The Father's Blessing

I. Intro - How many know our God is a generational God? He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He loves our family even more than we do.

Exodus 3:5–6 NIV

“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.

God is looking to bring lasting revival to our region, our nation, and the nations through the family. Why to the family? The fall of every great civilization in history has been preceded by the decline of the family. The key to the nations is the family. Who mosts affects the family? The Father.

Fathers impact our identity and destiny...

They are a natural example of our Heavenly Father.

The human spirit desires the fathers blessing.

Genesis 27:38 KJV 1900

And Esau said unto his father, Hast thou but one blessing, my father? bless me, even me also, O my father. And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept.

If Mom attends church regularly and Dad doesn’t at all…

2% of their children will end up attending church regularly

60% of their children will end up not attending at all

If Mom and DAD attend regularly…

(75% will have relationship with God and attend church)

Media portrays men as bumbling idiots...

II. OUR GOD IS A GENERATIONAL GOD WITH GREAT PLANS

The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob has set some things to be accomplished that will take more than one generation to finish.

Davids obedience kept a member of the family on the throne forever.

2 Samuel 7:12–13 KJV 1900

And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.

Aaron’s blessing affected all the generations of his family.

Abraham’s obedience opened the door for his descendants

Proverbs

Proverbs 13:22 KJV 1900

A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: And the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.

III. it's not easy being a dad but it's worth it

Ill - The father was murmuring under his breath: "Now, Danny, calm down, control yourself, be patient, just a little longer. We're almost through, almost through. Calm down, Dan, boy." He said to the man, as He went by with his cart: "Little Danny's having a hard time there, eh?" The man looked at him and said, "I'm Dan.”

IV. Why should men bless their families? If men won't speak, satan will.

Intentional investments - slow and sow

Levitical Priests stopped at 50 so younger could begin to fulfill their roles.

V. Bless your family.

Your words carry weight, create courage and build life.

Authority to unlock things only you can unlock.

Everything you do matters

SHOW THEM WHAT A REAL MAN IS.

VI. Your History Doesn’t Have To Be Your Destiny

Jonadeb

Jonadeb’s dad left a negative legacy. ()

But Jonadeb was a righteous man who helped Jehu to be king and end Ahab’s legacy ()

Jonadebs life mattered 250 years later. ()

Jeremiah 35:18–19 KJV 1900

And Jeremiah said unto the house of the Rechabites, Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Because ye have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your father, and kept all his precepts, and done according unto all that he hath commanded you: Therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not want a man to stand before me for ever.

Lovers of God not lovers of pleasure, themselves or things of this world.

Aaronic blessing

22 The Lord said to Moses, 23 “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:

24 “‘“The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’

Passion for The Son that causes every other desire to melt away

27 “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”

Focus on being faithful, men of character.