[Genesis 18-19]

H – Genesis 18:19, “For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.” 

E – Keeping the Way of The LORD!

It is no secret. As a man, husband, and father my greatest ministry is my home. So many times we sacrifice our homes primarily at the alter of ministering to ourselves (selfishly) or others (pridefully). Yes, we are called to minister to others (love your neighbor), but let’s establish priority and order.

God established a covenant with Abraham (Gen. 17). Within this covenant he was to walk with God and be blameless before Him (17:1). He was also to lead the generations after him to walk with God and to be blameless before Him. Now, in Genesis 18:9, God is reminding Abraham of the vitality of His covenant, as Abraham hears of the judgment and destruction that will come to Sodom and Gomorrah, where his nephew Lot and his family reside. 

Let’s break down this simplistic approach that God reminds Abraham of:

1. Remember I have Chosen you.

God chose Abraham for a specific purpose. First, Abraham knew the voice of God. He experienced the calling of God. He trusted in the direction of God and Abraham put his faith in God (He believed God). Second, God chose Abraham to be intimate with Him; to be in a divine relationship with Him. God’s purpose was for Abraham to walk with Him. How could Abraham fulfill what God desired of him if he didn’t first walk with God? It would be impossible. It would be out of his relationship with God that he could rightly live out his next purpose. —>

2. Command your household (wife, children, any offsprings) to walk with God.

Abraham was to lead his family in the way of the LORD as he walk with the LORD. This is a picture of discipleship and the importance of it. Notice the two differences and what would come from how Abraham and Lot lead their families. Abraham’s family flourished. Lot’s family crumbled. 

The word command here means to give charge or set order. It is the fathers duty, calling, and command to set charge and order over his family. The problem, even with Lot’s family, is that many allow our families to set their own path. In other words the man relinquishes his God appointed obligation and lets mother, children, others, set the direction for themselves or each  other around them. Yet, that is not the way of God. It is the man that He has been called to be spiritual leader, protector, provider, etc. over the family. 

Think about Deuteronomy 6:1-9, Psalm 103:13, Psalm 127:3-5, Proverbs 3:11-12, Proverbs 22:6, Malachi 4:6, Luke 15:20-24, Ephesians 6:4. I could have pages of references. You get the point. But, I’d encourage you to read a few of these. 

You and I are either leading our families to pursue after God (by example) or we are pushing them away (by example). Remember actions speak louder than words. 

3. Remember His Promises.

Our greatest act of Worship is to lead our families to Worship by walking in obedience to this Holy God, trusting that His greatest promise is His presence (I will be with you). 

For Abraham and his household, his divine election should result in a people (family) characterized by righteousness and justice, which in turn would result in the Lord fulfilling his promise of worldwide blessing (v.18). In other words, together, they would experience God (until a generation began to take their eyes off of the LORD). 

Here is a great question. Are you and your family experiencing God? How many of us are/will lead our family to pursue holiness, walk with God, be self-controlled, practice humility, love all people, be thankful for all that God has provided, live for something greater than ourselves, stand up for the helpless, serve the world around us, and greatest of all do everything for the glory of God?

A – Remember what God has rescued me from. Remember what God has rescued me for. Walk with God, set the example of walking with God, and set order for my family to do the same. 

R – Lord God, thank you for these great reminders and truths today from you Word. Thank you for calling me, purposing me, and providing everything I need to fulfill it. Lord, help me to take my calling seriously. Thank you for my family. Lord, I pray you would grow us up to be mighty warriors for King Jesus. Thank you for my faith family. God I pray we would be united together around the truths of your Word. Thank you for our community. Help us together to see our community and the needs around it so that we may serve others, share the Gospel, and glorify you. 

In Jesus Name!