Bible Thoughts

June 16, 2002

Elkanah and his wife had willingly allowed Samuel to be dedicated to the Lord all of his life. This was a great sacrifice on their part. The Lord, however, blessed them with other children for their willingness to allow their son to serve the Lord with Eli. The account of Samuel and his work for the Lord speak for itself. But, let us note that, after they presented their only son(at that time), to God's service, "...they went to their own home." After leaving the presence of Eli, they knew their place was at home. There is something refreshing, profitable, peaceful, and uplifting about going home. A home should be the target for humans at the end of a long day, after a long journey, and a place to relax and be happy.

'When Joseph came home..."(Genesis 43:26).

Joseph had been taken from his previous home as a result of the jealousy of his brothers when they sold him to slave traders. This man of God would suffer from their mistreatment, but he would continue to trust in Jehovah, and became one of those who had power in Egypt. His brothers were frightened of Joseph and what he could do to them in retribution for mistreatment of the past. Joseph was a forgiving man and would extend such mercy to his unkind brothers. Joseph's home became a place of compassion and generosity.

"Go home to your people..."(Mark 5:19).

The demon-possessed man had been cured by the Lord and now it was time for him to go home. The Lord desired that he share what had occurred in his life with his family. Home is the best place for him to go for he could now influence those whom he loved. The home is still the proper place to share good and pleasant happenings. It is the appropriate place to teach and apply the principles of truth found in the word of God. You can influence and encourage those for whom you care--your family.

"And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbors..."(Luke 15:6).

Why? The man had found a lost sheep and he wanted to share his happiness with those who loved him--his family. When something good occurs within the home, is there not cause for being happy and sharing that happiness with others? Your "friends and neighbors"(brethren) want to know when good things happen to you. They want to share in your blessings. Don't be ashamed to let others know of the pleasant experiences and successes that you have: be as the man who found his lost sheep.

"And from that hour the disciple took her unto his own

home"(John 19:27).

As Jesus hung upon the cross, he made provision for his mother to be cared for in the future. John, from that hour, took the Lord's mother into his home. One's home is a place of refuge in the time of sorrow and disaster. The Christian is willing to make a home for those who have no place to go and need the care that is proper for all humans. To take a non-family member into a home and care for that person is a great tribute to the nature of those who compose that home.

"If any man is hungry, let him eat at home"(I Corinthians 11:34).

The home provides for its members. While Paul is speaking to a problem concerning the Lord's Supper, he identified the place of family responsibility. It is the obligation of the home to provide for the physical needs of the family. The Christian will take all necessary steps(that are right) to see that those under his/her care are provided with food, shelter, and raiment. Home is the place to see to such needs. Never forget, also, that spiritual needs are to be met in the home. One should hunger after the truth as well as satisfying physical hunger.

"And if they would learn anything, let them ask their own husbands at home"(I Corinthians 14:35).

The home is a place of learning. In this case, there was a problem with women speaking in the assembly and Paul is helping them overcome their difficulties. Rather than create a disturbance in the assembly, the apostle stated that the women should seek answers from their husbands at home. Is there any more appropriate subject to discuss in the home than religion? If one's interest in the Bible is limited to the classes and sermons at the building, something is missing. Proper discussion(and teaching) of the scriptures is a basic part of home life for Christians.

"...to be sober-minded, chaste, workers at home..."(Titus 2:5).

The apostle is instructing the older women to train the younger women. Among those items was the instruction in regard to "workers at home." Godly women recognize that housework is not a burden but an opportunity to serve the family. It takes a "sober-minded" and "chaste" woman to fulfill the role of a proper wife and mother. The joy of maintaining a proper atmosphere often falls on the hands of the wife and mother. Their influence in their husband's life and the lives of their offspring is great indeed. Even when the woman has an occupation outside of the home, she must still fulfill her role as wife and mother. Her enthusiasm toward her family will reap great rewards in the future!

"But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God"(I Timothy 5:4).

The home is the very foundation of our society. The proper home is the bulwark for the Christian to withstand the evils and ungodliness of this world. When proper respect(piety) is shown in the home to each of its members, this is "good and acceptable before God." Each day, let us thank God for our homes, for our parents, for our children, for our mates, and for the blessings that God bestows upon the homes of Christians. Righteousness starts in the home and ends in heaven. When all else seems to fail, go home!