Faith of our Fathers

As we celebrate Juneteenth and Father’s Day on the same Sunday it is interesting to consider how these days intersect for Black people. On the one hand we celebrate the practical end of the barbaric practice of slavery in America, and on the other we celebrate those men who God has graciously given us a progenitors for our existence and further those who have raised us. But, we also remember how fathers had to stand helpless and hopeless while their families were torn apart and how they were systematically incriminated by the early stages of policing in the country. Black fathers to this day, still suffer the stigma they are absentee fathers. This is a lie. (Give Statistics CDC center for Disease Control) Our Fathers Had faith as well.

The Biblical fathers of faith, the patriarchs, had faith. And like our fathers and forefathers, they were far from perfect men. They made many mistakes. They like we, made mistakes with the responsibilities of the home. How they treated their wives, and how they treated their children. There is no excuses to be made for the failures of them but, they like us because of faith, receives the same grace from God that none of us deserve. And there lies the commonality that I hope to have with these men. That although they were not perfect men, they were men God used because of their willingness learn of their mistakes and have faith in God for their salvation.

They believed God. That is the first thing. There is no point of this sermon without knowing God.

Faith for Providential Power (Abraham)

We know that God provided a ram in the bush for Abraham. We know that Abraham called him Jehovah Jireh “The Lord who Provides”. But, the Hebrew writer calls our attention to Abraham’s faith prior to the provision.

Faith for their Future (Issac)

Being a good parent and Father means seeing in your children what the world does not.

He blessed them agreeing with God in prayer. He is essentially praying for his children and holding God to the promises.

Faith to Worship (Jacob)

If our children don’t see us worship our faith is in question.

When he was dying. When things aren't going well.

Joseph’s sons, Manasseh was older but Ephraim received a greater blessing.

Faith God would Keep his Family (Joseph)

He knew God would keep his promise after he was Gone.

He wanted to be where his family was.