HE concept of family originated from the heart of God – our Father.
After Adam failed to execute the will of the Father – to represent Him on the earth as God would have him, God sent His Son, Jesus, who satisfying the demands of the law, died in our place, rose again, reconciled us to the Father, and restored us to our former estate as sons of God who together with Christ are now seated at the right hand of the Father. We are sons of God – His firstborn sons.
The month of June has been quite an eventful month for us as a family, with family reunions on both sides of our family. This was certainly full but rewarding. In retrospect we see that this was divinely orchestrated.
Life had become so busy and demanding for each of our families that we had grown apart from each other. While my husband’s family had planned a weekend holiday together, my brother had planned a thanksgiving at his home which brought all of our families together.
When we look back and reflect on our family gatherings, we are mindful of the peace, the joy and the warmth that accompanied both these events. This is of God.
What was amazing about both these gatherings was that each of us was given an opportunity to say something. Reflections of our past were fondly brought to remembrance as we thought of our parents and other loved ones who had made an impact on our lives and who are now gone on before us.
As for me, my memories took me back to my upbringing and the influence that my mother had had on my life and the fine example that she had set for us – her children.
My mother would get up every morning at quarter past four, regardless of the season, and in our lounge while the rest of her family was asleep, would get down on her knees and with her head covered, she would pray.
I was very little then and one day my curiosity got the better of me so I decided to tiptoe downstairs, hide behind the wall to watch what she was doing every morning at that time. She did not know that I was there. That memory of her has never left me; but in effect has helped define me and my walk with God.
God, by His Spirit reminded me of His graciousness. I began to see how even in death, He was honouring our parents for their faithfulness to Him, their prayers, their love and devotion to Him came up as a memorial before Him – and God remembered them and restored our families.
This is a time of gathering together, a time of embrace, a time of coming together as God is restoring families to each other. How awesome is our God that even in death, He still remembers and honours those who were faithful to Him.
So God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. Exodus 2:24 He is ever merciful and ever gracious.
This is our God. Leave a spiritual legacy for your children. There will come a time when they will need it. Your faithfulness endures to all generations. Psalm 119:90
