“WHAT HAVE THEY SEEN IN YOUR HOUSE?” Lesson 12 for June 22, 2019

Every Christian family is a center of influence which God uses to bless those around them. What do people see when they meet your family? What words do they hear? What attitudes do they watch? What blessing do they receive? A blessing for visitors. A blessing for relatives. A blessing for non-Christians. A blessing for society. A blessing for guests.

A BLESSING FOR VISITORS “And he said, 'What have they seen in your house?' So Hezekiah answered, 'They have seen all that is in my house; there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shown them.’” (Isaiah 39:4) Isaiah told king Hezekiah that he was going to die from illness. Hezekiah cried and prayed about it, so God gave him 15 more years. The sun went backwards as a miraculous sign for Hezekiah. The Babylonian astronomers were astonished at this phenomenon, so they sent representatives to Judea to investigate it. This was an extraordinary opportunity to talk about God's great power! However, “Hezekiah did not repay according to the favor shown him.” (2Chr. 32:25). He showed them his own riches, and god was set aside.

“What have they seen in your house?” A BLESSING FOR VISITORS “What have they seen in your house?” Every Christian house is a blessing for those visiting. They're not blessed by our amazing TV set or a beautiful decoration. The blessing they receive is proportional to the way Jesus is reflected in us. Our words and actions tell the story of Jesus' love and kindness. Visitors will tell that our blessings come from God alone. Can visitors feel the peace in your family? What impression do you give them when they enter your house?

A BLESSING FOR RELATIVES “He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, 'We have found the Messiah' (which is translated, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.” (John 1:41-42) When Andrew met Jesus, he shared his enthusiasm with his brother first. Our blessings are usually shared first with our relatives. The greatest blessing we can share is Jesus. We've been called to share Jesus especially with our children (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). Allot enough time and effort for regular moments of personal and family worship. Those moments will be engraved in the mind and on the heart of your family. Remember the example of Naomi, who shared her faith with her daughter- in-law Ruth who accepted the true God.

A BLESSING FOR NON-CHRISTIANS “For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband […] For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife?” (1 Corinthians 7:14, 16) How can an unbelieving person be sanctified by their spouse? The unbelieving person receives God's blessings through their believing spouse. Should a Christian separate if their unbelieving spouse is causing trouble? In verse 13, Paul stated that they shouldn't. However, in verse 15, he explained that if the unbelieving person wants to separate, separation should be accepted (for the sake of peace). Remember that a persistent example of loyalty and obedience to Christ may lead into the conversion of the unbelieving spouse (1 Peter 3:1-2).

“Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1) A BLESSING FOR SOCIETY “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1) We're encouraged to imitate Christ, and to imitate those who imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 4:16; Ephesians 5:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; Hebrews 6:12; 13:7; 3 John 11). Why? Example is an excellent teaching method. We imitate what we see. As a family, we're an example to those who see special attitudes in us. The affection we show, the way we educate our children, how we resolve conflict, how we treat others. We may reflect Christ in everything we do. Although the reflection of Christ in us is imperfect, every Christian home that imitates Jesus is a blessing for the society around them.

“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” A BLESSING FOR GUESTS “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (Romanos 12:13 NIV) Hospitality involves opening our houses to those who need rest, food or company. Believers in the Old and New Testament practiced hospitality habitually (Gn. 18:1-8; 19:1-3; 24:17-31; Lk. 5:19; 19:1-9). When we host somebody for hours or days, we can strike up a friendship, talk about Jesus, pray, share Biblical truths, and show our love for Jesus with our words and actions. Hospitality is a blessing for both guests and hosts (Hebrews 13:2).

E.G.W. (The Adventist Home, cp. 4, p. 32) “Our sphere of influence may seem narrow, our ability small, our opportunities few, our acquirements limited; yet wonderful possibilities are ours through a faithful use of the opportunities of our own homes. If we will open our hearts and homes to the divine principles of life, we shall become channels for currents of life-giving power. From our homes will flow streams of healing, bringing life, and beauty, and fruitfulness where now are barrenness and dearth.”