daily bible readings

The role of fathers in the family unit is undervalued, underappreciated and corroded by the world. The world would have us believe that it is of no consequence whatsoever whether a child has a father or mother at home or not. Yet, every sensible person knows the fallacy of these arguments and beliefs.

The Bible clearly lays down a role for fathers. It’s not what we’ve typically seen over the last 150 years or so. Biblical fathers are not the men who go to work all day and slave hard all day and then return home to a cooked meal, a can of beer, lots of sex and a night sitting in front of the TV. Biblical fathers are not uninvolved and dissociated from their children. They are not the ones who beat their kids into submission when mother couldn’t get them to obey. Where ever these views of fatherhood came from, they DID NOT come from the Bible.

The Word of God speaks to children and fathers. To children, God says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honour your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1–3.

To fathers, God says, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Fathers exasperate their children by being heavy handed with them and by resorting to the rod or the belt as the first and only option. Their tendency to be harsh exasperates children.

The verse in question presents an alternative. Rather than exasperating their children, fathers are to raise their children "in the training and instruction of the Lord.” The first word, 'training' refers to brining up children who need instruction, guidance and discipline. It is about the shaping of a child’s life as he or she grows into manhood or womanhood. The second word focuses on the mind and picks up on a person’s moral attitude or inner disposition. In summary, fathers are called to be actively involved in the raising of the children so that their lifestyle and inner moral stance are acceptable to the Lord and agreeable with the Word of God.

Dads can do this in many and varied ways. We have to avoid the temptation to think and believe that there is only one way to do this. God’s Word is very rare on details at this point partly because different children need different approaches to discipleship and learning. What works for one family, may not necessarily work for another family.

Here are some suggestions for dads to help them raise their children in the training and instruction of the Lord.

· After a family meal together (for example, dinner) Dad can conduct an age appropriate time of study and prayer with the entire family. Most families may find it hard to have 7 days/nights a week together at a family meal. Our family aimed for week nights and left weekends to be the chaotic mess that they often were. These reading notes and questions can be utilised for family study time. Christian book shops and the internet have literally millions of studies and devotions for you to use. After the study, give everyone a chance to pray. Younger children may need to be taught how to pray. Don’t forget to include adoration, confession, thanks and supplication.

· At bed time, dad can read a small portion of Scripture with each child individually and talk about that verse or passage briefly. This can become a deep bonding time sharing and praying together. 

· Encourage the children to minister and serve at church with dad and mum. If you are on welcoming, for example, get the children to help out in age  appropriate ways. If you are on morning tea, let them bake something or allow them to help set up and pack up, as an example. Be creative and get the children involved as much as possible.

· Ask the children regularly how they would like to serve God at your local church and encourage them to get involved in these areas.

Harry Chapin sang a song called “Cats in the Cradle” in which a young boy determines to be like his dad. As he is growing up, dad is too busy to play ball with him and to talk with him. Dad is always away on work trips. When the son is in college and has his own family, dad calls him to make a get together time. The son responds by saying that he’s too busy with work and other life issues. The boy, sadly, grew up to be just like dad.  Dads, step up and be Christian dads. If your children grow up to be just like you are now, what kind of Christians will they be? Dads, step up and be Christian dads!

PRAYER

Adoration:

· Adore your heavenly Father that He is kind, gentle, compassionate and deeply loving in all His ways.

Confession:

· Take time to confess your sins to the Lord and to ask for forgiveness

Thanks

· Thank God that He is loving and kind and has your best interests at heart.

Supplication:

· Pray that the Lord will grow and strengthen our dads to be strong in the Lord and courageous in raising their families.

Discussion Questions

1. What command is given to the children in these verses?

2. What command is given to the father?

3. Why is this father-specific and not gender neutral?