
He says: “My kindness shall not depart from you… My covenant of peace will not be removed.”
Human love can change. It can be affected by stress, culture, emotions, or seasons. But God’s love never moves. It never shifts. It never weakens. That is why His correction doesn’t crush us. His instruction doesn’t confuse us. His guidance doesn’t manipulate us. And He teaches us with the steady hand of eternal love.
God teaches us our true identity (v4–6)
My mom’s influence shaped the way I see stories and learning. But God’s teaching goes deeper; it reveals who I truly am. Through His Word, God tells me I am more than a reader, a son, a husband, a friend, a father soon to be, or a dreamer. I am a sinner in need of grace, and a child welcomed into His family. In these verses, God tells Israel, “Do not fear.” “You will not be ashamed.” “You will forget the shame of your youth.” “Your Maker is your Husband… your Redeemer.” God’s teaching always reveals identity: Who He is. Who we are. And who we can become in Him
God’s teaching brings real and lasting peace (v10–13)
Books can give us a break from life. Stories can make us forget our worries for a moment. But God’s teaching gives something much deeper; it gives peace that stays. Isaiah says, “Great shall be the peace of your children.” Not a little peace. Not temporary peace. But Great peace. And it comes from being taught by the Lord. When God teaches us, chaos doesn’t control our emotions. Fear doesn’t make our decisions. Shame doesn’t define our identity. Troubles don’t steal our peace. God’s peace is not the absence of problems, but it is His voice in the middle of them.
Jesus confirms this privilege
In John 6:45, Jesus quotes this same verse and says: “Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.” Being taught by God always leads us to Christ. My mother’s stories opened my imagination. But God’s teaching opens my heart to transformation. Her voice filled our home with joy. His voice fills my soul with peace. So I choose to yield, not merely to the influence of my upbringing, but to the gentle leadership of the One who teaches me every day through His Word and His Spirit.
