Identity As this day is given to honoring the fathers among us, there is recognition of this role as not only significant to the family, but also to that of society. The father provides a name and character that is uniquely transferred to children, greatly influencing the development of their self-identity and world view. The active presence of a father directly impacts confidence and clarity of reality, significantly contributing to how children will interact with and form the society they become a part of. Healthy families and communities are greatly affected by fathers who value and take to heart this significant opportunity. Where this role has been abandoned, displaced or adversely represented, there is great vulnerability to problems with identity and ability to successfully function as a society. How highly we treasure and celebrate, then, those who have responded to this significant responsibility as they’ve been able. It is for this much needed role that Jesus provided the most amazing solution. Just as He was conceived by the Spirit as the Son of God, He has made it possible to join Him as sons and daughters of His Father God. As we are born again by the Spirit, there is an opportunity to be fathered by the same Father He referred to so frequently. We are provided with a name and character that will influence every part of our life with true identity and perspective, unhindered by previous ones. For fathers who are taking their responsibilities to heart, there is the best example and pattern provided. And, for all of us with a heart to honor our fathers, there is a way shown in Jesus of how first honoring our heavenly Father will enable authentic honor to our earthly ones as well. Notes From the father – name/character The child’s identity - fathers 1 Samuel 1:1 (NKJV) 1 Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim Zophim, of the mountains of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. To change a nation’s identity/loyalty/heritage, must change its fatherhood. As long as fatherhood remains in place, the name (purpose, function, destination) cannot be changed to another. Removal of fathers - disgraced Lamentations 5:1-3 (NLT) 1 LORD, remember what has happened to us. See how we have been disgraced! 2 Our inheritance has been turned over to strangers, our homes to foreigners. 3 We are orphaned and fatherless. Our mothers are widowed. The power of fatherhood is removed: Through destroying life Removing roles - displacing Emasculation Father – not just seed, but also behavior John 8:44 (NLT) 44 For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. Crisis of Identity God’s Father solution – Spirit conception Father identity – through Spirit conception Matthew 1:20 (NLT) 20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. John 3:6-7 (NLT) 6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. 7 So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ Romans 8:29-30 (NLT) 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory. God presents Himself : To accept/honor – joy To rebel - heat Psalms 68:5-6 (NLT) 5 Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—this is God, whose dwelling is holy. 6 God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. To respond to His offer – receive His name to overcome. John 17:10-12 (NLT) 10 All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. 11 Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. 12 During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. From the Father – instruction, demonstration - character John 5:19-20 (NLT) 19 So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he is doing. In fact, the Father will show him how to do even greater works than healing this man. Then you will truly be astonished. Behavior indicates fatherhood Matthew 5:16 (NLT) 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. In God’s Fatherhood – preparation of a nation for godly wisdom Zechariah’s word about his son, John – preparation for the Lord: fathers’ hearts turned Luke 1:17 (NLT) 17 He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.” In the Father is unity that impacts the world with His glory John 17:20-24 (NLT) 20 “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. 22 “I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. 23 I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. 24 Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began!