"As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations." (Genesis 17:4)
I'll never forget the morning I was reading my devotion before I went to work. I was led to read Hebrews chapter 1, which starts out the book by saying: "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,". I was just getting ready to read further when I felt the Spirit of God stop me. He told me to re-read that verse, which I did. Stop! Re-read it again, so I did. The next thing I heard from the Spirit shook my world.
See, all my life I have been a big fan of Elijah. His life was one of great power, his words carried weight (even affecting the weather!), and he was an unknown. I could relate to him somehow. I always wanted to be like that - a man of God who could take on the opposition with great authority and win over the entire nation. I always dreamed about being someone of renown - even though to the world I was a nobody. The prophets of old would blow into town, announce God's message for them, and blow out. Sort of a human tornado. I liked that.
But God also knew my heart. I remain sad to this day that I never got to be a father. Neither of my wives were able to carry my children (both had at least one miscarriage) and - even being a military man - I never conceived any out of wedlock. I have remained childless all these 63 years, although I feel I would have been a great dad. So when this verse says that God spoke to the fathers through the prophets, God had me on the hook.
His question to me was very simple, but direct. "Do you want to be a father or a prophet?" Wow, God, talk about an unfair question! I wanted to be both. But He wouldn't let me. I had to choose. For the next few moments (who knows how many it really was?) I did some pretty deep soul-searching. I really liked the thrill and excitement of the prophet's lifestyle, but deep-down I yearned to be a daddy. With a sense of some loss, I confessed I would rather be a father.
Since that time I have come to learn that the term 'father' carries many meanings. Some of those meanings are spiritual guide or leader, mentor, pastor. I never pictured myself as a spiritual guide or leader. Not even as a pastor. I didn't feel worthy to be any of these. Mentor I could handle. All the same, God has blessed me with a few pastorates (some only fill-in) and I have come to know the joy of a pastor's heart.
Today I encourage you to speak words of affirmation to your pastor as well as your earthly father. Many don't have a father anymore, but they still have someone to whom they look for guidance and direction. If that is you, love on them today. Everybody dotes on mothers - as they should - but few take the time to express gratitude for the father in their lives. He provides protection, provision, and guidance as only a father can. He sees life differently than mom. He sees through different eyes, different experiences, and different interpretations. Learn to appreciate those differences and bless him.
Be blessed.
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