The Meat of Fatherhood

When they arrived he declared, “You know that from the day I set foot in the province of Asia until now I have done the Lord’s work humbly and with many tears. I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews. I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes. I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.

Acts of the Apostles 20:18‭-‬21 NLT

The book of Acts is a masterpiece collection of the walks and works of the apostles beginning from the Pentecost. One of its principal characters was the apostle Paul, a man of great faith and selfless service to his Master.

The text above was Paul's parting shot to "his children", disciples he had raised through the cause of his ministry to about the time his arrest and trials would begin. I see a lot of similarities in Acts 20 when Paul bids his children farewell and John 17 when Jesus bids 'His children" farewell.

A few things that are important for us to focus on:

1. He had a deep conviction that he had been faithful in doing all God called him to do in the life of his children, primarily giving them God's word of salvation.

2. Faithfully serving "his household" through seasons of trials, hardship, and pain without compromise.

3. He was an example of honest labor and responsible living even when he had valid reasons to depend. Acts 20:34-35

4. Paul was a father who did not spare the truth to soothe the ego/whims of his children.

5. He was a father who went the extra mile even in the face of death to be close to "his children" ensuring proximate mentoring spiritually and physically.

Little wonder Paul had influence with his children; they traveled with him, risked their lives for him; slaves would regain freedom from their masters who were Paul's children because as a father, Paul had reckoning and influence with his children!

His statement in Acts 20:18 has such a profound tinge in my spirit as I read it, like a father saying to his child " from the first day I set my eyes on you and held your tiny frames in my hands, until now.....I have done all that is required of me to raise you to be a worthy heritage of our Father and King."

Through trials and tears, through joys and laughter, through the many storms of life...my meat as a father is to give you the word of God that is guaranteed to save you, be an example to you of godly living, and mentor you into a mature adult (man or woman), that can be committed with this kingdom heritage of a divine genealogy.

Beyond the appendage of the title, "father" is the work and walk that comes with the role. God is seeking fathers who will be faithful in raising their children through relationship and mentoring, Fathers who will lead their households as God leads them.

Will you rise to be counted?

Will you look beyond the blunders of yesterday and raise your hands to the Lord today?

Are you standing in faith and reaffirming your commitment to the Father to raise for Him godly seeds through righteous living before them?

God is stretching out His hands to you today as men are being lifted up to higher purposes in their roles as fathers. Rise up! Open your mouth and let His Spirit fill your mouth with the utterance that speaks forth the greater promise you need, to enter your rightful place. Veils are being lifted, restoration is happening all around you, and God is all out for your uplifting today. Be blessed in Jesus name!