MY BELOVED SON

“MY BELOVED SON”

By Pastor Mark Taylor

June 16, 2013

“And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17).

God our Father, was talking to His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit when He said “Us”. “And God said, Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness.” (Genesis 1:26).

 God the Father understands what it means to be a father.  And the Lord Jesus Christ understands what it means to be a son.  Today, I would like to examine their relationship and some of the things they said to each other while the Lord Jesus was here on earth.  I realize that not all of you who read or hear this message are fathers or grandfathers.   But the principles below will help you to be a better friend, a better church member, and a better employee or supervisor.  Listen to the Holy Spirit speak to the “Father’s” today, and apply these lessons to your life to become a better person the Lord can be proud of, and your influence on others will be greater. Let us hear from Our Heavenly Father and His Son, 

Father’s use A Physical Touch to demonstrate your love for your children.  It is important for Father’s to show their children love by physically loving them.  When children are very small you can’t communicate love with words because they don’t understand words yet. But the best way to communicate love to a very small child is by touching them, & holding them close.  As they get older a hug or at the very least a handshake from a father communicates love.  Don’t look at small children as problems, but as special people who Jesus loves.  He thought is was important for them to be blessed and touched.

“Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them.  But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”  And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.” (Mark 10: 13-16).

Father’s A spoken message of love and affection is very important to your children.  God the Father praised His Son, The Lord Jesus Christ.  “And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17).  Fathers and grandfathers, aunts and uncles, and parental figures,  need to verbally communicate our love to our children in public and in private.  Every child needs affirmation and encouragement.

Father’s communicate to your children their worth and value to you. Take time to listen to your children.  They need your undivided attention to feel like they are special and valued by you.   Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ knew He could always talk to His Father, and He would listen.  “And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, "Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. "And I know that You always hear Me." (John 11:41-42).  So when a child comes to talk to you, turn off the radio or TV set. Lay aside the newspaper, & listen to what they have to say!   That communicates value. "You’re worth something. You’re more important to me than the ballgame or newspaper. You’re a valuable part of our family. I’m glad God gave you to us. And whenever you have something you need to talk about, I’m here to listen."

There is one gift you can give year around, and that is your time.  Take individual time with each of your children and grandchildren to listen to them.  Ask them questions about what is going on in their lives and then give them time to answer you without interrupting them or be judgmental about what they are saying.  Often as parents we are too quick to give our opinions without being asked.  Just listen.  There may be a hidden message in their conversation that will come out if you give them time to finish their thoughts.

Fathers – praise your children.  Tell your children/grandchildren you love something good about them everyday.  Tell your children/grandchildren thank you for something they did for you recently.  Tell your children/grandchildren how good they did something you asked them to do for you.

Tell them how important they are to you in what they do. As your children/grand children try to improve, tell them how much they have improved on something you criticized them about.

Father’s assure your children of their future as they serve the Lord Jesus.  Remind them of scriptures that talk about the blessings God will give them if they love and follow Him.  “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father...”  (James 1:17).  Remind them that they have a “Heavenly Father” that is looking out for them and wants to help them.