The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household. (Acts 16:29-34)
The devil targeted the family first to bring disasters to the entire human race (Gen 3:1-6). He tempted the first couple, Adam and Eve, to break the covenant with God, forcing a devastating separation from Him. This is called original sin, which brings death to everyone and curses into the lives of individuals, families, and nations.
As a result, all have been living in the background of hell under the power of the devil. That is the reason for the breakdown of the institution of the family God has established.
The devil causes conflicts in our families using the scars from the past, different family backgrounds, different ways of upbringing, failures, or some unusual experiences. If we dwell on these problems, Satan can use them as an instrument to destroy our families.
Thus, it is critical to recognize these conflicts as spiritual problems traced back to the first family (Gen 3:1-20). The devil lied and took over the entire human race as his own (Jn 8:44).
The devil has filled our hearts and minds with anxiety and still goes around like a roaring lion looking for someone or some family to devour (1 Pet 5:7-8). With a powerful delusion, he leads people away from the truth and causes them to believe a lie (2 Thess 2:10-11).
The devil also blinds the people’s minds, so they cannot see the light of the Good News—the message about Christ (2 Cor 4:4-5). He uses his favorite weapons against us and our families: religion, idols, superstition, and philosophy (Mt 12:25-45).
Furthermore, he mobilized the rulers and authorities, the powers of this world’s darkness, and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places (Eph 6:10-20).
But, when you see the root cause of your family’s conflicts, healing of your family will finally begin. The assurance of healing will come from the One who crushed the head of the ancient serpent (Gen 3:15).
When you see various issues and struggles of your family members, you will understand and embrace them with the love of Christ. With your loved ones, by the power of your True King Jesus, fight against the enemy trying to destroy your family. You will ultimately win.
It is possible that healing may not occur in someone’s life at all. But if you continue to help them with their spiritual problems in mind, God’s unique plans and blessings will be displayed in your life.
You will be like Hosea, who tried to embrace and help his wife, Gomer, a former prostitute. Through this experience, Hosea realized a message of God that changed the course of a nation.
David understood the spiritual backgrounds of his wife, Michal, and his father-in-law, King Saul. Even when Saul tried to kill him, David refused to take revenge but instead wanted to help him.
Think about Joseph. During the entire time of his slavery in the land of Egypt, Joseph did not have a grudge against his brothers who had sold him there. He knew that it was God who had sent him to save the world (Gen 45:1-8).
When you see troubles in your family as God’s way of blessing you and your family, you will be like Paul, who experienced God’s sufficient grace amid trials (2 Cor 12:1-10).
Make Jesus the Lord of your family (Jn 2:1-11). Help your family fix their eyes on Jesus alone (Heb 12:2). Do everything in the name of Jesus (Col 3:17). Your family will become a family of witnesses like the jailor’s family in Today’s Word.
Prayer. Father, help me and my family to serve You alone. Make my family a family of witnesses that brings the good news of healing of Your Son Jesus Christ to the families of the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.