Serving the Lord Can Be a Family Affair
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- Updated Jun 01, 2023
“Those who trust in the LORD are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever” (Psalm 125:1).
Isaiah’s family. I stopped in my research and realized Isaiah had a family. He was married, and he had children. They were all a significant part of his ministry. “He was married - he gave his children names that had prophetic symbolism,” William C. Williams wrote. “The family served as ‘signs and symbols in Israel (Isaiah 8:18).” When we fail to see the people of the Bible as people, we can risk missing out on their stories, and the way they connect to our modern-day lives.
Isaiah’s family demonstrated trust, fearlessness, and reliance on God. They were people who didn’t get it right all of the time. We can know this because, well, they were people. And all of us fall short of the glory of God. Yet, they were chosen to serve the Lord in a special way. So are we. We may not be called to pen a divinely inspired book of the Bible, or prophecy in the way Isaiah did. Our names might not have prophetic significance to the people around us. But we are no less valued, or purposed, in the kingdom of God.
Whether we are married or single, have children, adopt children, or are still children ourselves, we are all called, in every stage of our lives, to impact the Kingdom of God for the glory of God. It takes the constant development of trust, fearlessness and reliance in our everyday lives.
Trust
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Single or married does not change the status of God’s purpose and mission for our lives. But if marriage is God’s will for our lives, buckle up, because it’s not easy. There is no fairytale marriage in modern-day society, nor were there fairytale marriages in ancient times. Isaiah was married. His wife is called a prophetess in the Bible.
“And then I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son” (Isaiah 8:3).
The mere fact of her mention is important, because women we not important in ancient times, at least not important enough to write down on paper or credit as being a prophetess. Her mention alone gives evidence of her value – not just to Isaiah’s ministry – but to her own, and to God. “Isaiah’s wife is called a prophetess in 8:3. She may have had her own ministry independent of Isaiah. Or perhaps, she was considered a prophetess because she conceived children of prophetic significance,” William C. Williams wrote.
Often in life we look for our significance in titles and ministries, jobs and accolades. The real value is found in the mirror’s reflection. As we are, God gives us great purpose. My daughters rival frequently over all kinds of things, constantly jockeying for position in the family. But it’s to no avail, because my love for them is the same. I love them for the way they are different, the way they are my daughters, and the way they have each been gifted differently by God, for God.
Trust in the Lord will lead us towards God, together. As a family, we were meant to serve Him. Where two or more are gathered, God is there. Families who love the Lord have a powerful opportunity to bring glory to God through their lives, both individually and collectively. Sibling rivalry will hopefully lead to an appreciation of their differences and similarities, especially their faith in Christ Jesus.
Fearlessness
“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you” (Deuteronomy 3:16).
Scripture mentions fearlessness a lot. Bravery, courage, fearlessness, and confidence are all things the Lord encourages in us. Isaiah sons both had prophetic names.
“The LORD said to Isaiah, ‘Take your son Shear-jashub and go out to meet King Ahaz” (Isaiah 7:3).
Shear-jashub means, “a remnant will return.” (Williams, 2012b) Fearlessness is rooted not in our ability or what’s happening in the world around us, but God’s sovereignty. Prophecy communicated what God promised would happen. He’s never broken a promise. When we are afraid, we can run to Him, who is all-knowing and everywhere all of the time. He’s transcendent of time, Author of creation, and well-aware of our personal lives. Fear is often rooted in the unknown, which we will never be. Our God knows us personally, and wholly, and is faithful to guide, protect and defend us.
Reliance
“But the LORD watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love” (Psalm 33:18).
The world cannot offer anything reliable. The world isn’t reliable. It’s fallen, cursed with sin and the consequences continuing to unfold as a result. The Lord is reliable. When we put our faith in Him, we will not be led astray, or let down. Leading a family carries more pressure than the sole responsibility for our lives. We have to constantly remind ourselves our family members don’t belong to us, but to God. Isaiah had another son:
“Then the LORD said to me, ‘Make a large signboard and clearly write this name on it: Maher-shalal-has-baz.’ I asked Uriah the priest and Zechariah son of Jeberekiah, both known as honest men, to witness my doing this. Then I slept with my wife, and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. And the LORD said, ‘Call him Maher-shlal-hash-baz. For before this child is old enough to say ‘Papa’ or ‘Mama,’ the king of Assyria will carry away both the abundant of Damascus and the riches of Samaria’” (Isaiah 8:1-40).
God is reliable. We can count on the fact every life has a purpose. Everyone is known by their Creator, and Father. Maher-shalal-has-baz means, “quick to the plunder, swift to the spoil.” (Williams, 2012b) Names were more significant in ancient times, and still are in certain cultures around the world. A name announced the character and purpose of one’s life! “Like Hosea’s children, they were a part of the prophet’s ministry. Every time a friend or neighbor spoke or heard those names, they were reminded of a prophetic message. One name recalled doom, the other, hope,” William C. Williams wrote.
Our names might not be prophetic, but our lives are purposed. We can rely on God’s intentionality in created each person with specific purpose, and the gifts and abilities needed to accomplish His will for every life.
The study of Isaiah’s family reminded me of the mission my own family has been on with the Lord. Two years ago, we held hands, and prayed for the Lord’s confirmation on the direction we felt He may be leading us. It was a new city, a new community, and a new home. We had built our current home – our handprints were in the concrete of our front porch, which overlooked the great lake we live by. The view of the water from the front yard and second floor, sound of the waves either crashing or lapping across the street, and the memories made in the home we built – we had to be sure God was leading us before we left. He answered in a way which could only be Him, and we answered the call to help establish a youth ministry in the community He was calling us to. Obedience is hard, and God’s timing is odd, but following Him is always worth it. This, we can rely on. Our lives were meant to bring glory to God, both individually, and together as a family, and community.
Source
Williams, W. (2012b). They Spoke From God. Logion Press.
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Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Thitaree Sarmkasat
