Proverbs 4:3-4. “For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, ‘Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.’” MY FATHER’S SON. I AM MY FATHER’S SON. I watched him – and saw in him all that I wanted to be. True, his hands were calloused and large – but his knees were calloused too. I watched him work – and saw his skill at multi-tasking, at making each step count that his family would have all our needs met – but needs of other people were met too. I watched him when he didn’t know it – and what he was when he was alone, was the same as when he was with his family or in a crowd. He was consistent. I watched him do business – and he never compromised his character. He dealt with employees respectfully - and he was the same with bankers and businessmen. I watched him with mother – and he always treated her with dignity and honor. She knew she was loved – and so did I. I watched him with his family – and he made the boundaries clear. We knew what he wanted, expected and demanded – and knew he was like that for our good. He loved us.
I listened to him – his words were not usually hard to take. His speech was firm and still caring. I knew he meant what he said. I listened to him preach – he never preached what he didn’t practice. His words were plain – and easy to understand. I listened to him tell stories – his stories always had a point. A few were funny – most were to instruct. I listened to him sing – he sang the words like he really was a participant in the message. I listened to him speak – he spoke to others with respect. He gave honor where honor was due. I listened to him – he never spoke evil of dignities. I listened to him speak – he spoke to God like he was confident God heard.
I worked with him – he taught me how to enjoy work. He appreciated the honor of being able to work. I worked with him – he taught me how to do what I did not know how to do. He patiently waited until I did it right. I worked with him – in physical work and in spiritual work. He was wise in making decisions. I worked with him – he didn’t stop working at 65. He worked for God, not for retirement. I worked with him – he did what he could do, and didn’t waste his time trying to do what he couldn’t. I AM MY FATHER’S SON.
I AM MY HEAVENLY FATHER’S SON. I watch Him – and I see daily benefits that supply my needs. I watch Him – and see evidence of His power, authority and grace wherever I look. I watch Him – and see what He does in the lives and hearts of those who go to Him in faith. I watch Him – and see He has given evidence of Himself in those who belong to Him. I watch Him – and I see evidence of His existence that so many people miss.
I listen to Him – He still speaks to me in the words of the Bible. I listen to Him – and hear His voice in the quiet recesses of my heart. I listen to Him – and He speaks peace to my soul.
I work with Him – rather He lets me work for Him, and the labor is full of the sweetness of labor with a meaning. I work for Him – and He multiplies the seed many more times that what I have planted. I work for Him – and rejoice as the harvest is gathered in and I am much closer to home than ever before.
“Heavenly Father, I am so thankful for my earthly father and all that he was able to exemplify of Thee. His ways, his words and his work were godly and I truly wanted to be like him. He loved Thee, he loved mother, he loved his family, he loved the Lord’s people, he loved sinners, he loved the Gospel, he loved serving Thee in so many different ways – and I know he loved me. Thanks, heavenly Father, for Thy love to me. Amen.”