Words from God
These were the very last recorded words from God for 400 years between the Old Testament and the birth and ministry of John the Baptist. He was Elijah in spirit. His message was repentance and turning back to God away from disobedience. That message still resounds today. Dads, we are not Elijah nor are we John the Baptist, but our message is still the same until Christ returns. I truly believe that fathers are given the spirit of Elijah in their families.
God has provided and blessed you with children by natural birth, adoption or as a spiritual father. Whatever the circumstance, you have the privilege and responsibility to direct the children under your care to, among many other things, embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ. “Christ died for our sins and rose from the dead.”
Your authority
The Lord has given you the authority and the means. He holds fathers accountable for being good stewards with that which he entrusts us. The very last statement reveals just how important it is for us to fulfill this highest of callings, and to understand how serious it is to God. He has provided everything you need to succeed. His word, prayer, the body of Christ and the Holy Spirit. And finally, all this takes place in an environment of discipleship. Which fulfills the last words of Jesus recorded in Matthew. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (28. 18-20 ESV).
