Earlier this month, I was reading in the first chapter of Luke, verse 17 where an angel was speaking to a Dad named “Zechariah” and proclaiming to him news about his future son. A son yet to be born. The angel said, “And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous – to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” NIV   Zechariah’s future son would be “John the Baptist”, who would go before the coming of God’s Son, Jesus. And what would he do? Turn the hearts of Dads to their children……I do love that part! John’s mission was to get the attention of Dads to wake up and turn their focus to the most important needs of their children. And what were the most important needs for their children? Preparing their hearts to be ready to receive the Lord. Helping Dads to get back to their mission: teaching our children to love God, love our neighbors and love His Word. Psalm 78:1-7 outlines it clearly. A generational perspective. So our children can tell the next generation and their children the next generation.

It’s been a traveling journey for our family since late May with Christian Home Education Conventions in North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia. During those travels, I met many “Generational Dads”. Men who have a passion for their families and a desire to raise their children according to the Word of God.   They were an encouragement. Even saw some grandfathers who were supporting their children and grandchildren in the endeavor. Quite an example!

The absence of Dads in families today is reaching epidemic proportions in the U.S. According to U.S. government statistics, 41% of children today are born to unwed mothers. *   There are three major institutions in society that will primarily impact the spiritual development of our children: the family, education and the church. Dad’s absence will impact all three with severe consequences.

In June we celebrate Father’s Day. We need to celebrate Dad lest our nation forget their critical importance to our children, our families and indeed our country. Many thanks to all of you faithful Dads out there! You are greatly needed by your children, your children’s children and for all of those generations yet to come.

 

*The Benedict Option, p. 22

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