Partly through observation and partly through carrying out my own fatherly duties, God has placed a burden in my heart for fathers. I truly and honestly believe that many of the social ills facing our world and nation would disappear or lessen if there were a widespread return to the true and biblical meaning of fatherhood.
Regarding our text yesterday morning at Calvary (Mark 9:14-29), we were able to observe a wonderful father who, through personal revival in his own soul, coupled with necessity in the life of his child, was driven to the feet of Jesus. Here are a few elements about this father we should observe:
1. He repented of his sin. Whatever had led his family and his son into demonic oppression and possession was cast off by this father as he watched his son reach this moment of desperation. Good fathers will repent of sin. This will sometimes include asking your children for forgiveness.
2. He prayed for his son. This father knew that he needed to intercede for his child. Good fathers will pray for their kids. This includes adding them to your daily prayer list, praying for them with your spouse, and involving your friends and family members in interceding for your kids.
3. He protected his son. This man saw demons ripping his son apart, but would not sit idly by. He knew he needed to be active in bringing his son to Jesus. Good fathers protect their kids by bringing them to Jesus any way they can. This includes discovering creative ways to playfully and joyfully bring Jesus into your relationship with your children so that you can lovingly teach them the ways of God.
4. He believed God for his son. Although the man also confessed unbelief regarding his son, he did have a measure of belief in what Jesus could do for his child. It is important for parents to believe that Jesus is able to work in the lives of their children. Good fathers believe in God’s work for their kids. This speaks of an important attitude of the heart towards your preschool age, elementary age, teenage, and adult children or grandchildren - an attitude that will color your entire approach to their nurturing and development.
Being a dad, I understand that perfection is impossible. I am, after all, a fallible human being who is prone to error and mistakes. I am thankful my children have a loving Heavenly Father who is perfect and holy in all of his ways. That said, I invite God’s men to join me in the pursuit of being excellent and biblical fathers. Let us pray that God would accomplish this work in our lives!
