examples of in-laws in the bible

MEMORY VERSE: “And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment. “ 1 Chronicles 12:32″.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Daniel 2:20-23.

INTRODUCTION

Issachar was the fifth son of Jacob and Leah, and the ninth son overall for the patriarch Genesis 30:18; 35:23. He had four sons Genesis 46:13, and went with his father into Egypt, where he died and was buried. Afterward, his descendants formed one of the tribes of Israel. By the end of the wanderings of Israel through the Sinai desert, they were numbered 64,300 fighting men Numbers 26:23-25. But what is most noticeable thing about them is that at the time of David, they had increased to nearly 90,000 in number, and they were known supremely for their wisdom. They understood the “signs of the times” and how best to live considering the circumstances surrounding
them 1 Chronicles 7:1-5; 12:32.

OUTLINES

1. UNDERSTANDING TIMES AND SEASONS
2. KNOWING WHAT TO DO

1. UNDERSTANDING TIMES AND SEASONS

The Bible tells us that there are various times and seasons Genesis 8:22; Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Times and seasons are in God’s hands and can change as God wills Daniel 2:21a. To navigate times and seasons, God gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding Daniel 2:21c. He reveals the deep and secret things to His children when they seek Him Deuteronomy 29:29; Daniel 2:22. The Men of Issachar understood the times and always knew what Israel ought to do in every circumstance. It takes a maturing believer to discern the times Hebrews 5:12-14.
“ Understanding the times” also refers to having insight and discernment about the current circumstances, trends, and seasons in which we live Romans 13:11. It involves being aware of the cultural, political, social, and spiritual climate we are in and knowing what to do Daniel 2:27-28 and recognising opportunities and challenges of the times 11 Timothy 4:1-3.

2. KNOWING WHAT TO DO

The men of Issachar did not only understand the signs of the times but knew how to live in the light of them. To know what to do is to be strategic, vision-driven, and full of ideas and skills. Also, it is the ability to:

1. Make informed decisions: Go back to school (get an NVQ, degree, masters, PhD, or relevant professional qualifications), learn a trade, or acquire a skill, or what area to diversify into Genesis 26:1-3.
2. Respond appropriately to challenges and opportunities Genesis 26:12-22; Matthew 2:13-14; John 2:3-5.
3. Live wisely and authentically: a life of purpose, consequence, impact, and influence for the cause of Christ, Genesis 39:7-9; 1 Peter 3:10-11.
4. Engage in kingdom activities Ecclesiastes 12:1; Matthew 6:33.
5. Fulfil your purpose and calling daily, John 18:37.

CONCLUSION

The Men of Issachar were recognised for their ability to correctly interpret the political and spiritual climate of their time and provide guidance on how to navigate it. They were sought out for their counsel and played an important role in the leadership of Israel. You can be like them.

FURTHER READING

Sun: Genesis 1:14.
Mon: Psalm 62:8.
Tues: Isaiah 33:6.
Wed: Psalm 34:1
Thurs: Matthew 16:3.
Fri: Acts 14:15-17.
Sat: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6.

MEMORY VERSE: “And Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent.”Exodus 18:7.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Ruth 1:16-18.

INTRODUCTION

Christian couples are expected to live according to the dictates of God’s word. The Bible tells us that a man should leave his parents and cleave to his wife Genesis 2:24. This shows that a line must be drawn between the families from which both partners originated from and the new family the couple is building. The Bible also admonishes us to honour our parents Ephesians 6:2-3 and be good to all men especially members of our household including our in-laws we have in our family relationships. Our in-laws are people related to us by marriage and we should relate with them with godly wisdom James 3:17.

OUTLINE

1.BUILDING A CORDIAL RELATIONSHIP

2. THE THIN LINE

1.BUILDING A CORDIAL RELATIONSHIP

Let us learn from Ruth’s relationship with her mother in-law. Ruth treated Naomi as she would have treated her own biological mother. We must treat our in-laws like our own blood relations. When relating with our in-laws, christian couples should therefore:

1. Avoid preconceptions: Do not have a biased perspective against your in-laws. Be open-minded in your dealings with them Romans 12:10, 16;1 Peter 3:8.
2. Do not act like strangers: let your in-laws see you as another child of theirs and not a stranger Exodus 18:7-9; Proverbs 18:24.
3. Avoid instituting damaging rules: Make sure you do not make rules that can destroy your relationship with your in-laws 1 Timothy 5:1-2; Judges 14:11-13, 18-20. Be wise in all decisions relating to your in-laws especially in speech Psalm 34:13; Colossians 4:6.
4. Avoid strife: Treat in-laws as important people exhibit maturity and patience with your in-laws Philippians 2:3; 2 Corinthians 6:4.
5. Remain humble in mutual submission: 1 Peter 5:5; Ephesians 5:21. Always walk in peace and pursue it Psalm 34:14; Romans 12:18.

2. THE THIN LINE

While it is important to establish a cordial relationship with in-laws, it is equally important that in-laws give some breathing space to their married sons or daughters to build a godly home with no undue external interference Colossians 3:21; Matthew 19:4-6. In- laws especially parents of the couples can give counsel or advice Exodus 18:19-24; Proverbs 11:14 and prayerfully support their children in marriage without necessarily imposing their views on them Ephesians 6:4. The married couple should be allowed to make their own decisions and their own mistakes.

CONCLUSION

Christian couples must relate cordially with their in-laws in love, peace, as light and as salt of the world Matthew 5:13-14, be at peace and always remain humble Hebrews 12:14.

FURTHER READINGS

SUN: Ephesians 5:25-33
MON:Matthew 5:14
TUE: Luke 5:13
WED: Romans 12:18
THUR: Hebrews 12:14
FRI: Philippians 2:15
SAT:1 Timothy 5:13

MEMORY VERSE: “And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore.” Ruth 2:11

BIBLE PASSAGE: Ruth 1:1-18

INTRODUCTION: Christian couples are expected to live according to the dictates of God’s word. For instance, the Bible tells us that a man should leave his parents and cleave to his wife (Gen.2:24). This shows that a line must be drawn between the families from which both partners originated from and the new family set-up the couple is building. However, the Bible admonishes us to honour our parents (Exo.20:12; Deut.5:16) and do what is good to all men especially the members of the household of faith (Gal.6:10). It should be noted that in-laws are people related to us by marriage and we should deal with them with godly wisdom (Jas.3:17).

OUTLINES

1.Build A Cordial Relationship

2.The Thin Line

BUILD A CORDIAL RELATIONSHIP

Let us learn from Ruth’s relationship with her mother in-law. She treated her as she would have treated her own biological mother. We must similarly treat our in-laws like our own blood relations. In relating with in-laws, Christian couples should therefore:

1. Avoid Preconceptions: Don’t relate with your in-laws from a biased perspective. Be open minded in your dealings with them (Rom. 12:10, 16; 1Pet. 3:8, 1Cor 13:1-6).

2. Avoid acting like they are strangers to your home or family. Do well to let your in-laws see you as another child of theirs and not a stranger (Prov. 18:24; Jn. 15:15).

3. Avoid damaging rules: Make sure you avoid rules that can destroy the relationship with your in-laws (1Tim. 5:1-2). Be wise in all decisions relating to your in-laws especially in speech (Ps. 34:13; Col. 4:6).

4. Treat in-laws as important people and avoid strife (Phil. 2:3), (Heb. 12:14), (Rom. 12:18). Exhibit maturity and patience with in-laws (2Cor. 6:4)

5. Remain humble and encourage mutual submission (1Pet. 5:5; Eph. 5:21). Always seek peace and pursue it (Ps. 34:14; Rom. 12:18).

THE THIN LINE

While it is important to establish a cordial relationship with in-laws, it is equally important that in-laws give some breathing space to their married sons or daughters to build a godly home. There should be little or no external interference (Col. 3:21; Matt. 19:4-6). In-laws especially parents of the couple can give advice on issues or counsel them on some aspects if the marriage experience new to the couple (Prov. 11:14; 19:20-21) and prayerfully support their children in marriage without necessarily imposing their views (Eph. 6:4). The married couple should be allows to make their own decisions.

CONCLUSION

Christian couples must relate with their in-laws in love and as light/salt of the world (Matt. 5:13-14). Live at peace and remain humble at all times (Heb. 12:14).