Devotional -

The Christian Family ( 5 January )

His parents were astonished when they saw him, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been terribly worried trying to find you." He answered them, "Why did you have to look for me? Didn't you know that I had to be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand his answer. So Jesus went back with them to Nazareth, where he was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart. Jesus grew both in body and in wisdom, gaining favor with God and people.
Luke 2:48-52

Undoubtedly, the Nazareth family is a good model for every Christian family. Jesus was submissive and obedient to his parents, while Mary and Joseph were faced with the heavenly responsibility of raising Jesus, who had taken on a physical body to dwell among us as God incarnate.

Jesus was obedient to his parents and committed to family life similar to the wisdom we find in the book of Proverbs: "Wise children pay attention when their parents correct them." (Pro 13:1). "It is foolish to ignore what your parents taught you; it is wise to accept their correction." (15:5) The person who refuses discipline and does not accept the correction and guidance of his parent is compared to a foolish person who belittles valuable commands. On the other hand, the person who accepts discipline is called wise.

God's way of relating to man shows what the father-son relationship should be: "My child, when the Lord corrects you, pay close attention and take it as a warning. The Lord corrects those he loves, as parents correct a child of whom they are proud." (Proverbs 3:11-12). God raises his children as a loving father.

(Psalm 118:18) says, "He has punished me severely, but he has not let me die." The father's love for his child seeks to save him from death. When God disciplines us, the process may involve wounds and weariness. However, in the final picture he will fix what is broken and heal all our wounds. He will constantly sow and nurture in us his values and the behavior he desires.

"Children, it is your Christian duty to obey your parents, for this is the right thing to do. 'Respect your father and mother' is the first commandment that has a promise added: 'so that all may go well with you, and you may live a long time in the land.' Parents, do not treat your children in such a way as to make them angry. Instead, raise them with Christian discipline and instruction." (Ephesians 6:1-4)

God's message to us as parents and children is clear. Families that are built on the rock of Christ will lead believers to be steady in their faith, rooted in biblical teaching, diligent in prayer, full of expectant hope, and obedient to God's commands.

- 5 JANUARY -