In our Bible verse from Ephesians the Lord gives fathers the primary responsibility for discipline in the home, but also much more than that. Fathers are to apply discipline as the spiritual leader in the home. They are to give that correction and admonition (or instruction) that is of the Lord, that is found in the Word. This includes especially instruction in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Christian father teaches right and wrong of course, but he especially teaches, by word and example, the forgiveness of God in Christ.
The good things that fathers do for their children and give to their children are blessings from God, for fathers and mothers are God's representatives to their children. As disciplinarians they are representatives of His holiness. As providers they are representatives of His goodness and generosity. As teachers of the Gospel they are representatives of His grace. And as representatives not only do they act toward their children on God's behalf, they also demonstrate to them who their God is and what He is like, for it is His blessings that they bring to their children.
You fathers then should understand the importance of your place in the home and in the lives of your children. Yours is a God-given role, an essential part of God's design for the family. Where there is no father, the role of father can be filled by others; the Lord provides. And finally we all have one true Father, God Himself. Jesus has made us God's own children and heirs. We have received "the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father'" (Romans 8:15). Earthly fathers may die and leave us. They may even be irresponsible and abandon us. But God is our Father forever. His blessings are ours forever.
— From the Lutheran Spokesman |
