“FATHERS, HEIRS of GOD, and CO-HEIRS with CHRIST”
Fathers fail in their responsibilities to their families far too often. We are human, we are not perfect. Think of fathers in Scripture. Think of Samuel, the last judge over Israel, who appointed his sons to be judges who were spiritually unqualified in (1 Samuel 8:1-5). David is notorious for failing as a father. Jacob played favorites with his sons.
“A search of Scripture turns up one rather surprising truth: there are no exemplary families [that show us a father, mother, and children], portrayed in a way that evokes admiration. There are many family stories, there is considerable reference to family life, and there is sound counsel to guide the family, but not one model family is given for anyone to look up to in either awe or envy.
The biblical material consistently portrays the family, not as a Norman Rockwell painting around a Thanksgiving turkey, but as a series of broken relationships in need of redemption.”
Eugene H. Peterson, Like Dew Your Youth.
Sound depressing? It would be if that was just the way it has to be. It would be if leading our families in righteousness depended on us alone.
The truth is, it does not depend on us alone!
14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Scott Stafford – Elder
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