WEEKLY MESSAGE
SUN, 14/04/24 - SAT, 20/04/24
ON THE MESSAGE THIS WEEK: FOLLOW GOD, AND ALSO LET YOUR FAMILY TOO
KEY VERSE: “LOT MOVED HIS TENTS TO A PLACE NEAR SODOM” (GENESIS 13:12)
Jesus said: ‘If anyone causes one of these little ones - those who believe in me - to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea’ (see Matthew 18:6). Implicit in those words is a sobering challenge to every parent (and every person who is a role model for children): your moral authority doesn’t come from your knowledge but from your lifestyle and integrity. As your children grow up, they’re less apt to listen to what you say and more inclined to imitate what you do. So where are your footsteps leading?
Remember Abraham and Lot? They shared the same family, the same faith, and had the same opportunities in life. But when it came to raising children, Abraham grew roses and Lot grew weeds. What made the difference? Abraham followed God while Lot followed his own selfish interests. ‘Lot moved his tents to a place near Sodom.’ Before it was over, Lot lost his moral authority with his family. So here is the question: as a parent (or a role model), where are you pitching your tent?
King David also lost his moral authority with his family. Even though God forgave his affair with Bathsheba and permitted him to remain on the throne, his sin took a terrible toll. His son Amnon raped his sister Tamar. His other son Absalom stole the throne, and his son Solomon’s wives ultimately led him into idolatry. Nathan the prophet told him, ‘Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity on you’ (see 2 Samuel 12:11). You only get one chance to do it right, so follow God and take your children with you.
This week, ask God to help you get closer to Him and accomplish everything that He wills for you. Ask Him for a clearer head, a clearer mind, and the courage to do what He directs you to, in Jesus Name, Amen. Ask Him for grace to lead all the people within your care to Him (and to guide them for Him).
Have a glorious week in Jesus' Name, Amen.
(Article/ extract from ucb, word for today)
_____________
Did you know: There are almost 20 different passages in the Bible where it is mentioned that we are God's people.
Ref: Jeremiah 32:38 / Ezekiel 14:11 / Zechariah 8:8 / 2 Corinthians 6:16 / Hebrews 8:10 / Ezekiel 11:20 / Ezekiel 37:23 / Jeremiah 7:23 / Jeremiah 31:33 / Ezekiel 37:27 / Jeremiah 31:1 / Revelation 21:3 / Exodus 6:7 / Leviticus 26:12 / Jeremiah 11:4 / Jeremiah 30:22 / Ezekiel 36:28.