A few months ago the Lord put the following scripture on my heart to study.
“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” Gen 18:19
In this passage, the Lord is speaking of Abraham. God is saying he knew Abraham would teach his children and those in his charge, the Word and Ways of God. He knew Abraham would be faithful not to neglect to teach and train his children and also his servants concerning the things that he had received from the Almighty. An example of his faithfulness is found in the following verse;
“And when Abram heard that his brother (Lot) was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.” – Gen 14:14
Let’s look at the verbiage “Trained Servants.” Various commentaries help clarify this as those who were trained in as were trained up (to maturity) by Abraham in religious exercises, i.e., Faith in God, obedience to the Will of God, walking in peace towards men, and above all devotedness to God. Further clarification is given in the following John Gill commentary; “
“Abraham trained in the affairs and business of civil life, in the care of flocks and herds, and particularly in the art of war; which was both lawful and necessary, for the preservation of his family and substance from oppressors.” – Gen 18:19
One thing is for sure, in order to teach and train others you have to have a working knowledge of the subject content. As you study the life of Abraham, you will see how he sought after God. We can see that the things that he had learned were passed on to his to his son, Isaac and also his servants. As believers today, we can say that we are the children of Abraham, children of faith and promise. We are the children of faith of Abraham because we walk in his example. We are still learning and being taught by our father of the faith.
“For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” – Romans 4:3
We are all children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Abraham is our Father of the Faith (Gal. 3:16-29; Rom. 4:11) and “the Friend of God” (Jas. 2:23).
In contrast, let’s look at King Solomon for a moment. God appears to the King in a dream and has a conversation with him… He asks King Solomon what can I give you? His response to the Lord was powerful because not only did God give him his request but gives even more. King Solomon responded:
“Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?” – 1 Ki 3:9
As one reads further in the chapter and you will see that God makes him a very wealthy man. Untold stories are told of the Wealth of King Solomon. In essence not only was he the wisest man to ever life, but he would also undoubtedly put all of today’s wealthy tycoons to shame.
However, with all of the great things God did for King Solomon, Solomon did not teach nor train his children. In 1 Kings, verse 12, we can read where his son, Rehoboam rejected the counsel of the wise and older men. Instead, he chooses to rally around his peers and take to heart their unwise counsel. Rejecting the good and accepting the evil caused the people to rebel against him. Israel was divided as a nation. The people suffered great loss.
With all of the knowledge and favor of God released into the life of King Solomon, we know he did not practice what he preached. His heart eventually turned cold toward God. He neglected to train and teach those who came after him not to follow his failures and shortcomings. King Solomon had a lust problem as indicated by his 700 wives and 300 concubines. They turned his heart cold toward God.
James puts it simply;
“But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. And when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” – James 1:14-15
The Apostle Paul says it like this;
“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.” – 1 Co 9:27
As we are accountable to God for ourselves, we are also accountable to Him, and for those, He has entrusted into our care. Let it be said of each of us as it was said of Abraham. Let God say I know him or her; they will command (teach and train) their children (both in the natural and in spirit) after Him. Let us be responsible for the oversight that we have been entrusted with. As we do our job, let’s also stay faithful to our first love, The Lord. Be encouraged today not to be swayed by the things of this world, or the cares of life.
Remember, Stay focused on God, His Word and His Ways. Stay focused on the things of God. Keep Him first in your life!
May God’s Grace Abundantly Reign In Your Life!
-Prophetess Kathy Steele
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The Prophetic Voice – 33 Tips
The Spirit of the Lord has placed things within our spirits for your edification. From basic ministry perspectives to prophetic and discernment insights. Here are 31 things, that we pray will be a blessing to you!
The Prophetic Voice 