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What Have They Seen In Your House?
In 2 Kings 20, an embassage of men were sent from the King of Babylon to King Hezekiah of Judah. Hezekiah was hospitable to the men and in verse 14 and 15, the Prophet Isaiah asked him, "What did these men say, and from where did they come to you? ... What have they seen in your house?"
Hezekiah answered, "They have seen all that is in my house; there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shown them." We sight this reference, not so much because of the incident itself, nor because of the concerns of Isaiah expressed in the context, but because of the question posed by the great prophet of God.
What do men see in our houses? Others are able to tell a great deal about us and our true character by what they see in our homes. Men judge us by our homes. It is through our homes we most often shape, mold, and determine our destinies. The bible teaches that our homes may even determine our eternal destiny. Since this is the case, our homes should be more than just a place in which to eat and sleep.
What do our homes reflect about us? When others see the relationship between you and your mate, what does it tell them? Do they see springs of love flowing in your lives? Do they observe a deep and sincere feeling of fellowship and good will which solve all of the problems and avoid most of them? Do they find a respect for one another's person, and a genuine appreciation for all the gestures shown one for the other?
Or, on the other hand, do others see feelings of bitterness and remorse? Do they observe jealousy and criticism manifested? Do they find constant bickering and berating toward one another? Maybe even toward other members of the family? Think! What have they seen in your house?
What do our homes reflect about us? When others look at the relationship between you and your children, what does it tell them? Do they see mountains of love and good will rising from us toward them and from them toward us? Do they find discipline and respect in our children? Do they observe that discipline together with all other forms of provision made and given in the proper ways and amounts?
Or, on the other hand, do others see parents abusing their children producing aggression, rebellion, and discouragement? Do they find disrespect and discourtesy shown toward parents? Do they observe struggles between the parents and the children or among the parents over the children? Do they see the children rebel against the parents? Think! What have they seen in your house?
A child of God is a light -- an example -- to others in the world as to the very nature of God. Are others able to see the characteristics of God shining in us when they observe our relationships with each other in our homes? God is love. Christ loved His church and gave Himself for it. Are we willing to give ourselves in our homes? God is a wise and patient father showing both mercy and nurture to his children. Do others see sound judgment and careful consideration shown toward our family as we strive to be gracious and yet achive discipline in our children? Think! What have they seen in your house?
The similarity between our relationship with God and our relationship in the home is amazing. It is no wonder the church is identified as the house of God (1 Timothy 3:15). Someone has said the home is the training ground for the church. It is certainly the case that obedience to God is best learned first by obedience to one's parents. Appreciation for God's love is known best by those who love their own children. If one would know how to be a good member of the bride of Christ, he can examine the qualities and characteristics of a good wife. If one would know how to be a faithful child of God, he can examine the nature of a well disciplined and loving child.
However, the reverse is true as well. If one would know how to be a good father to his children, he can look to the fatherhood of God as He provides, protects, and disciplines His children. If one would know how to be a good husband to his wife, he can look to the loving nature of Jesus Christ as He gave Himself up for His bride while expecting submission and reverence from her.
The saying is "As goes the home, so goes the nation." It makes sense. And it makes equal sense to say, "As goes the home, so goes the church." We must look to the word of God for direction and guidance in making our homes that which He would have them be. It offers complete instruction in how we may enjoy all the benefits and blessing God has placed there for our well being. All of us should regularly make certain our efforts are in that direction, and our prayer is that He will truly bless us to this end.
What have they seen in your house?
