How can we ensure our families are dedicated to serving God like Obed-edom's? Setting the Scene: Who Was Obed-edom? • 1 Chronicles 26:4 records: “Obed-edom had sons: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, Sachar the fourth, Nethanel the fifth.” • Obed-edom’s entire clan became gatekeepers of the temple (1 Chronicles 26:8). • When the ark stayed in his house for three months, “the LORD blessed him and all his household” (2 Samuel 6:10-12). • The result? A multigenerational family, fully committed to God’s service and marked by divine favor. Principle 1: Welcome God’s Presence Into Your Home • Obed-edom opened his door to the ark immediately; no hesitation. • Make your home a place where Scripture is read, worship is normal, and Christ is openly honored. • Daily decisions—music, media, attitudes—either invite or grieve the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). Principle 2: Model Immediate Obedience and Reverence • Obed-edom treated the ark with holy respect; his children followed suit. • Let children see parents obey God promptly—whether it’s forgiving, tithing, or declining compromise. • Joshua 24:15: “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Principle 3: Serve God’s House Together • Obed-edom and sixty-two relatives became gatekeepers (1 Chronicles 26:8). • Involve every family member in church life: greeting, music, cleaning, teaching, hospitality. • Psalm 84:10 reminds us that even “standing at the threshold” of God’s house outweighs worldly positions. Principle 4: Elevate Scripture as the Family Foundation • Deuteronomy 6:6-7: Teach God’s words “diligently to your children.” • Establish rhythms—family devotions, Scripture memory at meals, individual quiet times. • 2 Timothy 3:15 shows Scripture shaping a child “from infancy.” Principle 5: Cultivate Generational Vision • 1 Chronicles 26:6: Shemaiah’s sons “ruled over their families, for they were mighty men of valor.” • Speak blessing over children’s future callings. • Share testimonies of past faithfulness so they catch a sense of inheritance and responsibility. Principle 6: Guard the Gates • Gatekeepers watched what came in and went out. • Parents act as spiritual gatekeepers: monitor influences, friendships, online content. • 1 Peter 5:8 and Proverbs 4:23 call us to vigilance over hearts and homes. Principle 7: Expect and Testify of God’s Blessing • “The LORD blessed the household of Obed-edom” (2 Samuel 6:11). • God still delights to bless obedience (Malachi 3:10). • Celebrate answered prayers and provision so your family links blessing to faithfulness. Practical Next Steps • Set a nightly ten-minute family Scripture and prayer time. • Assign one shared ministry task at church for the whole household. • Audit entertainment choices this week; remove anything that dulls spiritual appetite. • Keep a blessings journal—record how God provides, protects, and leads. |
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