“A Powerful Father’s Blessing”
(Father’s Day Message)
Genesis 48: 1-22
INTRO: 1. After Joseph had been given the throne, second only to Pharaoh himself, he didn’t seek revenge—He sought his father.
a. Sought after the one who had nurtured the faith in him that had brought him through all the difficulties.
b. For 16 years, Jacob lived peaceably in Egypt with his son Joseph.
c. As the end approached Joseph took his sons to be blessed by his father.
2. If anyone knew the importance of blessings of a father, it was Jacob…who tricked his own father into giving him the blessings over his brother Esau.
a. His life was a result of that blessing.
b. His success was a result of that blessing.
c. His families future is a result of that blessing…generations where linked by that blessing.
d. Jacob also knew that he was an important link in continuing his father’s blessing.
3. On his deathbed, Jacob didn’t desire to leave his family the goods he had collected or the wisdom he had come to know…the blessing of God on their lives (His provision…His favor).
4. Scripturally the father’s role is the spiritual leader of the household (minister/priest).
a. The blessing was conveyed by the laying on of hands… as priest or minister.
b. The blessing was a petition before God… as an intercessor.
c. The blessing was a declaration of faith…as a prophet.
5. If as a father you wait until your deathbed to bring blessing to your children, your words will be meaningless.
a. Jacob’s words and blessing was powerful because his life backed them up.
6. How can we bless our household?
I. BLESS THEM WITH AN IMPERFECT FATHER
a. Jacob was far from perfect… guilty of deception, failure… even his limp served as reminder of his imperfection.
b. Your kids aren’t looking for you to be perfect.
A. AN IMPERFECT FATHER IS APPROACHABLE
1. Don’t be afraid to let those around you know you are human.
2. No one can relate to perfection.
3. Lets others… especially your kids know… that you face problems and failure in your life.
B. AN IMPERFECT FATHER IS FALLIBLEs
1. Don’t be afraid to say “I’m sorry, I was wrong.”
ILL. One of the greatest treasures in my past is a letter of apology from my Dad that resulted from an argument in which he was more right than wrong. But I was impacted by the fact that my Dad was man enough to apologize even to his own son.
2. When we admit we where wrong it opens the door for others to admit they where wrong and brings healing and reconciliation.
II. BLESS THEM WITH AN AFFIRMING FATHER
a. We are connected to our father’s words all the days of our lives (Complaints/praises)
b. Jacob in blessing his children and grandchildren verbally affirmed their place of greatness in God’s plan.
c. Our heavenly father knows the power of affirmation…
“This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.”
A. AFFIRM THEIR IDENTITY
1. The heavenly father was quick to affirm the Son’s identity.
2. Jacob let them know they where special because of two things… they where his sons and God’s chosen.
3. Let them know that it’s special to you for them to be your child.
4. Children first find their identity in their parents… lay a strong foundation.
5. All our relationships need affirming.
6. Children you need to affirm your parents identity… “I’m glad you’re my Dad/Mom.”
B. AFFIRM THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
1. As Jacob blessed them he emphasized the strengths he had seen in them.
2. Affirmation has the power to build self-confidence.
3. Learn the nack for identifying and celebrating your children’s strengths.
4. I read a book the other day that talked about the change in relationship that takes place after the kids marry and leave the house… they don’t stop needing you. They just need you in a different role than before. We move from being teachers to being coaches and cheer-leaders.
C. AFFIRM THEIR FUTURE
1. Through the anointing of the Holy Ghost, Jacob would actually prophesy over them all giving them a powerful hope and encouragement for tomorrow and their individual places therein.
2. We must affirm what our kids are becoming and let them know we have faith in their future.
3. Let them know there future hinges not on their talents, dreams, or even their gusto but in their God.
III. BLESS THEM WITH A WORSHIPPING FATHER
Heb. 11:21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshiped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
a. Even when barely enough strength to stand…he gave his last strength to worship God.
b. Our families know if worship has a place in our lives and how important it is to us.
c. Worship shouldn't be something we just do at church… but a lifestyle of gratitude.
A. THE WORSHIP OF A GRATEFUL HEART
1. Are we openly grateful for what God has given us?
2. Do you pause to say thanks.
3. Is your gratitude God-focused?
B. THE WORSHIP OF TESTIMONY
1. Much of the qualities we see in Joseph and his quickness to testify of God’s goodness can be attributed to a father who was quick to testify of God’s goodness.
2. The older we get the more we realize that we’re becoming clones of our parents.
3. We must become the right pattern for our children to emulate.
IV. BLESS THEM WITH A DISCERNING FATHER
a. Jacob called his sons and the sons of Joseph so he could bless them.
b. But he blessed them in God’s order.
c. He went against the way things where normally done.
d. Went against Joseph’s favorite son.
A. DIRECT THEM GOD’S WAY NOT YOUR WAY.
1. If we’re not careful we may want to project our plans on them when God has other plans.
2. We may see doctors, lawyers…but God may see another path.
3. God didn’t have in His plan for Joseph’s children to rule like Joseph.
4. They would face a much more difficult path… path of slavery.
5. Teach your kids to follow God’s path it’s always the best way.
B. SEE THEM GOD’S WAY NOT YOUR WAY.
1. Our favorites may not be the one God puts his hand on.
2. Jacob crossed his hands to bless the least favored… the second son.
3. All of David’s brothers where brought before Samuel… but it was the frail overlooked one that God chose to use.
4. Can’t allow ourselves to get blinded by favoritism or we can miss the blessings under our own roof… you may be raising the next David, or John Wesley or Billy Graham or U.S. President.
V. BLESS THEM WITH A HEAVENLY FATHER
a. Jacob knew that he couldn’t stay, but he knew the heavenly father would be there.
b. He spent the last remaining days of his life getting his children to recognize the heavenly father.
A. BECOME A PATTERN OF HIS NATURE
1. Be an example of godliness so your kid’s can best relate to God.
ILL. There is a story of a child that had been given a short time to live. the father a godly man decided that it was only fair to let the child know that he could die. When asked if his heart was ready to meet God. The little boy smiled and said “Yes.” When his dad asked him “Are you afraid of meeting Jesus?” The little boy declared, “Not if he’s like you, Daddy.”
B. INTRODUCE HIM TO THEM
1. Don’t wait on a preacher or Sunday School teacher make sure they know Jesus.
C. TEACH THEM TO DEPEND ON THEIR HEAVENLY FATHER
1. He’s the one who takes over when Daddy can’t.
CONCLUSION: Today is a day devoted to blessing our Dads… but how ‘bout it Dads that it becomes a day that we devote the rest of our lives to blessing our kids…with a sincere, yet imperfect Dad…with an encouraging, affirming Dad… with a Worshipping Dad.
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PERSONAL NOTE:
I posted this sermon just a few days after the passing of my Dad, Rev. I.J. Strickland Jr.(went home May 28, 2014). May this sermon in some small way be a memorial to a life devoted to God and to his family. He embodied all the qualities above and so much more.
Dad, I will miss you greatly. Thanks for reflecting the heavenly father in your life.
