The Reward for a Christian Father

Introduction:
Today’s world don’t make it easy to be a Godly Dad. We often make the assumption that Dads
really need to be thrashed about the head and neck for failing to live up to God’s standards – and
then wonder why they don’t come to church. Men I have the inspiring privilege to share with you
the power of being a man of God.
We live in a world where Father’s are disparaged at every turn. Turn on the TV – you will find the
vast majority of men portrayed as bungling, insensitive, boozing, lecherous, jerks. It is rare to find
a father portrayed in a good light. Maybe that speaks to the state of entertainment in the US or
maybe it speaks to the state of manhood in our society – but either way the messages are all
wrong. Don’t get me wrong– there are plenty of bungling, insensitive, boozing, jerks out there –
but in my experience there are far more – men who are genuinely trying if often failing to do it
right. Let’s talk about doing it right and the rewards found in getting it right.
Psalm 128 – this psalm many believe is a psalm that was sung during Israelite marriage
ceremonies. It has wonderful teaching for us as men today.
1) You have the power to be happy – We live in a generally unhappy society.
The truth is that people make a living making you unhappy. From advertisers who are telling you
that you need their product to make you happy – to political power brokers who get elected by
telling you that they will make you happier than the other guy – the world runs on making you
unhappy. We all know people who are killing themselves to get ahead in life, to find happiness.
Many never find it. Psalm 128 starts out with the word “blessed”. To be blessed is to be truly
happy, regardless of circumstances. It includes well-being, fullness, prosperity. The Jewish
Talmud says “We see life, not as it is, but as we are.” It’s a matter of perception, which means that
some people will never be happy, no matter what. True happiness is not something external or
fleeting; it is within, and for good. Happiness isn’t a matter of luck; there are no tricks involved.
We have the power to be happy – but often we look in the wrong places. This passage says that if
we Fear God and walk in His ways that we can find happiness.
2) You have the power to make your home what you want it to be
– Verses 3-4 tell us that our homes can be blessed. The picture of wives as fruitful vines and
children as olive plants is more than a picture of a large and growing family. It is a picture of
prosperity, comfort, and love. Grapevines and olive plants are symbols of prosperity – riches – in
Jewish culture. This picture is not of a perpetually pregnant wife (whew ladies) but of a home
where there is a richness and comfort and prosperity. In Japan there is actually a buisness that
rents ready made families for a fee who will show up on their doorstep and greet them with
enthusiastic warmth. It’s not a cheap service, but the business is a huge success. The founder of
the company explains, “What is common about our clients is that they are thirsty for human love.”
Unfortunately I am afraid the company will be short lived as people find out that you cannot buy
love and