-June 16, 2024-
Good morning beloved, happy Lord’s Day, Happy Father’s Day,
“The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began to do and teach.”
(Acts 1:1).
The responsibility of every believer in Christ is to continue the ministry of our Savior in this world. Jesus began the ministry of the gospel and has handed the baton to us. Our words are so important, but our actions backing up those words are even more important.
Today we celebrate our earthly fathers as well as our Heavenly Father. Notice how Luke, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, puts doing before teaching. To be a godly father one must be an example to his children and teach them.
We can’t expect our kids to obey God if we don’t obey Him. I hate the common expression, “Do as I say, not as I do.” Fathers are examples, roll models, leaders. Children are watching and listening to us all the time.
Fathers, like preachers, must practice what they preach. Fathers are shepherds to lead, and teachers to teach. Ezra of old was the best example of a teacher. Ezra 7:10 says, “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek (or study) the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.”
Before Ezra taught the Word, he practiced it. Fathers play a vital role in raising their kids for Christ. A good father is both a man of steel and a man of velvet. Steel represents strength of character. Fathers must discipline their children; and velvet represents love, kindness, and gentleness.
I once heard a quote that said, “A gentleman is a combination of gentle strength and strong gentleness.” We all should strive for these qualities. Paul wrote in Colossians 3:21, “Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they come discouraged.” He also said, “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).
Let us take the opportunity today to thank our fathers for the role they have played and or are playing in our lives. They don’t get the recognition, respect, or reverence they so richly deserve. Have a blessed Father’s Day.
More than any cards or gifts, fathers seek our love, affection, and appreciation.
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 