Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - June/76

Contributor - Joel Hansma

Title - The Good News Father

Topic - Meditation

".... Let us run with perseverance the race that ' set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith"

The exciting event of June happens as families everywhere celebrate Father's Day. In June the family turns its attention to dad. Someone once asked me ' "why should there be a special day for fathers?" I replied, "Why not? Dad's are important." But of course I'm biased because I'm a father too. I believe that in the family the dad makes the difference, but this difference is even more pronounced when dad is a "Good News Father".

I was impressed at the meeting of the Particular Synod of the West, when Rev. Don Jansma gave a report on the "Good News People". What an exciting concept! Stated very simply, his dream is to create a core of Good News People in every church. I thought to myself, "but why stop there? Let's put at least one Good News Person in every home!" Dad, you are it! It isn't my idea it's really God's. He has placed us fathers as the spiritual head of the home. We can't push that off on anyone else. Sure, I know in many homes, it's mom who keeps us honest with God. Yet, that isn't the way it is as I read it in my Bible. In the Christian home the father has this exciting responsibility!

A pastor friend of mine here in Edmonton said that the most exciting thing he has done in his life and his ministry has been to lead his children to a firm commitment to Jesus Christ. Why he said, it was such a moving experience for him, when his first boy stood up and confessed Christ, that he could hardly preach the sermon. He got all choked up as he realized how God had used him to lead his own child to Jesus! He was a "Good News Father!"

Let's face it, our world is full of bad news. Every page of the newspaper, the news on television, even the gossip over the back fence is often bad news. Our families are bombarded by bad news. So much that it is often difficult to keep a happy face. Yet, God has given us his comforting Spirit. We, as fathers, have a calling direct from God himself. We have a calling Of service to country, province, city or community. But God has a further calling to church and family. We often fulfill that calling to church, but let the church fulfill our calling to our family. I pray that every father reading this turns that around! You have a calling to family and church! Sure, the church is there to help you. But as a "Good News Father" you are responsible for your family!

As a "Good News Father" you are aware of the passages of scripture that warn against provoking our children. Be a part of your children's lives! Share their hurts and their joys! Give them your time. Have faith in them and they will have faith in you. Good News! That's what God has entrusted in our hands! Our faith is rich and full of fun! Share that joyful faith with your whole family! Then and only then are we running the race set before us.

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