Father's Day

As small children we learn that our father’s awesome strength has power over our lives, whether to protect, teach or discipline.

Remember when we were very young, how we would look forward to his coming home after work? How we would run to him and he would scoop us into his arms and hold us close? And he always brought a surprise when he returned after a trip, some little thing. Just something to show he was thinking about us when we were apart.

Sometimes in a bad mood or just plain cross with our world, we weren’t eager to run to his arms when he came home, dreading to face the punishment we had earned. Sometimes he would have to search for us, to make us face his discipline and forgiveness before we were ready for the hugs we longed for.  

As we became older, that fear morphed into anger at not being allowed to do what we want. We made excuses and pouted when disciplined. We didn’t yearn for his company—we blamed his rules for our misery. He was old-fashioned, out of date. We might grudgingly acknowledge shame at our misstep. Perhaps not until we became parents did we fully appreciate the love behind the discipline, the reasons behind “Because I said so”. 

But some of us learned early in life not to trust our imperfect father and yearned for the relationship we saw in other families. We may have found impatience or indifference instead of love. Avoiding his homecoming became routine; we would grow bitter. Life isn’t fair.

God gave us human families so we could see a picture, though dimly, of the relationship He seeks with each of us. For those of us without parents able to provide this image of love, God planted the yearning for perfect love in our hearts for that something missing that only our Heavenly Father can freely give. A love we can trust to provide discipline and guidance if we look beyond the momentary discomfort with which He draws our attention to Him.   

                                         FATHER’S HANDS                         

             My Father’s hands, so big and strong

Lift me up when things go wrong;

When His hands hold me near,

I know there is naught to fear;

His hands so gently, without wrath,

Nudge me firmly back onto His path;

My Father’s hands hold me tight

And keep me safe throughout the night.

For it is God who works in you both to will and
to do for His good pleasure.   Philippians 2:13

                                            

Christians and Politics

Sometimes we feel like we shouldn’t even get involved—politics is a dirty game.

After watching the news, we often feel like we need a quick shower. Other times we feel like we’re invisible, our voices are ignored when we express disapproval at some of the decisions made by our leaders.  If one of our Christian brothers tries to get involved and, heaven forbid, runs for office, he’s suspected of selling out; because we should be above all the sleazy backroom deals required to succeed. 

There have been many demonstrations of disrespect and hostility surrounding our last presidential election, to the point of public disturbances. Saddened by the disorder and outright hatred expressed so publicly, what is our responsibility as Christians?  And when we disagree with morality of a law, what are we to do? Avert our eyes or protest? And if we protest, we may break the law and there are consequences. What are we supposed to do? I confess the only word I had read on the subject was Jesus's remark in Luke 20:25. "Then render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's and unto God the things that are God's."

 Dr. Robert Jeffress, Dallas First Baptist pastor,  spoke on the subject last Sunday and Romans 13 gives a complete idea of our response to government, and our answer to these questions is very plain:

Romans 13:1-5 says: Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.  3For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4For it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. 5Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’  

Dr. Jeffress pointed out that leaders, good or bad, are placed as God sees fit. Like him or not, we must realize God had a reason for placing us under this authority.  And happy about His choice or not, I plan to stay on the winner’s side of that disagreement! So what can we do as God’s people to make our situation better? Pray for our leadership. If you’re praying for someone, you'll find it difficult to condemn him. You can’t do both!

1^st Timothy 2:1-4, 8 says: 1First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and  dignity. 3This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,   4who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.