The MOST HIGH our GOD is our FATHER. HIS NAMES, character and descriptions show this.
This generation does not understand fatherhood. Fueled by Satan, Jezebels and Ahabs, individualism and unachievable, temporary, utopian ideals, the human race races on hell bent on destroying the male identity and removing the authority of the father.
When one talks about fatherhood physically, we are talking about men. It is men who are fathers. It is men who are the source of life. Attempts have been made to rob men of this part of their nature. Sadly, these attempts are sometimes successful leading to serious breakdowns in the community at large traceable to problematic fatherhood and fathering.
Let us take lessons from The CREATOR on fatherhood. We know that men are fathers. Remember and note that we are made in the image of GOD. So, what do fathers do?
(i) Fathers create. They can create any kind of atmosphere they choose. GOD our FATHER created the heavens and the earth from formlessness, emptiness and darkness into what we can see and what we cannot see.
(ii) Fathers hover over things. Genesis 1:2. This means they think about things, they have good plans for their children and their world and they bring a balance to their environment. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that GOD thinks good thoughts about His children and has good plans for them. One of the definitions of hover is to balance. Fathers balance things. Fathers either bring a balance or an imbalance into this world and the lives of their children and those around them. Ask fatherless children of whatever age, the devastation felt is unimaginable. In a nutshell, fathers plan and bring balance into worlds. The absence of fathers brings imbalance and shakiness. This is not a good state of affairs, so much so that The MOST HIGH HIMSELF steps in and declares that HE is the FATHER of the fatherless. Why would the MOST HIGH do this? Because HE understands the gravity of the situation and the horror of what fatherlessness can do. So, if you are a father or better still if you intend to be a father, have a plan, bring balance and step in as a father to a fatherless person.
(iii) Fathers are light bringers especially in dark times. The MOST HIGH in Psalm 27 is described as “my Light and my Salvation”. A father brings light into the lives of his children and not darkness. Genesis 1:3. A father is able to distinguish between what is acceptable and unacceptable and is able to communicate this simply and clearly to his children and his environment. But how will a father do this if he himself is in darkness? It is necessary that any father, any man first of all connect with The FATHER of creation and use the standards set by HIM to determine thoughts, actions and legacy.
(iv) Fathers separate issues. Genesis 1: 5-10. They know what is above them, what is beyond them, what they can handle and what is beneath them. They know the place and role of GOD, HIS kingdom and servants, the earthly government, set ups and society, their families where they were born, the families they create and their children. Fathers know how to select great mothers for their children knowing that good children bring honor to their fathers and grief to their mothers. Sadly, the art of wife choosing is rarely practiced today due to so called modern way of living. A father knows that the woman he chooses will be the mother of his child and the ruler of his environment.
(v) Fathers are orderly; they keep things where they are supposed to be. Not just physical things. Just like GOD, gathered the waters in one place and dry land appeared (Genesis 1:9), when a man organizes his world, his thoughts, his activities, in The FATHER, a dry place to stand will appear. So, man, organize your mind, organize your body, fix your thoughts, think properly and control yourself, the dry land upon which to stand will appear. GOD is not the author of confusion. Go to HIM, ask HIM for peace, ask HIM to visit your watery, formless life and give you a dry place to stand on. HE is faithful, HE will do it. And after that, you be faithful, follow HIS ways and the dry land on which to walk will always be before you.
Fathers also divide things and activities for their children. There are things permitted for the day and things permitted for the night and things not permitted at all. Yes, there is a bed time and curfew; there is a waking up time. There are rules. We just don’t do as we please. We don’t operate in chaos and confusion.
(vi) Fathers bring forth according to what is in themselves. Genesis 1:11-12. Here, where I come from , there are certain sayings; to name a few; the child of a snake is a snake; as the stick is bent so the tree grows, the apple does not fall far from the tree. You will beget what is in you. Yes, Fathers create in their image. Genesis 1:26
(vii) Fathers let their children shine even in the darkness. Genesis 1:15. Some fathers hinder their children from shining. Be a father, let others shine, arrange and plan things in such a way that those around you can only shine even in the darkness.
(viii) Fathers rule over their children Genesis 1:16. GOD rules over the affairs of man. There is no free for all. There is no do as you will. A father rules over his children. He gives directions and instructions and expects them to be followed for the good of all. These directions and instructions are simple, clear, proper and understandable. A father also gives substance and resources to enable what he wants done to be done.
(ix) Fathers give with abundance and communicate the purpose of this abundance to their children. Genesis 1:29. GOD gives us all types of animals, birds, fish, plants and fruits for our enjoyment and pleasure and also for us to care for. Fathers teach their children to care for others, animals, birds and the environment.
(x) Fathers do good things. Yes, fathers do good and pleasant things and put their children right in the middle of the goodness they have done.
(xi) Fathers bless. Genesis 1:28
(xii) Fathers instruct and give their children work to do according to their ability.
(xiii) Fathers step in and help their children even without their children asking.Genesis2: 20-22.
(xiv) Fathers ask questions. Genesis 3:9,11,13
(xv) Fathers punish disobedience according to the individuals concerned and the gravity of the matter. It is not a one size fits all punishment style. Genesis3:14-19
(xvi) Fathers are merciful. Genesis 3: 21-24
(xvii)Fathers take the punishment for their children and have a plan for their lives including their salvation. Genesis 3:15 ; John 3:16
(xviii) Fathers count the cost .Revelation 13:8. No one builds a tower without counting the cost.
(xix) Fathers always stay present and keep their word. ‘ Behold, I am with you till the end of the age” Matthew 28:20
Beloved, without a relationship with GOD the FATHER, you will have great difficulty in conceptualizing fatherhood and carrying it out the way it is supposed to be with the expected results. The FATHER, YAHWEH, invites us to dialogue with HIM. HE promises to give direction. “You will hear a voice telling you, this is the way walk in it” Isaiah 30:21
Beloved, our LORD JESUS CHRIST tells us that HE and the FATHER are one and that HE who has seen Him has seen The FATHER. The scripture also tells us that JESUS CHRIST is the only way to The FATHER.
Believe in The LORD JESUS CHRIST now, walk in HIS ways and you shall be saved and shall escape the wrath of The MOST HIGH. Beloved, the scripture informs us, "And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire." Revelation 20:15.
Do you want to know JESUS as your personal Lord and Savior? Your eternity is at stake! JESUS has opened the door of salvation to every person. But there is coming a day when the door will be closed. Today is the day of salvation. Choose to be in the family of GOD. JESUS died so that we can spend eternity in Heaven with HIM. Don't delay! And if you want to begin a relationship with GOD or resume a broken one, say this: O GOD, I come to YOU today. I know I am a sinner. I believe that JESUS died on the cross to save me and HE resurrected on the third day. I repent of my sins and forsake them. I confess JESUS as my LORD and SAVIOR . I invite JESUS into my heart. By this prayer, I know I am saved. Thank YOU JESUS for saving me and making me a child of GOD. Amen
