Fathers, Faithfulness & the Fourth of July

 

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A post shared by Skillful Shepherds (@skillfulshepherds) on Jul 12, 2020 at 8:00pm PDT

In the span of 2 weeks, we celebrated Father’s Day, my son’s 9th birthday, & the Fourth of July (America’s Independence Day). As we were preparing for the birthday celebrations, my wife noted that we’ve been parents for 9 years. As I was reflecting on Ps. 78, it seemed to be rather appropriate for these 2 weeks of events.

Psalm 78 is significant in the Bible and to me for various reasons. It is the basis for this blog’s title and focus, the concept of “skillful shepherds,” found in the last verse 72,

So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart,
And guided them with his skillful hands.

You can read more here.

The 4th of July commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence on 4th July 1776, where 13 American colonies legally separated from Great Britain, which birthed the United States of America. The Israelites in many senses gained their independence when God delivered them through Moses from Egyptian slavery and bondage. He spared them of the 12 plagues (v.12, 43-51), parted the Red Sea (v.13), leading them by a pillar of cloud and fire throughout day and night (v.14). He provided water (v.15-16), manna (v.24) and quail (v.27) in abundance. He led them through the wilderness (v.52), brought them to the Promised Land (v.54), drove out nations and provided them land (v.55), appointed kings (v.70), and eventually established the Temple for worship (v.69).

What was the purpose of this? From the beginning, when God called Moses, the desire was for His people to worship Him (Ex. 3.12). After their deliverance, at Mount Sinai, God provided the Ten Commandments to Moses and His people, establishing the Law, with instructions to follow, keep and obey, and to pass it on to future generations, primarily through the fathers of children (v.3-8). We are to be a people that remembers, and reminds others of God’s greatness, goodness and faithfulness.

This is where often I find challenging as a parent, as a father. More is caught than taught, especially in a household, even more so in this Covid-pandemic era, where people are hulled together in close quarters for long periods of time. How do we intentionally and purposefully disciple our children, and bring them up in the ways of the Lord? Firstly, we have to lead by example. We need to model and live out that gospel and God-reality, not just in our quiet times, prayers and Sunday worship, but in our day-to-day, mundane, everyday activities of life. Secondly, God’s word and praise needs to be on our lips (Deut. 6.1-9). It is to be on our hearts, we are to teach it, talk it, walk it, reminded by signs and writings in our lives and home. Lastly, we are to pass on a lasting legacy. V.4 talks about telling the praises of God to generations to come, and v.6 even mentions children yet to be born. Jesus mandates us through the Great Commission to make multiplying disciples of all nations, fulfilling His kingdom purposes until Christ returns. May God enthuse, enable and empower us to be godly fathers of future generations, for His glory and to His praise.