Series: Father’s Day Messages
Sun am 19th June 2011 – Various speakers & Kobus Swart
1 Kings 7:7-16; Phil. 2:19-22; Gal. 6:6; Prov. 3:11-12; Ps. 127:3-5; Gen. 24:60
Justus: It is worth looking at how we bring honour to the people we see as fatherly figures. It’s the principle of honouring a father. In 1 Kings 7:7-16, God used somebody who had nothing, to provide for the father. It can seem that it was selfish of Elijah to ask the woman, but he was confident that her actions would bring blessing. The Lord chose to provide through someone who had nothing.
The greatest way we can bring honour to a father is to serve as a son (Phil. 2:19-22). Serving as a son is not just giving something and remaining uninvolved; it’s about investing yourself into what the father has invested in. Discrediting ourselves for whatever reason does not bring honour to our fathers. Their load increases when we discredit ourselves and think that we can give something without giving ourselves. Even as an heir, if you are still a child you are a slave. It’s only when you come into a mentality of sonship that you can stand alongside a father and oversee the estate; then you are not managed by guardians and trustees. Once you step into that realm and you access something that is already yours, you become a weight pillar, someone who is carrying something with the father. Paul said of Timothy, “I have nobody else like him” (Phil. 2:19-22). The no. 1 criteria that he merits him on, is that he served as a son with his father in the gospel. He took interest in other people’s welfare. He took on Paul’s burden; he took on what Paul cared about and he made it part of himself and gave himself fully to that.
We recognize the fathers in this house and what is more valuable is that we recognize them as our fathers. So we take ownership as part of what is happening in Bizweni. We take ownership of what God has sealed over this place.
Hazel: Fathers bring warmth into the family; they make us feel secure. In Bizweni, in this specific home, we are given peace and safety. When the Word comes, it keeps us safe; it keeps us in line and it gives direction. It comes with wisdom, strength and substance. We are well provided for. This is an authentic father – in his home and in his spiritual home. A younger generation is coming up, but there’s a time of honouring those who have gone before us – Those who have pioneered through very difficult situations. For those who have spoken truths that many did not enjoy, apply, or like – and they left. For those who have had affliction in many ways. For those who have gone without and sacrificed, and given themselves completely and wholly. This is a day that we can honour them. It cannot just be lip service; we cannot sit afar off and say, “This is my father,” but do not stand close by. We never come close enough; he never feels us, and our heartbeat. The greatest thing for a father is when he is mirrored in his son. The Son of God, Jesus Christ, mirrored His father. He did nothing unless He saw His father doing it; there was such oneness there. God is busy re-uniting; bringing the intimacy back. He’s taking away the coldness and the orphan spirit.
The one who is taught the Word is to share all good things with the one who teaches (Gal. 6:6). It is time to share all good things with the one who taught us. We give back, we mirror. The greatest reward a father can have is when he can see himself in his sons. You will receive the reward because you will go further and do greater things, like Elisha. Even when Elisha did more miracles than Elijah, he was known as the one who washed the prophet’s hands. Serving – that’s how we learn, that’s how we grow up, that’s how we become mature – by standing alongside and watching how the father does it. Let honour be bestowed where honour is due.
Daniel: Reads quotes: “The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother. My father didn’t tell me how to live, but he lived and let me watch him do it. A father is a guy who has photos in his wallet where his money used to be. A dad is one who wants to catch you before you fall; but instead, picks you up, brushes you off and lets you try again. A dad is one who wants to keep you from making mistakes, but instead lets you find your own way even if his heart breaks in silence when you get hurt. A dad is someone who holds you when you cry, scolds when you break the rules and shines with pride when you succeed; and has faith in you even when you fail.”
We are privileged to have a dad in this house. My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD Or loathe His reproof, For whom the LORD loves He reproves, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights (Prov. 3:11-12). That is something that happens in this house – that discipline by a father who loves us. God is a spirit who needs someone to say, “Lord, here I am, send me.” There is discipline that we all need sometimes. My call on this family today is this – make this task easier for the father of this house and reward him with an appreciation of what he stands for and who he is. Give honour where it’s due. Give him back the fruit of the seeds that he has sown for 30+ years, delivering the word in and out of season.
Glenton: It’s a day of honouring fathers. First, I show respect for the fathers and acknowledge the grace of the apostle who was ordained by God, and I connect with that father with my heart in submission. I work out my honouring in a practical way. There is no honouring without sonship. Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; they will not be ashamed When they speak with their enemies in the gate (Ps. 127:3-5). Arrows are straight and sharp; and in the hands of the warrior they always find the mark. That is what sons are in the hand of a father. Sonship is not a physical attribute, but rather a condition of the heart – how you relate to someone. Although we are ultimately being fathered by the Creator of the universe, it starts from the father of the house.
Clive: The sons represent the father in the gates. And may your descendants possess the gate of those who hate them (Gen. 24:60). Die vader wil in verhouding wees met ons. Kom na die tafel toe. Seuns, luister direk wat die pa aan julle te sê het.
Kobus: I would like to see many in this family outrun me; go further in the unfolding purposes of God. I had the privilege to sit under a father ministry (Stevens) for 10 years before he died. What I am spiritually, was initially moulded by him. I want to honour him. His wish and desire was not to control the sons, to have them run to the point where he stopped. He wanted his sons to go further and outrun him. His heart’s desire was to have a thousand prophets to out-minister him. His legacy lives on in many sons. My basic moulding came from him, and thank God, he never put a lid on it. He allowed me to pursue my own grace and continue in a deeper and further revelation of truth – for which I am very thankful.