Qualities Of Godly Fathers

Qualities of Godly Fathers

Luke 8:41-42, 49-56

June 15, 2003

Morning Service

Introduction

As we celebrate Father’s Day today, I would like to share the following story about the effect that one father had on his family. This particular family had three small children who were determined to have a puppy. Mom protested because she knew that somehow or other, she would end up caring for the critter. True to form, the children solemnly promised that they would take care of it. Eventually, she relented and they brought their little puppy home. The children named him Danny and cared for him diligently - at first. But, sure enough, as time passed, Mom found herself becoming more and more responsible for taking care of the dog. Finally, she decided that the children were not living up to their promise so she began to search for a new home for Danny. When she found one and broke the news to the children, she was quite surprised that they had almost no reaction at all. One of them even said rather matter-of-factly, "We’ll miss him."

"I’m sure we will," Mom answered, "but he is too much work for one person and since I’m the one that has to do all the work, I say he goes."

"But," protested another child, "if he wouldn’t eat so much and wouldn’t be so messy, could we keep him?"

Mom held her ground, "It’s time to take Danny to his new home." Suddenly, with one voice and with tears in their eyes, the children exclaimed, "Danny? We thought you said Daddy!"

Traditional

The Vital Role of the Father

One of the greatest problems in our society today is the lack of father figures in the home. A study was recently conducted on the effects on American society because of the physical or emotional absence of fathers and the results were shocking.

550% increase in violent crime

400% increase in illegitimate births

200% increase in teen. pregnancies.

300% increase in teen suicide

More that 70% of all juveniles in state reform institutions come from fatherless homes.

The sad fact is that we have underestimated the important role that fathers play in the lives of their families, in the life of our nation and ultimately in the life of the church. Our nation doesn’t need more men to be the head of the household; we desperately need men to be real fathers.

This morning I want to examine the example of one father and see how we can apply the principles of his life to ours.

41 Then a man named Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house 42 because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying.

49 While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler. "Your daughter is dead," he said. "Don’t bother the teacher any more." 50 Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, "Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed."

51 When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother. 52 Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. "Stop wailing," Jesus said. "She is not dead but asleep."

53 They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But he took her by the hand and said, "My child, get up!" 55 Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. 56 Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.

Body

I. Godly Fathers seek Christ

A. The man Jairus

1. The position of Jairus

a.) Jairus was one of the rulers of the local synagogue. This means that he was in charge of the day to day operations and management of the synagogue.

b.) Jairus was an important leader within the community. The synagogue was more than just a center for religious teaching and worship; it was the center of the entire community

2. The place of Jairus

a.) Jairus was not only important but he was likely also fairly wealthy because of his position. There can be no doubt that he carried a certain amount of power and authority within this community.

b.) Jairus was the picture of both a respected leader and a religious authority. However, this only magnifies the fact that no matter who you are or what your position is in life; you will never be immune to the hardships of life

B. The manner Jairus

1. Jairus was humble

a.) When Jairus found Jesus he fell before Him and began pleading with Him to come to aid of his daughter.