Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Genesis 18:19, “For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.”

Background

I used to work with a guy who was a very conservative fellow. And when it came to his politics, conservative might not be a strong enough word. But his wife was very much a non-conservative. In fact, she was so different from him that in most elections, he was completely clueless as to exactly how she voted. And I always wondered how in the world these two got together and made it work for so long. Every now and then someone will come into my life who makes me wonder why our paths are crossing. Perhaps you have had friends or acquaintances, too, who had personalities or traits that didn’t quite match your regular sphere of friends. And yet, something had drawn you together to share certain commonalities. Sometimes you could see the intent and value of the relationship, and sometimes you weren’t quite sure where it was going. And so, what a blessing it was for Abraham to be known of God, and to know with absolute certainty what their relationship was all about. But what an amazing responsibility, too. For Abraham had been chosen by God to raise his children and the generations after him to follow the way of the Lord in order that the covenant of redemption might take place. Oh, is that all?

Application

I’m busy wondering why I’ve encountered a certain someone while Abraham was tasked with raising his family to do righteousness and justice. Well, maybe my attention hasn’t exactly been where it needs to be. It would seem to me that I’ve got to get serious about the righteousness of my children. And so do you. If you’re a parent, then the gauntlet has been dropped. And even if you’re not in that situation, there’s someone out there who needs your instruction and influence. Maybe it’s that person who’s come along and doesn’t fit the mold. But whoever it is, they need to be known by the Lord. They need to keep the way of the Lord. And we need to be intentional and focused. We can’t just pass it on to them like we do the color of our eyes or hair to our kids. We need to do all we can so that He will do what He has spoken.

Charge

As we seek Him today, ask God for a renewed motivation to invest your life where it counts. Take the steps necessary to raise your household according to the way of the Lord.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words