Family Heritage

If I were to mention the names Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, you might not immediately think family heritage. There is a strong case for that very thing. It can even be extended to Joseph’s sons Ephraim and Manasseh, and their children. That’s six generations.

I have been privileged to speak on various topics in my life. Because of my background in education and the fact I am a father, speaking on the topic of parenting and child rearing has always been a favorite subject. I have spent most of my adult life dealing with finances in some way, so I occasionally am asked to discuss financial matters particularly as it relates to what the Bible has to say about the subject.

But the topic of the family and home is my favorite subject to address. Recently while studying the book of Hebrews, the topic of the family and spiritual heritage arose. Hebrews 11 is usually referred to as the Hall of Faith chapter. In it faith is discussed from a practical standpoint and numerous examples of Old Testament heroes are given. Men and women who demonstrated their faith by their obedience.

As I studied the chapter, I was struck with the idea of the family heritage when the text discussed Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. I thought, what does the way we treat our family say about our faith? How much importance do I place on sharing the faith with my family? How important is it that I share my faith with my succeeding generations?

In Hebrews 11, note what is said of each of these three patriarchs. Isaac blessed his sons concerning things to come (v20); Jacob, when he was dying, blessed his grandchildren (v21); and Joseph, when he was dying, in literally his last words said GOD’S will be done (v22, Genesis 50:24). Children, grandchildren, and subsequent generations were included. Now that’s a spiritual heritage!

In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul by Inspiration writes these words, “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

This is how the faith is passed from generation to generation. And, in particular, it starts in the home with the family (read Deuteronomy 6). If I fail in this point, I will consider that to be my greatest failure as a father and grandfather.

So does our faith prompt us to pass the love of GOD to our children, grandchildren, and future generations? I want so much to do that!

I have been blessed to see at least some of my grandchildren. I hope I live to see them all. I would like to see and know the third generation as well. I want to leave them a spiritual heritage. I pray that when I am gone, they will remember me as a disciple of Christ.

While driving down the road some time ago, I remember hearing a conversation between two young grandsons from the backseat. The older grandson was explaining to the younger one that he had read that people in London didn’t know about GOD. The younger one immediately spoke up and said, “We need to go over there and let Pop tell them about GOD.” Let me hasten to say I am not worthy of his statement. But it thrills my soul to know that that’s what came to his little mind. I hope I can live up to his expectation.

My greatest hope is that my family will always know and follow the true and living GOD. That’s what I hope for a family heritage.