What other biblical examples show families working together for God's purposes? Families at the Wall (Nehemiah 3:10) “Next to them Jedaiah son of Harumaph made repairs opposite his house, and beside him Hattush son of Hashabneiah made repairs.” Nehemiah records entire households stepping out of their doors, tools in hand, to rebuild Jerusalem’s defenses. It is a vivid snapshot of God putting families shoulder-to-shoulder in His work. Old-Testament Portraits of Family Teams • Noah’s household: “I will establish My covenant with you, and you will enter the ark—you and your sons and your wife and your sons’ wives with you.” (Genesis 6:18) – Eight relatives cut timber, pitched planks, and preserved the human race together. • Moses, Aaron, and Miriam: “I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam before you.” (Micah 6:4) – Three siblings combine prophetic leadership, priestly ministry, and worship to guide Israel out of Egypt. • Bezalel’s clan of craftsmen (Exodus 31:1-6; 35:30-35) – The Spirit equips an extended family circle with artistry to build the tabernacle. • Levite households (1 Chronicles 9:19; 25:1) – Fathers and sons keep gates, sing psalms, and play instruments in ongoing temple service. • David and Solomon: preparer and builder (1 Chronicles 22:5; 2 Chronicles 3:1-2) – A father amasses materials; a son turns them into the house of God. • The daughters of Shallum (Nehemiah 3:12) – Even within Nehemiah’s chapter, a father works side-by-side with his girls on the city wall. New-Testament Snapshots of Household Ministry • Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (Luke 10:38-42; John 12:1-2) – Siblings open their Bethany home for Jesus’ teaching and fellowship. • Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:2-3, 26; Romans 16:3-4) – A married couple tents together by day and disciples by night, risking their lives for the gospel. • Cornelius’ household (Acts 10:24, 33-44) – Relatives and close friends gather under one roof to hear Peter; the Spirit falls on them all. • The Philippian jailer’s family (Acts 16:32-34) – In a single midnight hour, the entire household believes, is baptized, and hosts the missionaries. • Lois and Eunice with Timothy (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14-15) – Grandmother and mother shape a future pastor through Scripture and sincere faith. • Household of Stephanas (1 Corinthians 16:15-16) – A family “devoted to the service of the saints,” setting the pace for their local church. Common Threads to Notice – God assigns work that is big enough for more than one set of hands. – Skills vary—building, singing, teaching, hosting—but service under one roof multiplies impact. – Scripture never treats children or spouses as bystanders; each member has a role. – When an entire household honors the LORD, His covenant blessings ripple outward to the community. Inviting Your Own Household into the Story Take stock of your family’s gifts, opportunities, and surroundings—then step forward together, just as the families of Noah, Nehemiah, and the early church once did. |
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