Isaiah addressed this question to the great king Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:5). In the context of 2 Kings 20:12-18, we learn that Hezekiah had been sick. Indeed, Hezekiah had been sick "even unto death." (cf. 2 Chronicles 32:24) Hezekiah's illness followed on the heels of Judah's deliverance from the Assyrians when they came to invade. God miraculously killed 185,000 members of the Assyrian army, and Sennacherib returned to Nineveh, only to be killed by his sons as he worshiped in the house of his god, Nisroch (cf. Isaiah 37:36-38).
Following Hezekiah's recovery, the Babylonian king sent him "letters and a present." (2 Kings 20:12) It appears that the king of Babylon and Hezekiah were friends. Not only had the Babylonian king heard about Hezekiah's illness, but he had also heard of Judah's miraculous deliverance from the Assyrians (cf. 2 Chronicles 32:31).
Hezekiah lent a favorable ear to the Babylonian ambassadors and showed them all his resources. He showed them his house of precious things, his storehouse containing the regalia and hereditary treasures that belonged to the crown, his armory (cf. 2 Kings 22:8) and warlike stores. He did this in order to influence them to report well of him to the Babylonian king that he might be more inclined to treasure his friendship. This proved to be a tragic mistake.
However, the question ("What have they seen in thine house?") that Isaiah asked Hezekiah is a practical question for every family, in every age. Perhaps no one reveals more to children than their parents. Yes, this article is for parents. What have your children seen in your house? What your sons and daughters see in your house will greatly affect what they become and what your grandchildren will see in the houses your sons and daughters provide.
Have they observed recognition of each family member's scriptural status (Colossians 3:18-21)?
- God appointed man to be the head of the family (Ephesians 5:23; 1 Corinthians 11:3). As such, he ensures that the family's needs are met (1 Timothy 5:8), loves his wife (Colossians 3:19; Ephesians 5:25), and teaches their children (Ephesians 6:4). No doubt, strain and stress are associated with being head of the family.
- The wife, in recognition of God's law, is to submit to her husband (Colossians 3:18). Refusal to do so blasphemes God's word (Titus 2:5). Woman's intellect is not inferior to man's. However, her role is different from the man's role. Her characteristics equip her to fill the responsibility of keeping and guiding the home (Titus 2:5), being a mother (1 Tim. 5:14), as well as being a companion and help to her husband (Genesis 2:18). Marriage is a partnership, and each partner must work and assume responsibilities.
- Children should respect parental authority (Colossians 3:20; Ephesians 6:1-3; Proverbs 1:8,9). Parents are obligated before God to train their children (Colossians 3:21; Ephesians 6:4; Deuteronomy 6:6,7).
Have they seen good influence in thine house? The young man Timothy was a second- or third-generation Christian. He had "unfeigned faith...which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice..." (2 Timothy 1:5) Because of the faithfulness of his mother and grandmother, who taught him the scriptures from the time that he was a "babe," he became "wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 3:15) I am persuaded that one reason we lose our young people to the world is because parents are failing in their responsibilities to train unto godliness "from a babe."
Have they seen fervent, frequent prayer? (cf. Philippians 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:17) One who wishes to be Christ-like must pray, because Christ prayed (Luke 6:12; Matthew 14:23; 26:36-44). The very act of praying expresses one's dependence on a greater power.
- In John 15:5, Jesus said, "Apart from me ye can do nothing.."
- "Man needs God, and He has promised, "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." (James 4:8) Prayer is not a futile act. God would not draw nigh to men were He not able and willing to hear their prayers.
- Peter said, "Cast all your anxiety upon Him, because He careth for you..." (1 Peter 5:7) It is reassuring to know that the affairs of the universe are not so absorbing of God's attention that he cannot give heed to the affairs of individual souls. Too many children have never heard their parents pray.
Have they seen Bible study? Or do they see us spending time reading unclean and vulgar magazines and using the Bible only as an ornament in the home? As a person thinks, so is he (Proverbs 23:7), and as he reads, he thinks; so our reading helps make us what we are. Since the Bible holds the great truths of this life and the next, we ought to want to study it.
- The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, "Study to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV)
- Jesus said, "No man can come to me, except the Father that sent me draw him: and I will raise him up in the last day. It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught of God.' Everyone that hath heard from the Father, and hath learned, cometh unto me." (John 6:44ff)
Have we become too lazy or too busy to study this wonderful book?
When our children see these things in our homes, we truly exhibit our treasures before them. These treasures will prepare them for this life, as well as eternal life. Indeed, it is a sobering question for parents to ask of their own children, "What have they seen in thine house?"
Brother Galloway has offered some excellent food for thought. Could it be that what our children "don't see" in our homes demonstrates how much we truly love the Lord? How can we convince our children to love God when we attend services irregularly, fail to prepare for our own spiritual duties, look for a way out of doing what we could be doing for the church, and always speak unkindly of our brethren. Years later, our children may have no desire for God, religion, or the church. Could it be that what they DID NOT SEE told them it wasn't that big a deal? Yes, our children are wise beyond their years, and we have them for only a little while-let's not waste that time! (KMG)