Caribbean Moravian Devotions

A fatherÂ’s role is a God given responsibility. Adam was told by God to be fruitful and multiply, replenishing the earth. We know God did not intend this to mean that men should go around fathering children and not exercising fatherhood over them because the Bible teaches us what true fatherhood is like, God himself being the example for us. Listen to Psalm 73: 24 You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. The picture painted here is a father leading his child by the hand. GodÂ’s counsel guides us throughout our lives, and He himself will receive us in glory at the end of life. We refer to God as Father because he is the creator, life-giver, law-giver, and protector and also because of the mystery of the Father-Son relationship revealed by Jesus Christ. In 2 Samuel 7: 14 God promises to be a father to David, and he would be a son to Him. In the Gospels, there are 3 instances where God declares Himself to be the Father of Jesus. At his Baptism, at His transfiguration and at the resurrection of Lazarus. In 2 Corinthians 6: 18 a promise is made, to us. God will be our Father and we will be His sons and daughters. Jesus taught us to pray saying, Our Father in heavenÂ…

To call God “Father” does not make Him masculine. The Father and the Holy Spirit are pure Spirit and transcend male and female, masculine and feminine. It has always been taught that the word “Father” applied to God, is used by way of analogy. Analogies tell us something very true despite being imperfect. Until recently, the father was recognized by Western society as origin, head and provider of the family. To call God “Father” then, means that he is the origin and transcendent authority of all and cares for the needs of all. It is not to compare Him to earthly fathers, but to set the standard for earthly fathers. It is not meant to create tension for those who have experienced abusive fathers, but to produce the relief longed for, that there is indeed a Father who loves you with a pure and unending love. It is to see God fulfilling one of His many roles, that of caring and nurturing his children whom he loves.

Let me therefore challenge fathers to become the person you were meant to be by God. Let me also challenge Christian fathers to be GodÂ’s representative in their homes and communities. God takes pleasure in caring and providing for his children. In John 16: 23 Jesus says Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Spend time with your children. Build up your children's self-esteem. Give confidence to your sons and daughters in what they do. Show them how proud you are as their dad whether it involves school or personal ambitions. A few kind words make a big difference in how children feel about themselves as they grow. Read the Bible as a family and pray together daily. Have a special day, perhaps Sunday, when a little time spent in God's word nurtures their faith and understanding and builds character. Love their mother as Christ loves you. This biblical role of husband toward wife lays a foundation of respect and affection. Your children need to observe this. Their relationships in the future will be influenced by your relationship now. Finally, let the children see the importance of God in your life. If this is visible to them, they will be led to build a wonderful relationship with God as their father and Jesus Christ as their savior and Lord.

I want to use this opportunity to wish for all fathers a Happy FatherÂ’s Day when it comes.

Till next Tuesday, be blessed!