MISHPACHA - FAMILY

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.

Ephesians 5:25

(1)

INTRODUCTION

It all started with God’s creative power - His word. From the dust of the earth Adam was made. Soon after, Eve followed. Together they walked with God in fellowship. They formed a family. 

The Hebrew word for family is mishpacha. It can speak of blood relatives, members of the same clan, and even members of the same faith. At the end of the day, though, all are created by the Creator of all. He yearns for us all to be part of His family in the upcoming kingdom.

THE HEBREW WORD MISHPACHA

Family represents safety for most of us; for the less fortunate, it can cause stress. Family is supposed to be something everyone should have. 

The Hebrew word for family in the Hebrew Bible and Modern Hebrew is mishpacha. The word speaks of immediate and distant relatives, but it can also speak of clan, tribe, and even members of the same group of believers. 

GOD’S GREAT DESIGN

Adam knew Eve, and she gave birth to Cain. 

Family is God’s design. It has always been His blueprint for humankind. It all started when both men and women were created in God’s image. They were given dominion over the earth and told to multiply and replenish it. They were also told to lord over all creation. 

Though we are equal, I would still like to say that men and women hold different strengths and powers. When joined together, we become one flesh and form a marital covenant that, per some scholars, is a blood covenant. 

GOD’S GREAT FAMILY

What was once lost will be restored; it already is. Through Yeshua, we have been redeemed. We can once more fellowship with God. And in the upcoming Kingdom, once Yeshua returns, we will walk together with angels and other divine beings according to God's will.

The Sons of God predate men, and the faithful will, together with Humans, rule and reign. We will be part of God’s big family. 

CONCLUSION

Family is God's divine blueprint. It all starts in the family, they say. Family does have a profound impact even on our adulthood. The Hebrew word for family is mishpacha. It can speak of blood relatives, members of the same clan, and even members of the same faith. The faithful will be part of God's great family.

Application

During this week, try to do something kind for your family.

SOURCES

1. Image created via canva.com

2. Fellowship of Israel-related ministries. Hebrew for Family: The Meaning of the Word Mishpacha. Available at https://firmisrael.org/learn/hebrew-for-family-meaning-of-word-mishpacha/