Introduction
Let’s reflect on the blessing of family. In the scripture, Joshua makes an important resolution. He’s 100 and about to die, so he gathers the Israelites asking them to choose whom they will serve: the Lord God or the gods of the world. He confesses “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” In this world full of darkness and sin, we must choose. Do we hold on to the ephemeral things of this world or the everlasting covenant of the living God? Let’s make this our family’s confession: we will serve the Lord. We try to warp our Christian walk of faith so it fits in with the world, rather than the scripture. Whose standard do we live by? Let’s stop looking at our lives with the lens of the world, but with the lens of the gospel. There’s no greater blessing than the family being restored in Christ.
To better understand why the family needs to be restored in Christ, we need to understand the true problem of man. The problem of man began with conflict in the family: Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, when man sinned, became separated from God and spiritually died. The family and church were the two institutions God had established for his greater plan of world evangelism. Satan knew the importance of family, so he attacked it first, and continues to attack families today, breaking couples apart and abusing their children. Then, what is the greatest blessing?
1. Family that has the answer of Christ
Parents try to teach Christian life by forcing their children to read the bible, pray or go to church. However, without Christ, these “christian” acts become religious stumbling blocks. More than actions, the family needs God’s grace. We need to realize that our families have spiritual problems and need Christ more than anything else. Through the lens of the gospel, we need to see that broken families are the product of spiritual problems. Why only Christ? Because he is the one and only perfect method and way for the family to meet God and be removed of all sins and curses. Faith in Christ is the most important answer for our children. When we hold on to the covenant and not sway, God will restore our families. Let’s realize the impact our faith will have on our children. Let’s stand in faith in God’s promises and not be shaken.
St. Augustine’s mother is a great role model of prayer. Augustine was a heretic, but his mother never stopped praying for him, and one day God turned his life around. Spurgeon’s mother also prayed for him and he became one of the greatest preachers of his generation.
2. Family that enjoys Christ
Satan will continue to target us and our families with deception. Christ has completed everything and said “it is finished”, yet Satan continues to deceive us, saying it’s not. Although we say we’re Christians, we live our own bubble, living a walk of faith that’s by our own standard and not the scripture’s. How can we escape? First, renew our minds with the accurate word of God. Second, pray that our family will be restored in Christ and be used by God to raise up future disciples and evangelists for Christ.
3. Family that testifies Christ
“Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, and had known all the work that the Lord did for Israel” (Joshua 24:31)
Let’s pray that our family will testify Christ to other broken families. In Joshua 24:31, we can see the influence Joshua’s family had on Israel. Joshua’s faith had an impact on the nation long after his death. Let’s pray that our family will leave behind that kind of legacy.
Conclusion
Let’s pray that our families may be acknowledged by God. Just because we and our families are saved, does not mean our task is done. When we don’t share the gospel, the effect of that impacts us too. Even once a week, restore family worship. Restore true word forum between husband and wife and between parents and children, and true covenantal prayer.
“And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)