THE MAKING OF FATHERS The making of fathers is a process of the heart. They come to a place where they connect with the heavenly Father’s heart and are given his kind of heart. God shares his heart with godly men in their earnest pursuit of Him. The Scripture attest to this that David was a man after God’s own heart. (1Sam.13:14). Paul says that not all preachers are ‘fathers’ or have a father’s heart. Though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers…, (1Cor.4:14-17) God told Abram, “No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you. (Gen.17:5-6). Fathers have a sense of destiny (divine call) on their life (Gen.12:1-4). They are those who have seen by revelation their destiny in God. Abraham saw a city with foundations whose architect and builder is God. (Heb.11:10). A father’s heart is tempered and developed by trials and tests in their walk of faith. They go through the crucible of life that with time help produce a true fathers’ heart. There is no short-cut to this. (Gen.12:10; 13:7-9. 14:17. 15:2. 17:17-18; 23-27. 22:2, 12, 16.23:1-2; 1Sam.13:14; Job.42). Joseph went through the crucible of life and became a father to Pharaoh and his family. Genesis 45:8 So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. Spiritual fathers and mothers also come forth as an answer to spiritual children’s cry to God, their heavenly Father, for the same. It is their cry as enabled by the Spirit, “Abba Father!” that God answers by sending His Spirit of adoption and true fathers! (Gal.4:6-7). The covering of Israel as a nation rested on Elijah. This is seen in how Elisha, by revelation, addressed Elijah. Chariots and horses were an armory of war. Elisha cried to Elijah, “My father, my father, the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” He received a double anointing. (2Kings 2:7-15). The prayer of true sons and daughters seeking for true fathers and mothers will be answered in this hour as they look to the Lord for direction and answers in this matter of fatherhood. This is a crucial matter and Father-God will do a quick work lest the land be smitten with a curse. (See Mal.4:6; Lk.1:16-17). Malachi 4:6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. The Lord will declare with power the coming of sons in this hour who will represent him and do exploits never seen before, with a true demonstration of resurrection power. Romans 1:3-4 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: THE ROLE OF FATHERS Fathers are guided by the word and God’s prophetic promises that have been pronounced over them personally in the Lord, and they pass on these to their sons. (Rom.4:18-24; Heb.11:8-22). They reproduce themselves in their sons in the Lord in order to bring many sons to glory who truly share in the image of the Pattern Son - our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom.4:18-24; Heb.11:8-22). Fathers show love and consistency in all their ways. Fathers identify and know who they are responsible for, they lead or show the way, and provide spiritual covering or protection especially against deception and other attacks. Deception and corruption will increase as days go by. They freely love and care for those under them. They train, equip and empower, feed and nourish, comfort and refresh, causing sons to rise and to do more than the fathers have. The role of fathers is best seen in how God the Father deals with his own as found in Deut.32:1-18 and in the prayer that Jesus taught the disciples - Lk.11:2-4; see also: 2Cor.12:14; Heb.5:14; 1Jn.2:13, 14; Phil.3:15-16. They also help to direct and supervise ministry that’s done under them. (1Chro.6:31-21; 1Chro.25:1-7; Titus 1:5; 3:1, 12). They are however not ignorant of their vulnerability: human weaknesses, imperfections and limitation. They know they are not perfect themselves, but are growing in their knowledge of God. (Gen.12:11-20; 15:3; 16:1-4; 17:17-18, 21; 20:28-13, 18. Noah - Gen.9:20-27; Phil.3:15-16). They prepare what to give to their children (both natural & spiritual) as in prophetic promises, a clear purpose or a divine pattern of what should be done, and material things to help accomplish divine purpose. Example: Abraham left everything he owned to Isaac (Gen.25:5-6). David had much to give to Solomon (1Chr.28:11-12, 19-21). A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous. (Pro.13:22). They introduce their children & entire family to the Lord and teach them to love and follow him diligently. As much as it is good to have some academic education for children, it’s not enough. Forgive me for this, but to highly educate many without a corresponding knowledge of God or godliness is to raise up many “clever devils!” (Gen.18:18-19. 24:63. 26:2, 18, 24-25; David-1Kgs.2:1-4). Fathers and those they bring up do not allow themselves to be crushed by disappointments or suffering in this life for kingdom’s sake. (Jas.5:10-11; Heb.11:24-40). They do not compromise the integrity of their faith and calling. When Abraham gave a tithe, he knew he was blessed of God, and did not want the credit or glory to go to a heathen king. (Gen.14:17-24). They give counsel and guidance from their history and experience. David asked Solomon to take note of those who gave him trouble and could mess up with the kingdom, and deal with them (1Kgs.2:5-46). Paul tells Timothy to be wary of Hymenaeus, Philetus, Demas and Alexander. These fiercely opposed Paul and his ministry and also taught wrong doctrines. (1Tim.1:20; 2Tim.2:17; 4:10, 14-16). Appeal or challenge to manly nature: Fathers urge their sons to be strong and courageous. That is, to stand up like men, and be counted in the midst of life’s challenges and battles. David encouraged Israelites men in time of war: 2 Samuel 10:12 Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the Lord do that which seemeth him good. Absalom did the same in the negative (2sam.13:28-29). Some two kings challenge Gedions manly nature: Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Do it yourself—if you’re man enough!” And Gideon did it. He stepped up and killed Zebah and Zalmunna. Then he took the crescents that hung on the necks of their camels. (Judges 8:21 MSG) David charged Solomon to be strong to do Gods will, “…show yourself a man (1Kgs.2:2!). Paul exhorts the Corinthians, “Be men of courage”. (1Cor:16:13). God challenges Jobs manhood. Job 40:7 Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me
Posted on: Thu, 07 Nov 2013 06:25:13 +0000
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