Father’s Do – Zephaniah 3

Zephaniah 3:16-17, In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:

“Do not fear; Zion, let not your hands be weak.
The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.”

What a good, good Father is our God!

What a pattern/example for fathers today!

Consider:

1. God – Do not fear! A father is a protector.  There is a confidence in the child that father understands all and is able to do all to keep the child safe from dangers and damage.  \ A good father exudes a confidence in God, in his preparations and in his ability to handle the “threat.”
2. God – Do not be discouraged (hands hanging down)!  A father is an encourager.  There will be failures, set-backs, disappointments, rejections, pain and loss; any of which can cause depression or despair.  A good father pulls alongside with words, hugs and ideas as to how God might be using the pain and why there is hope for tomorrow.
3. God is present! A father is available. That is, a father is home when he can be and when home he is available.  A father is observing, listening, planning, approachable and engaged.  A good father is not unduly gone (too much golfing or hunting or hanging with friends) nor gone when home (in his shop, internet shopping or screen time).  And when away for work or other, a father is available within reason.  A good father is present!
4. God is mighty to save!  A father is strong!  A good father knows Who saves and Whom to trust.  A good father is all about the King of Glory who can do all and rules all.  A good father talks of and points to the one and only Savior – Jesus!  The salvation all need and any can claim is found by faith in the person and work of Jesus.  A good father is loud and bold about Jesus!
5. God delights in His child. A father is so very glad for his child. His child is his delight. A father makes it known to others that the child is his and he is so very glad for such.  The child knows that he/she is cherished, accepted and important.
6. God quiets and calms His child.  A father hugs, inquires and listens, talks, prays over, tells Bible stories and quotes verses.  A father helps heal the wounds and pains.  A child will invariably hit tough patches and a good father sees such and comes alongside to restore.  When a child sins, guilt and shame kick in.  A father realizes the importance of cleansing through confessing to God, to parents and to offended ones that their spirit might return to peace.
7. God sings over His child!  A father sings over his child (God sings over us – WOW!). The child experiences the love of the father in words, hugs, cards or cones (ice cream) and high-fives.  A good father openly celebrates the successes and advances of the child.  A good father blesses his child.  That is, he is purposeful in letting his child know he is of great worth and has a great future for God and mankind if obedient.