Household


"The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and asked,'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' They replied,'Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.' And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God."  Acts 16:29-34

Our household is quickly moving back to where it started some 30 years ago. The young starry eyed couple carrying now the evidence in soul and body of having traveled a few miles. In and now out of the doors of this family have traveled a next generation each one as unique as a sunset. The prayer then, now and as long as there is breathe in our lungs, "O God, may Jesus be their passion." 

The jailer in this story worked under a serious no tolerance policy. "If any prisoners escape, you die." He thought for sure that the earthquake and opened cell doors meant his demise. In order to protect his family, he was going to take his own life. Paul interceded not once, but twice. First to save his physical life and second to save his eternal soul. True to form, this man made sure his entire household was protected and right with God too.  

For some of us, thoughts of our household bring great joy. For others of us, great sorrow. For most of us, it's a mixed bag. Regardless, there remains a need for a faithful spiritual leader among them. Is that you? We cannot choose Jesus for our family, but we can sure set the table for them. What adjustments need to be made in your life to point those closest to you to the one who alone holds salvation in his hands?

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