Family Heroes
Scripture
Hebrews 11:7, 23, 31; Joshua 24:15
Summary In Hebrews 11 God gives the names of those who, by faith, have done extraordinary things. It names heroes, great prophets and extraordinary individuals. And then, right there in the middle of this hall of fame, there are three names that would appear to be out of place at first glance. These three people only have one thing in common—they saved their families. What greater feat could a person do than save their family? Is yours saved? If so, then you are a family hero.
Key Points
Here are the 2 most important things you can accomplish in life:
- Be sure you are saved.
- Be sure your family is saved.
Connection Questions
How can you imitate their actions?
Rahab - the prostitute. While she may be known by the world as a harlot, she is known in the book of Hebrews as a hero. Her family was the only family that survived in that city.
- List the names of everyone in your family who need to know Jesus as their savior.
- Compel your family to come to church. There is something sacred about being in “the house” of God. Every chance you get, invite them to join you and be at church. Remember, Rahab’s job was to get them in the house! It wasn’t her job to save them, but she had to get them there!
- Pray for your family! Rahab nailed down the scarlet cord to protect her house from the enemy—our scarlet cord is Jesus. Pray His protection over your home and family.
- Teach your children to honor God and His house.
Noah - he built an ark of safety. There were 500 candles on his birthday cake, yet he was still used by God. His family was safe on the arc! Require your children be a part of building the arc … God’s house! There are many ways for your kids to get involved in church. When you get your children involved in church, you are gathering your family into the place of safety.
- Remember you are never too old to have an assignment from God.
- Center your family on God’s purposes. Noah’s family had “ark-building” lives. There purpose was centered on fulfilling God’s plan.
- Teach your children to connect with believers who share their faith, and the importance of marrying a spouse who supports their beliefs.
- Make sure your private life matches your public life.
- Build your home exactly the way the Lord tells you to. Noah followed God’s plan so the boat would withstand the storm—how can you do the same for your home?
The Parents of Moses - they hid the child. Jocabed, Moses’ mother was a strong and determined mother. She hid her son from danger as long as she could, and when she could not protect him any longer, she prepared his basket and trusted her child to the hands of God.
- Sometimes you can’t be your child’s friend; you need to be their parent.
- Know when to hide or protect your children from things they aren’t ready for, or things that will bring them harm.
- Do the right thing while they are young. Over time, you will see the fruit!
- When you can’t be there, trust the Lord to guide your children in the right path—and ask Him to!
Final Thoughts
God is looking for heroes. There needs to be marks of distinction on our lives that create paths to safe places. Our children need to see there is something different about our lives—and they need to be able to follow our lead and example. If you raise your children in the way they should go, they will always know the way home, and they will know the difference between God’s ways and man’s ways.
If you want your family saved, do everything you can to get them in the house of God! Ask the Lord for family salvation. If you are struggling with sin, ask the Lord to deliver you. Your private life needs to match your public testimony. “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household” (NASB Acts 16:31).
May your prayer be this: As for me and my house, we will praise the Lord! Fight for your family!
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