A covenant with God
ISRAEL…is a small country in the Middle East. As of 2017, the population is estimated at 8,785,940, of whom 74.7% are Jewish, 20.8% Arab and 4.5% others. Its perceived capital is Jerusalem. The Democratic State of Israel was established in 1948. But of course it is so much more than that in so many ways.
I am currently teaching Genesis in our Sunday School class. We are at the section where Jacob, the descendant of Isaac and Abraham, has his name changed by God to Israel. He became the father of twelve tribes and at this time he was simply a large family with a lot of sheep, but a covenant promise from God that from him the nations of the world would descend. God started a ‘movement’ through Abraham and his son and grandson; and today everyone who is of the household of faith, that is, a Believer in Christ, is a spiritual descendant. Billions and counting! There are many natural Jewish descendants in Israel today and around the world.
The Abiding Fathers Movement
As I was focusing on this, my thoughts drifted to Abiding Fathers and some similarities. God has ordained a ‘movement’ of abiding fathers in Dallas and across America. Just like God’s promise to Abraham, God has also made a promise that He will turn the hearts of fathers to the children and the hearts of children to the fathers in Malachi 4.6. Just like God spoke to the patriarch, he also spoke to my heart about the mission He wanted to begin to accomplish this in our nation and maybe beyond.
You see, when God does the ordaining and proclaiming, he then fulfills it. Abiding Fathers exists to fulfill the Malachi prophecy in our city and nation today. Like Israel, who was nothing more than a large family, beginning from the seed of one man, this is exactly what is taking place in this ministry. We are a small band that has grown out of one vision from God. But like Israel, he intends to expand the ministry to millions of fathers and families. This is going to succeed because it is from God’s hand. ‘Movements’ require a myriad of people and resources. Over the past seven years I have personally witnessed his provision.
Thank you
As we face the opportunity of a new year, I wanted to take time to personally thank every person who has been led by God to step up and contribute to the ‘movement’. And for those who will come in the future. To all who have served in some way—donated, prayed, hosted, encouraged, spoken, taught, been taught, filmed, given testimony, written, posted, introduced, shared, volunteered, planned, attended, and so much more! If you see yourself in any or several of these, thank you.
We know God uses every uniquely gifted member of the Body of Christ to fulfill His purposes, bringing glory to Him and joy to us. The Spirit does the work through us. Some plant, some water, but God gives the increase. Paul puts it well in Ephesians 4.7-16. It is summed up in verse 16. “From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” (ESV)
His promise to Israel and now to Abiding Fathers will succeed. He has opened my eyes, and hopefully yours, to see countless Colleagues training and equipping millions and millions of dads all across our land. There is no higher calling and no greater need!!!
A double portion of thanks and praise to those fathers who have stepped up and are taking their role seriously to “Be the Dad…God wants you to be”. Embrace the joy that you are a vital part of a ‘movement’ of God. “WELL DONE!”
