Synopsis
Fathers occupy a very solemn responsibility and place in the lives of their children and will one day be expected to give an account on how they exercised their influence when they stand before God. Fathers are influencers, they influence the lives of their children every day. Children often watch their Fathers, they observe how their father relates with their wives (mothers), their daughters learn what to look for in their husbands and their sons learn how to love their wives. Children also learn how to appreciate the Bible, the place of church and the things of God, by observing their fathers devotion and faithfulness to God.
In Mark 5:21-43 we have an account of a grieved father who had a deathly sick daughter - who eventually died but Jesus brought her back to life. There are many lessons we can draw from the life of the Father to the little girl in this passage and these include:
1). The unashamed determination to seek out the LORD Jesus Christ, as a desperate father who saw the pain and suffering of his little girl, he did not send any one but rose up to seek the LORD Jesus Christ for himself. Do our children know us as fathers who run to the LORD Jesus Christ in the midst of our crisis? Fathers ought to run to the LORD Jesus Christ fervently, consistently and earnestly;
2). The undying devotion to bring the LORD Jesus Christ to his house. So desperate was his situation that he wanted the LORD Jesus Christ to come to his home and lay His hands on his sick daughter. We are told that Jesus went with him, however there were many obstacles along the way, for example there was a great crowd (vs. 24b), there was a needy woman (vs. 25-34) - but the man did not lose hope. The worst obstacle was the dreadful news from his home that the his daughter was dead (vs. 35) however Jesus urged him not to fear but only believe;
3). His deep love for his daughter, his love for his Child made him to look for Jesus Christ, though he arrived when his daughter was no more he still had hope because Jesus told him not worry but just believe.
Fathers, are we seeking the LORD Jesus Christ for our family, do we desire to have Jesus in our homes spiritually - as a guide and leader of our family? are we setting out a good example for our children that Christ must have a central place in our lives and their lives.
