Sermon for June 17th, 2012 - Fathers Day (User Interaction requested!)

Happy Fathers Day everyone!

This week, instead of the usual wall-of-text message, I wanted to do something different. Today being Father's Day in the US, where we reflect and thank our fathers (or you ARE the father) for their dedication, love, and strength, it is just as important that we do the same for our heavenly father. So, I would asked that everyone who wants to, could post the following. Everyone can feel free to post any of these, all three, or just one.

I would ask that each of you post one memory about your earthly Father that you hold close to your heart; one moment, words shared, a gift given, anything, just some kind of remembrance that holds great significance to you and your life with him.

Also, tell us one memory you have where God played that role as heavenly Father. An answered prayer (or an unanswered one), a moment of peace, anything that you hold close as a time where God stepped in and made that abba presence known.

For many of you, this is your Fathers Day. Name one thing that you believe a good and Godly Father must have or do to bring up his children well. What defines a good earthly father?

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Let us offer a prayer to God:

Heavenly Father,

Today we take the time to remember the earthly men who were our fathers, fulfilling the role of provider, protector, and shelter in our homes. As they did their duty on Earth, so we always remember you, our Father above, who loves us more than words can ever describe, and that spirit of adoption by which all believers are made part of the greater family of communion. We ask today that you bless our fathers, and bless our memories of them and their work here on Earth. For those whose fathers have passed, let them remember the best of times in their grief, and for those who did not have a father at home, may your heavenly comfort give them peace. Draw near to them, and to us all, that we might fully know and hold dear your that intimate relationship - where we cry unto you Abba, Father.

We ask for this in Your Own Son's name,

Amen.

I leave you to ponder on the words of a poem written by John Piper for his father, reminding us all of the powerful nature and gift of a Godly legacy to our children.

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Reflections on Psalm 1 and Joshua 24:15

No tree however deep the roots, However high and green the shoots, However strong the trunk has stood, Or firm the fibers of the wood, No tree was ever meant to be A never-ending shade for me Or you. Save one: where Jesus died With bleeding branches spread as wide And far as faith, for sinful men.

But there was shade, especially when The tree was old: the leaves were thick With life, and though the root was sick, The bark deep-creased with age, the limbs Were laden down with love, and hymns Were heard beneath when wind bestirred The bowing branches with the Word Of heaven. O there were years of shade!

And more: there was the fruit he made, Or better, bore, when all the ground Seemed dry, we turned again and found The branches heavy with some rare Well-watered food and sweet, called Care. There must have been a river there Beneath the arid earth somewhere Deep-flowing up around the tips Of dying roots, and giving sips Of everlasting life for him To share with us while every limb Gave up its own. O, there was fruit! Life-giving from the dying root.

And more. Much more. There was the wood And it was strong. It had withstood A thousand storms, and everyone More firm. And now for every son, Grandchild and every daughter here He lies a fallen tree and dear, And leaves in you the solid wood And bids you stand where he has stood Beside the river of the Word, And that you keep what you have heard, And sing with him in one accord: "My fruitful house will serve the Lord."