Summer at Create- Father’s Day
Pastor Ryan
6 minute read
“Burn the Chariots.”
This verse can change everything. Let me explain.
As we approach Father’s Day, there’s a scripture that reveals wisdom for everyone, but it holds special inspiration for fathers. In the midst of my responsibility, both in business and church, the story of Joshua and the instructions given in Deuteronomy provide me great value, and I know it will for you too. There’s four key principles from these passages that can guide you in either being a faithful father or encouraging the fathers in your life to lead with integrity, prioritize their hearts, scatter their wealth, and diligently pursue wisdom. Look at this:
“All these kings came out to fight. Their combined armies formed a vast horde. And with all their horses and chariots, they covered the landscape like the sand on the seashore. The kings joined forces and established their camp around the water near Merom to fight against Israel. Then the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Do not be afraid of them. By this time tomorrow I will hand all of them over to Israel as dead men. Then you must cripple their horses and burn their chariots.’ So Joshua and all his fighting men traveled to the water near Merom and attacked suddenly. And the Lord gave them victory over their enemies. The Israelites chased them as far as Greater Sidon and Misrephoth-maim, and eastward into the valley of Mizpah, until not one enemy warrior was left alive. Then Joshua crippled the horses and burned all the chariots, as the Lord had instructed.”
Joshua 11:4-9 NLT (emphasis mine)
Sometimes, there’s no turning back. Following Jesus requires everything. No half-measures.
Stay Your Course
A father’s ceiling should be a son’s floor. In scripture, King David and his son, Solomon, face the importance of remaining focused on God’s calling amidst the abundance and allure of worldly possessions.
Keep Your Heart
Elijah’s challenge to the people of Israel is perfect for father’s today, urging you to make a wholehearted commitment to the Lord. As fathers, you are called to walk with integrity, for your children’s blessing depends on our example. By nurturing a genuine fear of the Lord and faithfully obeying His commandments, you lay a solid foundation of wisdom and righteousness for generations to come.
Scatter Your Wealth
Proverbs reminds us of the importance of generosity and wise stewardship. “There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty.”
Proverbs 11:24 NKJV
Just as you should not accumulate excessive wealth for yourself, you are called to embrace a mindset of generosity and teach our children the value of sharing.
Read Your Scroll
The significance of God’s Word cannot be overstated. Just as the kings of Israel were instructed to continually read the Law, you, too, should immerse ourselves in Scripture daily. By embracing this practice, you guard yourself against pride, remain connected to your fellow citizens, and ensure that your descendants will inherit the blessings of wisdom and faith that scripture promises.
By staying the course, guarding your heart, scattering your wealth, and diligently pursuing wisdom, you can become the fathers your children need and the spiritual leaders your family deserves.
Burn the chariots.
“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.”
Psalms 20:7 NKJV