A Fathers faith is the strength of
his family
Genesis 22:7-13
Introduction:
What is the role of a father? There are many answers to this question. Today we
live in a world that is driven by material things, bigger homes, nicer cars,
faster computers, and the latest cell phone this list can go on and on. True
fathers want the best for their children, why did I say true fathers, because
there is a difference between a man who fathered a child and a man who is a
father to a child. Society tells us to prepare for our children’s future,
through education, career planning, social preparation and the like. Society
fails miserably though as it tries to prepare fathers for their role. God is
left out, this morning I want us to look at the story of Abraham and Isaac,
from this story I want us to see “a fathers faith is the strength of his
family” and without this the family isn’t prepared to face the future.
Abraham provides comfort for Isaac as they prepare for the
journey to the altar. Is it possible for you and I put ourselves in Abraham’s
shoes? How do you think he felt as he led his only son to an altar as a
sacrifice to God who had provided him as a fulfilled promise? As a father
Abraham found comforting words for Isaac. A father knows the world is full of
danger and that God is in control of our lives. We must seek God for the proper
words to use when we need to comfort our children, if we do He will provide.
I believe we all know that Isaac did not know what was
planned for him. Abraham did and as a father he put faith in God that
everything was going to be alright. I believe that Isaac saw this confidence in
his father and was able to remain calm as he helped Abraham build an altar and prepare
for his death. If you and I as fathers cannot maintain a true confidence in God
and live it out daily how are we to expect our children to maintain a
confidence in us?
Here we see the results of commitment. Abraham did exactly
as God told him and so did Isaac as a son. From this obedience we see a father
who trusted God and a son who had confidence in his father, from this we see
God glorified. God intervenes in this situation just in time, telling Abraham that
he we tested and that a ram had been provided in place of Isaac. Dads are you
ready for God to test your faith in order to establish your strength within
your family. He may already be doing it, consider what your faced with today
and ask yourself the question “am I handling my life the way God wants me too?”
Conclusion: The story of Abraham and Isaac has many
applications in our life. As we celebrate father’s day I hope you can see how
faith provided a foundation for strength within Abraham’s family. If God can do
this for Abraham He can do this in our families today. The word of God is very
clear that moms and dads have very specific responsibilities within the family
and both must work together for God to be glorified. Fathers, your income may
not provide every material thing; your life may have mistakes in your past,
regardless of the worldly things that may hold you back always remember your
faith will lead your family. Close as God leads.