Posted: 10 January 2024
From a sermon given on 07 January 2024:
And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.
(Job 1:4-5)
It is in record that Job was not only blameless and upright but also one who feared God and shunned evil. He was not only personally righteous, he was also concerned about the righteousness of his family . He personally took the initiative to ensure that spiritual standards were maintained in the family.
His sons were accustomed to feasting in their houses in turns. Every time they organized the feasts, they invited their three sisters to come and merry with them. After the time of feasting was over, Job, the high priest of the family sent for them and sanctified them and consequently offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all. This was Job's regular custom.
The need “of the hour” for our family members is a spiritual cover. We have a responsibility of bringing them before the throne of mercy, pray for their sanctification, divine protection and declare blessings over their lives. We are the spiritual gatekeepers for our families.
Further readings:
The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
(Numbers 6:24-26)
And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and purified the people, and the gates, and the wall.
(Nehemiah 12:30)
Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.
(Job 42:8)
