Isaiah 4:1 And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach.
This passage of scripture points forward to a time in earth's history when the role of man in the spiritual as well as the temporal realm, will be severely diminished, due to a variety of differentiating factors, ranging from the rise of feminism, to the reversal of roles in the family and society, played by both male and female. Now it is necessary for us to point out that the passage above carries primarily spiritual overtones, with the "Women" representing the fallen churches of Christendom, taking hold of one "Man", the Man Christ Jesus, and saying that they will eat their own bread, their own private interpretations to the scriptures, and wear their own apparel, which is the garment of self-righteousness, if only they may be called by the name of Christ.
However, as is the case with many prophecies, there is also a temporal aspect that must also be considered, for in our day, a literal meaning to the prophecy is now seen to be emerging. In the beginning, God ordained that the man should be the head, the woman at his side, their children under the jurisdiction of both parents, and the animals at the bottom of the totem pole. But in our day there is a dramatic reversal of roles, with animals having the preeminence in many instances, children next in line, with women following behind children, and man at the bottom of the food chain. This cannot but produce evil results, because man, who is a creature of "Domain" becomes greatly discombobulated when his rightful space is invaded.
But men are not to be let off the hook either, for in many instances we ourselves have allowed this deterioration of our rightful roles, in that we have not always stepped up to the plate in the running of the family firm, and because our workloads may sometimes keep us away from home for many long hours, then the wife, children, and even the pets have stepped in to take up the slack. This ought not to be, and God is now calling for an immediate halt to the cascading effects of the diminishing role of man. Let's read:
1st Timothy 3:1 "If a man desire the office of a bishop, he "....2 "Must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
For instance, there are times within the Christian family when a decision has to be made on the type of entertainment that the family engages in, and with the advent of risk-taking sports, the decision can be pretty tricky to arrive at, since as parents we will desire nothing more, than for everyone to have some clean, safe fun. In circumstances such as these, the kids may suggest bungee chord jumping, for it is fraught with thrills and dangers which may excite the young and inexperienced mind. On the other hand, the parents might opt for a stroll in the park, out in nature, where their minds may be at rest, and they can enjoy the pure air, and invigorating exercise with their children. But to some teenagers, this may seem as a very boring prospect, which they may view as an attempt to throw cold water on their prospects of a frolicking, good time.
At times like these, the role of man in the decision-making process is of critical importance, for on the one hand he must take into consideration the desires of every member of the family, while at the same time he must exercise sound judgment, by not putting his family at risk. Thus, in consultation with the wife and the children, a working compromise can be struck, but if the parents' decision butts heads with that of the kids, the father should stand his ground in love, and not allow the children under his jurisdiction to have the upper hand, through whining, murmuring, complaining, or pouting.
This has too often been the case in such and similar situations, and because of this, the role of man has been steadily eroded, to the point where in many families, the children and wife now have the last word, with the man following humbly behind with a silly grin of submission on his face. God is now calling all real men to step up to the plate, by taking the bull by the horns and gently but decisively leading it in the paths of righteousness, for it is a most solemn and sacred duty devolving upon the shoulders of every man. When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden of Eden, God did not call Eve first, even though she was the first in the transgression. He instead called the man, for it was to Adam that jurisdiction over all the earth was given.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which demonstrates the seriousness of the role and duties of the man and father, in the home, as well as in society, and it is the will of God, that wherever we may have fallen short in our own homes, that necessary reforms and changes take place without delay. Let's read:
Genesis 18:17 And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; 18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? 19 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.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!