How can we ensure our family is prepared for God's calling like Jerijah's? Setting the Scene: Jerijah’s Family Calling “Of the Hebronites, Jerijah was the chief. In King David’s fortieth year a search was made, and mighty men of valor were found among them at Jazer in Gilead.” (1 Chronicles 26:31) Jerijah’s clan did not stumble into their assignment; they were discovered ready—men of valor, proven by their lineage and by personal strength. Our households today can follow the same pattern. Family Identity Anchored in God’s Word • God’s call often flows along family lines (Genesis 18:19; 2 Timothy 1:5). • A clear lineage in Chronicles shows God values generational faithfulness; we honor this by keeping family records of God’s works and answered prayers. • Teach your children the family’s testimony of salvation and service so they recognize their place in God’s unfolding story (Psalm 78:5-7). Continual Training in Scripture • Daily reading and discussing Scripture (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). • Memorizing key passages together—start with Psalm 1, John 1:1-14, and Ephesians 6:10-18. • Singing Scripture-rich hymns and psalms to embed truth in the heart (Colossians 3:16). Cultivating Strength and Valor • Spiritual strength: regular family worship, fasting, and corporate prayer (Acts 2:42). • Moral strength: unwavering obedience even when unpopular (Joshua 24:15). • Emotional strength: modeling forgiveness and grace (Ephesians 4:32). • Physical readiness: caring for the body so we can serve energetically (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Guarding and Passing On a Godly Heritage • Establish family standards grounded in biblical convictions, not culture. • Celebrate milestones—baptisms, mission trips, service projects—to reinforce callings. • Keep “stones of remembrance” (Joshua 4:6-7): journals, photos, or objects that remind the household of God’s faithfulness. Training for Excellence in Service • Identify gifts early; encourage musical skill for worship, administrative skill for ministry oversight, hospitality gifts for outreach (1 Peter 4:10). • Pair instruction with opportunity: let children serve alongside adults in church, community, and home. • Mentor within the family: older siblings guide younger ones, mirroring the Levites teaching their clans (1 Chronicles 25:8). Living Ready for God’s Timing • Jerijah’s men were discovered “in the fortieth year,” after decades of quiet faithfulness. Stay diligent even when unnoticed (Galatians 6:9). • Remain geographically and spiritually positioned—these Hebronites were found “at Jazer in Gilead,” not wandering. Stay planted where God assigns until He reassigns (Psalm 1:3). • Expect divine searches: “For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him” (2 Chronicles 16:9). Practical Steps for Today 1. Schedule a weekly “family altar” night: Scripture, testimony, and worship. 2. Create a visible family mission statement drawn from Joshua 24:15 and post it at home. 3. Involve every member in one church ministry, serving side-by-side. 4. Keep a shared gratitude journal, reviewing it each quarter to trace God’s hand. 5. Encourage skill development—music lessons, trade skills, study habits—as stewardship of talents. 6. Review family ancestry where possible, highlighting believers who ran well, then charge each generation to continue the line of faith (Hebrews 12:1-2). Prepared families don’t emerge overnight; they grow through steady, Scripture-anchored routines that shape every member into “mighty men of valor” ready for the moment God calls. |
    |