MONDAY, June 22, 2009                                                       READ: Genesis 18: 16 - 22                                                                                                        

GOD ALMIGHTY APPROVED OF FATHER

MEMORIZE: For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, in order that the LORD may bring upon Abraham what He has spoken about him.”         Genesis 16:15, 16

God has indicated that He has a plan and purpose for human families. He has designed that husbands and wives should become parents who would nurture and discipline their offspring. More and more, we have been facing the situation in which the parents of children are not married to each other. More and more we see fathers being kept out of the lives of their children and prevented from developing and having a good relationship with their children. The devil is behind that, for he knows how critical the father’s role is in God’s design and plan for the family. He has not given up trying to subvert God’s plan. He still uses whoever will, to undermine and belittle fathers and to try to make fathers feel less than valuable to their children. Maureen Green, has written in her book, Fathering, “No one is taking any notice of father....The father role has reached a crisis point. Father’s lessening intervention in the family, if too readily accepted could allow him to disappear altogether.... Fatherhood must not be allowed to dwindle away without discussion or an awareness of what is happening. We must attempt to assess the case for father.” We heartily agree that things are bad, but also believe that God is going to do what He has promised (cf. Malachi 4: 6). God is not finished with human fathers and fatherhood yet.

Here in our text, Genesis 18: 16 – 22, we are able to see how God commended Abraham for having bought into His program of redemption, and for being a responsible father, the responsible head of his household. That has always been a formidable proposition for husbands and fathers. In v. 16, we are able to see how Abraham had finished entertaining his guests, and they, having delivered their pronouncement to Abraham about what would take place in their home, were about to leave on their way toward Sodom. In vv. 17 - 19, the LORD indicated that He was going to disclose His mission to Abraham, since Abraham had signed on to join Him in what He was doing. God gave His reason for entrusting His plan to Abraham. Abraham had made the decision to entrust His life to God and to be a part of what God was doing (cf. Psalm 25: 14). God had been working in Abraham’s heart so that he would have a desire to see his household and descendants learn to fear God and walk in His ways, just as he had done (cf. Psalm 111: 10. There is God's grace, on the one hand, which leads to salvation. But, there is also the judgment of God against and upon evil. God, the LORD was on His way to execute His judgment, but was concerned about Abraham and his descendants. God has planned that fathers not only should be the material providers for their family, but also the spiritual head over their homes and household. God wants fathers to lead their families (cf. Deuteronomy 6: 1 – 9; Proverbs 22: 6; Ephesians 6: 4). Despite all of the blame that Abraham experienced and endured, because of his sins, he still experienced God’s gracious approval. He was trust- worthy, loyal to God and a good father.

The task of fathering our offspring has always been a noble, responsible and thankless job, Yet, it is very important to God, and He calls upon each father, to come and join with Him in what He is doing (cf. Philippians 2: 13). Fathers, will you commit yourself to begin to fear God and to give priority to seeking His kingdom and His righteousness? Will you trust Him to supply all of your needs? Abraham trusted God and worked along with Him. You can do it too. Will you?

PRAY:LORD, God Almighty, I lift Your name on high. LORD, I love to sing Your praises. LORD, I am so glad that You are in my life. Thank You for the forgiveness of my sins and for Your work in my heart. Help me to be bold in joining You in what You are doing. Thank You in Jesus’ strong name. Amen.