Worship Is A Family Affair

Worship Is A Family Affair

Scott Slaughter

*** Please read Exodus chapters 12 through 14 slowly. Picture in your mind what is happening. 

Recently we have been reading through the Exodus in our family Bible time. We just finished chapter 12. How exciting it is each night to reflect on the mighty acts of our God demonstrated when He redeemed His people from bondage. Chapter 12 recounts howGod took the lives of the first born children of Egypt while God’s people celebrated the first Passover meal. Several things stood out to me as I read the account again. God’s people were in a worship service while the unbelieving Egyptians were suffering God’s judgment(of which they had been warned). Secondly, I noticed that God instructed His people to worship in their houses with their families. 

Exodus 12:3–4 Tell all the congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month every man shall take a lamb according to their fathers' houses, a lamb for a household. [4] And if the household is too small for a lamb, then he and his nearest neighbor shall take according to the number of persons; according to what each can eat you shall make your count for the lamb. (ESV)

Worship has always been a family affair. We may observe this early in the Bible by examining the lives of the Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). God commended Abraham’s leadership in this matter when He said, for I have chosen him, so that he may command his children and his household after him (Gen. 18:19). Jacob, in like manner, led his family to put away their idols (Gen. 35:2). Later Joshua stood up to lead his family in the worship of the true God when he boldly declared, as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD (Jos. 24:15). In the New Testament, this idea of households worshipping together is assumed when Paul instructs each member of the household (Eph. 5:25; Col. 3:18-25). 

Deuteronomy chapter 6 guides parents as we perform our God-given calling to lead His little ones. We have them for so few years, it seems, we must seize opportunities to train them like Abraham did. Are you seizing the opportunity to disciple your family? 

Love You All In Christ, 

Your Pastor