“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” (Genesis 18:19).
TEXT — Genesis 18:16-19
Message
Here is a tale of two fathers. One was a very wealthy man. One day, as his eldest son lay dying, he whispered to his son, “My son, the doctor tells me you are dying”. To this, the boy replied, “Oh, you never prayed for me, father; won’t you pray for my lost soul, now?” In no time, he passed into dark eternity. The guilt-ridden father could only weep. He never prayed, being a stranger to God. Another father was in a similar situation and realising that his son would not survive, placed his hand on the boy’s brow and assured him that he would soon be with the Saviour. “Father, don’t weep;” said the boy, “for when I get there, I will go straight to Jesus, and tell Him that you have been trying all my life to lead me to Him”.
Fathers make a difference in families and society. That difference depends on the nature of the father involved as can be deduced from those two fathers. Abraham made a positive difference as a father. God Himself testified that he was a good and responsible father. He not only prayed with, but also instructed his household – wife, children and servants – in the way of the Lord. God expects fathers to be priests in their respective families like Abraham. To play this role acceptably, closeness to Him is essential. Fathers are to reflect God’s character to their households as no man can elevate the spirituality of his family beyond his own. They are to be fond but firm, caring but courageous, patient but positive.
Is God pleased with the way you are running your home or bringing up your children? Are you only desirous of giving them best education and worldly wealth but little or no practical Christianity that leads to heaven?
Thought for the day
Build a home where God sits on the throne of every heart.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
So much responsibility. God’s help.
This is powerful