"When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would send and have them (his children) purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, 'Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.' This was Job's regular custom."
Job lived during the time before the appointment of priests, therefore he assumed the duties as priest and offered sacrifices to atone for the sins of himself and his family. Job did this out of a sense of conviction and his love for God, and also out of deep concern for his children's spiritual well-being. Living in an age before the written law and priests, Job could very easily have left everything and everyone go, but his conscience would not let him. God's Holy Spirit was working in mankind even then.
Right from the get-go, Job is instructing us in our spiritual parental duties. (Oh, for those of us who for whatever reason have no children, there are usually lots and lots of nieces, nephews, cousins, and - if all else fails - friends). Job was fearful that they might have sinned UNKNOWINGLY. My goodness, at that time that law had not yet been given, so I doubt he even knew what was sin and what wasn't !!! How much more we know today, and yet how much less many of us do to protect our loved ones as Job did. Job's custom was to intercede for his children! On a regular basis!! Just in case they had done something to offend God!!
Our children are gifts from God and we are the custodians. They are to be protected, cherished, loved, guided, disciplined, and instructed in the ways of the Lord. There are many, many Christian families that never pray for and with their children. They take them to church, Sunday School, VBS, church camp, and yet they don't spend time in prayer with them and for them. It's incredible but true. How will our children learn what it is like to be specifically prayed out loud for? How will they learn how to pray for others? How will they learn not to be afraid to pray out loud in a group setting? How will they learn it's aright to verbally bless their food in public? How will they learn it's okay to pray with a fellow student when they are having troubles? How will they learn to stand up for their Christian principles in an ungodly world? HOW WILL THEY LEARN?
It is the responsibility of every born-again Christian to see that this is done. Moms, dads, sisters, brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends - we are commanded in Proverbs 22:6; "train up a child in the way he must go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." This is our obligation. We are without excuse.
This was Job's regular custom, to intercede for his children, to make restitution for them. But we are now under grace, and each and every person must repent for himself. We must teach our families, we cannot entrust this sacred obligation to anyone else. It MUST become a regular custom in every Christian family to have a regular prayer time, where family members can feel the love and power that is in prayer not only for themselves, but in praying for others. We all pray, but do we all pray as a family? There is strength and power in numbers in prayer; if one can put a thousand to flight, then two can send ten thousand (deut 32:30)
The only way America is going to come back to Jesus is through prayer. And it must begin first in me, then in my home and family. If you are not in the habit of regualr family prayer, are you willing to begin in your family? It may be difficult at first, but ask Jesus to make a way for it to happen and then watch the speedbumps melt away. When you ask something of heaven, it's yours! Don't be afraid, God did not give you a spirit of fear. Be bold in the name and power of Jesus Christ! Then watch Him work, give Him the glory and praise His Holy Name.
"Almighty God, forgive me. I am so weak. Strengthen me by Your Holy Spirit, fill my heart and my mouth with the words to speak; show me the way to teach, enlighten and bless my family. Use me to guide all those I love, give me wisdom in prayer and teaching. Let my life be a witness to what I believe in my heart. Lord, I pray for holy boldness, mercy and love that others will see You in me. God, help me to be the holy caretaker of my family. Amen."
FOR FURTHER STUDY:
Acts 1:14
2 Timothy 1:5
Romans 12:12
1 Timothy 2:1
Philemon 1:4
1 Peter 3:12
No comments:
Post a Comment