The Importance of Fathers

"See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse."

(Malachi 4:5-6)

Do not mess with God when He gives a choice between blessings or curses. He means business, but always offers a merciful option. (Jonah 4:2) If we obey God on His terms, His offer of mercy is so sweet! However, we must accept things on His terms, not ours.

The prophet is letting us know that there will be a final time when God will seek reconciliation. One will come bearing a message (as Elijah did)pleading for the people to repent. Here he mentions fathers specifically. In today's society, there is no worse condition than fathers who are not involved with their children. Even some fathers who are within the home are abandoning their families by choosing jobs over family and happy hours over children's ball games and plays. The importance of fathers is never more important than today!

God has set the man up to be a leader. Fathers are designed to lead, provide, protect, and direct as He is led by God. Whenever the father (husband) abdicates his position, (though the mom fills in well)there is room for destruction. The fort (family)is vunerable to attack. The enemy is ready to pounce. The family (mom and the children) are in danger!

God is not pleased with a man who relinquishes his position as husband, father and leader. The whole earth is at risk, not simply the family. What a responsibility . . . what a privilege!

Men love challenges. We love to compete. So it's on . . .

And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

(2 Corinthians 5:19-21)