Family is a gift of God. Part – 4.

Let us look at the divine strategy for building a  godly home in an ungodly world. We read in Deut.5:29.O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children forever! We looked at the first division last week.

This week let us see division 2. Divine prescription. It is twofold.

1. Fear of God.
2. Obedience.

(A) Fear of God must be exercised individually, as a family and collectively as an assembly. God fearing people’s priorities are determined in heaven, but lived out in obedience to the voice of God here on earth. We are supposed to live in reverential awe of Him and walk in godly fear. The exercise of the fear of God will enable us to maintain a sanctuary atmosphere at home and we develop our children in the same environment  and bring them up in the fear of God. It must be evident in every gathering of our assembly as well. We read, God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him. But, it is lost among our people in these days and God’s people welcome any kind of ungodly and unscriptural practice. In the days of Malachi the question was “A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you. At the same time we read in the same book about a small pleasing godly portion set apart for the Lord.” Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. We see in every age there is a small remnant, godly people living in total separation from this world  and in reverence and the Lord is pleased with such company of His people and they experience the blessing of God. Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways….happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD. Yea, thou shalt see thy children’s children. Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield. The LORD hath been mindful of us: he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron.He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great. The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children. Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth. That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged. God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law: And that their children, which have not known anything, may hear, and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as ye live in the land. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

“ O what shall we feel in Thy presence when first, the visions of glory upon us shall burst! Since now our soul longeth and seeketh for Thee; O when, blessed Saviour, Thy face shall we see?

Seraphim vail their faces at His transcend glory. Isaiah could acknowledge his sinfulness, Daniel and Ezekial fell on their faces and the group of disciples the moment they saw the Lord in glory and power on holy mount, they too fell on the ground. John, the beloved disciple whom Jesus loved, the one who leaned on the bosom of our Lord at the table, the moment he saw the Lord in His unveiled glory on the Lord’s day in the island of Patmos, he fell at His feet as dead. Oh what a reverence in the presence of the Lord? When we come together as an assembly on the Lord’s day to offer praise and worship, let us be well prepared practically and spiritually. Being cleansed by the washing of water- the holy word of God, with pure heart render unto Him worship. O Thou who this world as alone pilgrim trod, Thy Father our Father, Thy God is our God; To Thee we behold the bright seraphim bow; Lord Jesus, what glory doth rest on Thee now. We see Thee, Lord Jesus, with glory now crowned, And waiting Thy coming, in peace would be found; The visions of glory have turned all to dross; For Thee give us grace to count all things but loss.

Have a blessed weekend with Christo-centeric Lord’s day.