Calvin Synod Herald, 2008 (109. évfolyam, 1-10. szám)
2008-05-01 / 5-6. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD 7 Our Fathers Here on Earth Scripture reading: Proverbs 4:1-13. “The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him. ” Proverbs 20:7. You have heard so many sermons or read so many meditations about F ather ’s Day, thus it is hard to say or write something basically new. It is well-known that a father should be simultaneously strict and kind, bold and cautious, thinking logically and loving tenderly. We also agree that we should express our gratitude to the hardworking, providing, and protecting fathers. On Mother’s Day we like to greet our mothers with a nice bouquet of beautiful flowers, so this time on Father’s Day we wish to show our respect toward the fathers and gentlemen by presenting them a bouquet of “wisdom.” (Perhaps some of them would rather receive “Four Roses.”) By doing this we do not violate the teaching of the Bible, since in the book of Proverbs we find many wise and important suggestions and admonitions. For example, study our scripture reading and see our text. “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart.” Proverbs 3:1 • Be careful about your thoughts, for your thoughts will determine your words. • Be careful about your words, for your words will determine your actions. • Be careful about your actions, for your actions will determine your habits. • Be careful about your habits, for your habits will determine your character. • Be careful about your character, for your character will determine your fate. • Be careful about your children, for they will choose your nursing home. A father’s Ten Commandments: 1 I shall teach my children love of God and respect for their fellowmen. 2. I shall teach them good sportsmanship in work and play. 3. I shall instill in them an appreciation of church and the family, the backbone of our society. 4. I shall strive for companionship and mutual understanding. 5. I shall impart to them a desire to love and honor their country and obey its laws. 6. 1 shall encourage them to apply themselves to difficult tasks with necessary amount of self-discipline. 7. 1 shall teach them the importance of participation in community affairs and local government. 8. I shall teach them self-reliance and help them develop an independent spirit. 9. I shall help them develop a sense of responsibility in planning for the future. 10.1 shall above all, live a life that will lead them to our Heavenly Father.” For conclusion here is Apostle Paul’s advice: “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4. Rev. Alexander Jalso First Hungarian Reformed Church of Homestead Munhall, Pennsylvania The God of Details Ever had a day when nothing goes right, one of the so-called bad-hair days? Surely, all have had such days. However, how many of us realize that even in this God is present and working His plan of redemption? When was the last time you thanked God for all the aggravations life was tossing in front of you? The story of Joseph shows to us in a very real way that even when man plans evil that God can and does take that evil and use it for good. Such is the power of a Sovereign God who orders all things to His glory and the good of His elect. This story also shows to us many of the things we see in almost all human families. We should take some comfort in knowing that even the constant bickering between siblings is of God and in the end will be for Good. Now as Paul asks in another place, should we sin that grace may abound? God forbid! The point here is that even that which we might consider insignificant is of God and that God who cares so much He has numbered the hairs of our heads is also the God of the details in life. Denial of problems and not seeking the help to rectify them is a bad thing and to be avoided. Nonetheless, to know God is in control and refuse to let present circumstance sidetrack us is of God and the comfort we have in the sureness of God’s presence in all things. We live life in hope and joy. This is not denial; it is using the gift of faith from God to live life and that more abundantly. The promise of abundant life is for today. It seems odd to me to use the word abundant for the eternal life we have in Christ where the streets are paved with gold and the doors made of pearls. The promise of Christ to always be with us was not conditioned on circumstance. Let us then learn to thank God and praise Him in all things for indeed God inhabits the praise of His people. Dr. Chuck Baynard Clover Evangelical Presbyterian Church Clover, South Carolina ^ ‘ t Live each day so that you void neither he afraid of tomorrow nor ashamed of yesterday1. A___________________________________
