Pastor Dr. Philip Lyn

Fathers, Forgotten Heroes
(1 Samuel 2: 12-17 ; 22-25)
Papa! Daddy! Father!

Yes, children call the ‘man of the house’ by different names but they all refer to the same individual who, together with their mother, brought them into this earth.

Yes, fathers are heroes because:

Fathers are LARGER than Life!
• A father’s utmost destiny and call is to be a hero to your children and to be a role model in their lives (Psalm 103:13).
• Fathers tend to forget that they are called to be heroes and that our children long to be proud of us! (Proverbs 17:6)

Fathers have great power! (Colossians 3:21)
• A father’s words are very powerful and can either speak life or death to a child (Proverbs 18:21). Your words can either be used to encourage a child or pull him/her down (Colossians 3:21).
• There is power in body language – through your physical expressions. For instance, we can choose to use our hands to smack and punish or use your hand to comfort and encourage.

Fathers are good persons!
• In the eyes of children, their fathers are perfect persons. Until that bubble of perception is burst, we remain as our children’s heroes.

Yet, fathers can fail to be heroes when:

They neglect and forget their role (1 Samuel 2:22)
• Eli’s sons were corrupt. Eli failed to discipline his sons and to correct them when they sinned even when he knew about their corrupt behaviour.
• Eli warned them a little too late. He was old and his responses were weak. He lacked firm resolve and corrective action.
• He did not model spirituality to them. Are you?

They lose confidence and authority (1 Samuel 2:23-25)
• Instead of spending time with the children, selfish pursuits keep fathers distant from their children. They neglect their call to build a family altar.
• They have low family priority compared to work or hobby.
• When that happens, one’s spiritual authority is undermined and the father eventually becomes indecisive spiritually and an ineffective parent.


They lose their way – don’t know what heroes do (1 Samuel 8:3)

• Eli modeled a very defective fatherhood. Not only did his two sons, Hophne and Phineas, turned bad.
• Samuel whom Eli was supposed to mentor, did poorly as a father too (1 Samuel 8:3). His sons likewise, disobeyed him and God as a result.


Still there is hope! Until Jesus Christ appears again, all of us fathers can turn things around and be heroes to their children from this point onwards.

How can fathers be heroes again? So what do heroes do?

Heroes arise and rescue (Malachi 4:5-6)
• The bible says, in the last days, a curse will come upon all men, unless the father’s hearts turn to their children and the children’s hearts turn to their father’s. Father’s you have a job to do!
• There is always a job for the superhero in times of crisis – just as you would need to be available for your children in such times.
• Rebuild your marriage and recognise that the best way to love your children is to love your wife.
• Put the protection barriers up and take interest in your children’s lives. Set boundaries in their lives.

Heroes mentor (Ephesians 6:4)
• If we don’t mentor and encourage our children, we become tormentors by putting them down all the time.
• Be a model of goodness and godliness to your children.
• What are you building in life? Are you building an earth kingdom where most and rust will destroy or are you investing your life in your children and your children’s children?

Heroes train (Proverbs 22:6)
• Training involves repetitious consistency. A father needs to model that too!
• At the right time, speak from the heart. Avoid clichés like “you cannot do that because we are Christians”. Speak on matters of consequences and matters of destiny.
• Admit that you are not a perfect father/parent.

Heroes bond (Malachi 4:6 ; Proverbs 17:6)
• Bonding involves:
Time
Forgiveness
Verbal affirmation
Touch affirmation
Learning to say sorry
• Learn to be friends with your children especially when they transition into their teenage years.
• Fathers, when your attitude is wrong or when you have shown inconsistency, learn to eat humble pie and say sorry. When you do, God will restore the heart of your children towards you and you towards the children.
• Choose the right moments to say the right things. Realise that God is not finished with you yet. Learn to be real with your family and let them accept you for who you are.

God is calling all men, whether you are married or not, to be heroes today!
God has called you to start modeling the heart of the Father to your children in this generation and to your future generations. Take your place today and start now!


Cats In The Cradle
Artist: Harry Chapin ; Album: Cats In The Cradle

My child arrived just the other day
He came to the world in the usual way
But there were planes to catch and bills to pay
He learned to walk while I was away
And he was talkin' 'fore I knew it, and as he grew
He'd say "I'm gonna be like you dad
You know I'm gonna be like you"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin' home dad?
I don't know when, but we'll get together then son
You know we'll have a good time then

My son turned ten just the other day
He said, "Thanks for the ball, Dad, come on let's play
Can you teach me to throw", I said "Not today
I got a lot to do", he said, "That's ok"
And he walked away but his smile never dimmed
And said, "I'm gonna be like him, yeah
You know I'm gonna be like him"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin' home son?
I don't know when, but we'll get together then son
You know we'll have a good time then

Well, he came home from college just the other day
So much like a man I just had to say
"Son, I'm proud of you, can you sit for a while?"
He shook his head and said with a smile
"What I'd really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys
See you later, can I have them please?"

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin' home son?
I don't know when, but we'll get together then son
You know we'll have a good time then

I've long since retired, my son's moved away
I called him up just the other day
I said, "I'd like to see you if you don't mind"
He said, "I'd love to, Dad, if I can find the time
You see my new job's a hassle and kids have the flu
But it's sure nice talking to you, Dad
It's been sure nice talking to you"

And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me
He'd grown up just like me
My boy was just like me

And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin' home son?
I don't know when, but we'll get together then son
You know we'll have a good time then.

Thought of the week:
“Good parents give their children Roots and Wings. Roots to know where home is, wings to fly away and exercise what’s been taught them.”