Father Knows Best:: Encouraging Fathers & Obedient Children Series

INTRODUCTION

Good morning! My name is Rickey Bennett. I’m one of the pastors here at Warrior Gospel Disciples! No matter if this is your first time, last time or sometime in between I’m glad that you’re here. In case you haven’t noticed, Jesus as Lord and Savior is loved, worshipped, and preached here. We are more than a people gathered in a building to get out of the hot sun. We are a people who have come to realize through the Spirit of the Living God that we desperately need of a Savior, and oh what a wonderful Savior we have in Jesus Christ.

I’m sure that most of you if not all of you have heard of the reality television show called “Survivor.” Well, listen to this as a possible next SURVIVOR Series. Six married men will be dropped on an island with: 1 car and 4 kids each, for 6 weeks. Each kid plays two sports and either takes music or dance classes. There is no access to fast food.

Each man must take care of his 4 kids, keep his assigned house clean, correct all homework, complete science projects, cook, do laundry, etc. The men only have access to television when the kids are asleep and all chores are done. There is only one TV between them and there is NO REMOTE. The men must shave their legs; wear makeup daily, which they must apply themselves, either while driving or while making four lunches. They must attend weekly PTA meetings; clean up after their sick children at 3:00 a.m.; make an Indian hut model with six toothpicks, a tortilla and one marker; and get a 4-year-old to eat a serving of peas. The kids vote them off the island, based on performance. The last man wins only if ..............he has enough energy to be intimate with his spouse at a moment’s notice. If the last man does win, he can play the game over and over again for the next 18-25 years ... eventually earning the right to be called "Mother."

Happy Father’s Day to you and yours! Here in this place, everyday, as well as special days like Father Day can easily lose its significance. Let’s see if we cannot recapture the essence and rejuvenate its power into our lives. God does not want us to wallow in self-pity or squander away our blessings. May the Gospel ruin and bless Father’s Day.

For some, Father’s Day, brings joy that is accompanied with happy memories and close relationships both with your father and your own children. For others, Father’s Day, is associated with hurts, pain, grief, broken promises, anger, bitterness, despair, disappointment, guilt, condemnation, discouragement, disillusionment, brokenness, and loneliness. For others, perhaps the most of us, Father’s Day, is a day that has no or little value other than to just an excuse to talk with our fathers; in cases like this, Father’s Day is really no different than any other day. Whether Father’s Day normally brings joy, sadness or boredom may the gospel infuse this Father’s Day and all that follow with new life and meaning.

Read Poem: Antwone Fisher “Who Will Cry for the Little Boy”

Based on a true story, the film Antwone Fisher, tells of a young man who grew up in an abusive foster home. Over the years, Antwone grew bitter towards his natural family for giving him up. By the time he enlisted in the Navy, his anger got him into so many fist fights that he was sent to Navy psychologist Jerome Davenport (played by Denzel Washington), who becomes a father figure to Antwone.

After they have built trust with each other, Antwone shares a powerful poem with Davenport. At this critical juncture, his counselor raises the key issue that Antwone must deal with to find healing.

The conversation takes place just after the Thanksgiving meal at his counselor’s house. Antwone gives Davenport a folded piece of paper, and Davenport reads it aloud thoughtfully.

"Who will cry for the little boy

Lost and all alone?

Who will cry for the little boy

Abandoned without his own?

Who will cry for the little boy?

He cried himself to sleep.

Who will cry for the little boy

Who never had for keeps?

Who will cry for the little boy

Who walked the burning sand?

Who will cry for the little boy

The boy inside the man?

Who will cry for the little boy

Who knew well hurt and pain?

Who will cry for the little boy

Who died and died again?

Who will cry for the little boy?

A good boy he tried to be.

Who will cry for the little boy

Who cries inside of me?

Davenport says, “Who will cry?” Antwone responds, “I will. I always do.” To which Davenport replies, “This is excellent, Antwone. You’re good because you’re honest. You are more honest than most people. Even in your anger—the only thing you’re not honest with yourself about is your need to find your own family; your natural family. You’re upset with them because you feel they didn’t come to your rescue. Maybe they didn’t know. Antwone replies bitterly, "How could they not have known?" Davenport says, "That’s the question you need to ask. ’Regard without ill will despite an offense.’ That’s Webster’s definition of forgiveness." Antwone says, "Why do I have to forgive?" Davenport answers, "To free yourself, so you can get on with your life." [Content: PG-13 for violence, language, and mature themes involving child abuse. Elapsed Time: 01:11:10 to 01:13:45 (DVD Scene 20)].