FATHERHOOD
L. McFarlane
Genesis 48: 8–14, 17–19; Acts 20: 10–12
A very simple impression as to fatherhood is in one’s mind. It is a divine favour that God should leave persons with us of age and experience. Fatherhood is related to assembly order, I think. At Corinth we know there were gifted persons but Paul emphasizes that there were “not many fathers”, 1 Corinthians 4: l5. So I am not speaking now of gift or ability but rather the affections that are proper to fatherhood. These affections are not native to us who are younger, they involve years on the path and sometimes sorrowful experiences. Israel had a good deal of sorrow; he is seen here as matured and mellowed, although physically weak.
This side of things is natural with age and yet as in the assembly we are to be intelligent persons. The epistles to Timothy are largely (particularly the first) on the line of establishing Timothy in the spirit in which he was to serve, the recognition of elderhood, and that no one should despise his youth. That would involve that we respect age and experience in the things of God because in His government—I would confess that that is a matter that weighs heavily on me; it is a thing we do not seem to think about when we are younger—but in His government the matter of our conduct in the assembly is not overlooked; He is ready rightly to appraise what is commendable and yet in righteousness what is not in keeping with His house He deals with.
The feature of fatherhood in Genesis is that Israel had knowledge as to the purpose of God in that he could say to Joseph, “I know, my son, I know”. Despite Joseph’s ability as an administrator he is here superseded by Israel his father, so that the Spirit was free to communicate what was prophetic. We the younger do well to have regard to this.
In the next scripture Paul exhibits fatherly affections. It is said that there were many lights in the upper room (Acts 20: 8); many gifted servants were present; however, there was a crisis exposing the state. At the present time we too are faced with a crisis, and what is it doing?
Exposing the state of the brethren; what appears to be latent comes to light in times of crisis. This section is a crisis in the life of Eutychus and here is a father. I speak of these things with the greatest desire to be in the gain of them. This ability to descend and enfold we would covet; how beautifully it is seen in Paul as a father. We need this feature, beginning in our households and in the local assembly. So Paul says, “Be not troubled, for his life is in him”.
What is being said here tonight is intended to preserve life, dear brethren. The prophetic word is for our salvation, to preserve and keep us in the path of the will of God. So with these simple remarks I seek the Lord’s blessing, for His name’s sake.
Word in meeting for ministry, Brooklyn, N.Y.
8 May 1979