There is a tremendous peace that exists within the four walls of a home when the loving voice of Jesus echoes in the hearts of the family members. It's a peace of mind that says: "Jesus died and forgave even me. My sin can't destroy me. He gives me eternal life!"
This forgiving love, in turn, heals the hurts and bad feelings that result from family members mistreating one another, as they are so prone to do. The day by day hearing of God's Word instills within us an attitude that leads us to "forgive one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32).
In His Word we also find direction for making God-pleasing choices. In a society that is giving evidence of the corruption of sin more and more with each passing year, we certainly need such guidance. We could go on and on and on. The blessings that daily family worship bring are truly innumerable and immeasurable!
When he held the office of President, Calvin Coolidge said: "People criticize me for harping on the obvious. Yet if all the folks in the United States would do the few simple things they know they ought to do, most of our big problems would take care of themselves."
What he said to citizens applies just as well to Christian families and their devotional lives. If as families we make taking time for God’s Word our top priority, our problems would take care of themselves. The Psalmist said it much better: The believer and/or Christian family who "meditates [on God’s Word] day and night . . . shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither, and whatever he does shall prosper" (Psalm 1:1-3).
If you need some pointers on how to get going with family devotions, talk to your pastor. He'd be happy to give you some suggestions.
— From the Lutheran Spokesman |
