THE DEPUTY FATHER


The World, the Word & You! Broadcast
Commentary by Dennis L. Finnan

I LOVE THOSE OLD WESTERNS! YOU KNOW, THE ONES WHERE THE GOOD GUY WINS. THE ONES WHERE THE SHERIFF'S FAITHFUL 'DEPUTY' CARRIES THE DAY AND HELPS HIM WIN THE WAR AGAINST THE EVIL MEN WHO INVADE THEIR TOWN."

I’m Dennis Finnan, host and speaker on the WWY Broadcast and in a moment, on this Father's Day weekend, we’ll talk about DEPUTIES, BUT IN A FAR DIFFERENT SENSE…Stay tuned.

.. Hello listening friend and welcome to the World, the Word & You! Broadcast, featuring thirty minutes of biblical commentary and beautiful music for your listening enjoyment. I'm Dennis Finnan your host and speaker thanking you for joining us on this Father's Day weekend. Yes, this Sunday is that special day when we pause to honor our faithful father's who have served our homes and families for so many years. Indeed, fathers these days do need some honor and recognition, for many at least in American society are treated as of little value.

However, as one examines the Bible they will find that God has a different point of view as to their worth, and their work in this world of sin. But before I get down to today's message for an emphasis on "fathers," let's pause right at the onset and listen to this lovely moment of music. The I'll return with today's message entitled: "THE DEPUTY FATHER!"

… If you're a man listening today, how do you feel about yourself? If you listen to the siren whine of today's politically correct American voice, you'll have to answer ¾ "not good at all!" Yes, fatherhood these days has fallen on the rock pile of waste, as judged by the establishment. However, far from it being a useless, troublesome vocation and station in life, "fatherhood," in God's eyes is a most precious and important role for any man to take. Indeed, a man is somebody with God, for the Bible tells us man is made " in the image and glory of God, but the woman is the glory of man." Now what does that mean? Well after we pause one more time for some beautiful music, I'll return with today's message to fathers, a message entitled: THE DEPUTY FATHER! Stay tuned.

… When I was a young boy, my parents finally got a TV, long after what seemed to me, the whole neighborhood had for years. I remember one of the first things that we watched were those old B/W movie westerns where the bad guys always lose and the good guys always win. You could usually know who was the bad guy, for they wore the black cowboy hats. And, it mattered little what the story line was, there was always the Sheriff and his faithful deputy who carried the day. Now the deputy was also the one who rarely was in the limelight. When all was said and done and the town praised the Sheriff for winning the day for them, the camera would pan in the distance and the "faithful deputy," who would wave in a gesture of thankful support. Yes, I loved those old flicks. But you know, the same concept and premise can be found in real life in places many fail to look. You see, in a sense God is like that sheriff in those old westerns. He is the key to the success of the town and its families future happiness, health and safety. He is the law keeper, the one to whom all look for security, safety, peace and tranquility to live out their lives to the fullest. And, along with the "sheriff," was his faithful deputy, who in his absence was to carry on in his behalf.

Well today I want to explore another type of deputy, God's deputy, who in His personal absence from our lives and living in this world, has been give the job of protecting and providing for the people of God's domain. Who is this deputy? It is our earthly FATHERS! Yes indeed, God has pinned the badge of authority on these men in our society to keep the peace, tranquility, and safety of all who reside in the home and family. So, let's talk about the role and purpose God has given fathers…

One of the first things we learn in the Bible about fathers is, they were given a specific role and place of God in the home and family. By this I mean, the authority to represent God before all. For the Bible clearly tells us the man is the "lead" and "direct" the home and its members in every society. Perhaps one father who saw this calling the best was a man named Joshua when he said,

Josh 24:15 (NIV) "… as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.""

Amazingly ,Joshua saw his role as a father as being the head of his household, and seeing the duty to guide and direct them as their leader. In today's New Testament era this concept born out of the Old Testament is further reintegrated by God's Word to the wives and mothers of the home when God said,

Eph 5:22-23 (NIV) "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior."

Then to the children God further declared,

Col 3:20 (NIV) "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord."

Now this together implies a great responsibility to the men in the home who are fathers, for their first and foremost responsibility is seen in the fact that…

1. FATHERS ARE TO RULE AND LEAD THE HOME ¾ The Bible tells us that after Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden, God gave a command to these fallen sinners who would begin life in the fallen state. He said to the woman,

Gen 3:16 (NIV) "To the woman he said …. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.""

Rule, governing and all authority of course is from God. Man, and especially fathers have been given this unalterable role in human society and the home, to be the ruler plan and simple. Today modern psychiatry teaches that men and women are to co-rule the home, and now some teach even children are to participate in this. What has been the result? Just look at the shambles the home is in today. Divorce is still at an all time high. If divorce has not been suffered, still other homes are in disarray with rebellious insolent children, and unfaithful derelict husbands and or wives and mothers. It's not unusual today in the news to hear the unthinkable ¾ a mother killing her children in some of the most heinous ways just to get rid of them!

Why is this occurring? The answer may lie simply in the fact that we have rebelled against God's pattern for the home He planned when He created us all. Yes, no matter what society says, God says the man is His "deputy" whom He has placed in His authority to guide and rule the home. He alone will be held responsible for its keeping and its failure too. If you're a Dad today, you need to examine yourself and find out if you are wearing that badge of honor God has given you? Are you lovingly, sacrificially, tenderly, submissively RULING your home?

It's sad these days how many fathers abuse this role. Woman and children are not to be slaves in the home, nor are they there to "serve" the man in his kingdom. Any man who does this is a renegade deputy and will himself suffer the "sheriff's" or rightly, God's wrath, when He returns to put all things under his feet. Yet the fact remains ¾ rule, governing and authority are God's prerogative and call, and He has said men alone are to rule the home. The only alternative to this is anarchy and chaos, which we are seeing appear in millions of homes that have rejected God and His Word.

Now in addition to the man being the HEAD and RULER of the home in God's stead, he is more. We find the Bible says,

2. FATHERS ARE TO BE GOD'S PRIESTS IN THE HOME ¾ What do I mean by this? Exactly what the Bible says about it. Listen to the following Scriptures from the Old and New Testaments…

Deu 6:6-9 (NLT) "And you [speaking to the men of Israel, especially fathers in the home] must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and again to your children...."

Deu 11:19-21 (NLT) "… Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away on a journey, when you are lying down and when you are getting up again. 20 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, 21 so that as long as the sky remains above the earth, you and your children may flourish in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors."

Josh 24:15 (NLT) "…But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD.""

The Old Testament priest, you know, had a very serious and multifaceted job. It entailed about five different things.

THE PRIEST WAS THE TEACHER OF SPIRITUAL TRUTH - Yes, the priest were to teach the Word of God to the people of Israel. This required them to be trained in the Laws of Moses and proficient in His Word. In latter times in Israel to accomplish this a "school of the prophets" was established whereby young men were trained in a working knowledge of God's Word. In like manner God's deputy in the home is the priest throlugh home mothers and children are to learn the Word of God. How is this to be done? Well for starters, by holding class. This call might rightly be called - the FAMILY DEVOTIONAL TIME. Fathers, do you hold devotions in the home? Do you gather the family together and teach them the Word of God? If not, you are not a good or faith deputy, and when the "sheriff," that is God himself returns, you will be the one whom he disciplines. Secondly not only was the priest's work to be the teachers of Israel, they were also to be the "servants" of Israel too. How did they serve? They served by offering up the sacrifices of Israel day in and day out.

In like manner, God's deputy in the home is to offer up sacrifices too. Oh, not the blood of bulls and goats. You see the Bible tells us,

Heb 10:4 (NIV) "… it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins."

That Old Testament work has forever been put away, for it was simply to vividly picture for mankind that sin could only be paid for by one's life and by sacrifice of another, a substitute, God would forgive sin. Well we know that substitute and final sacrifice came. It was the Lamb of God, the man Christ Jesus who was offered upon the altar of God at Calvary to give up his life through the blood death sacrifice for the sins of the world. The Bible says,

John 3:16-17 (NIV) ""For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

So the father in the home today and everyday is to do the work of the priest. He is to intercede before God for those under his care. The priests offered up prayers, and petitions daily for the people's sins. I wonder how many fathers are faithful here? If you are a dad can I ask you are you the family prayer warrior? Do you et on your knees interceding for your wife, children and grandchildren? Can they find you leading prayers in the home at devotion time? Can you be found at the dinner table praying for the meals? Can the family find you taking them to prayer meetings at church and being the example of a godly father and priest, vitally praying for them? I believe the vast majority of sin committed in the home might never happen, if God's deputies, the Christian father were truly men of prayer. You know the bible says,

James 5:16 (NIV) "…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

What's more in addition to being the Bible teacher in the home and the prayer warrior, God has further work for the father "priest" in the home. He is to also be the one who introduces his family to God through Christ. You know in the evangelical fundamental churches today we talk about evangelism. We say, "it's the pastors job to evangelize." Really? Well my friend in my bible I find it's the father's job to evangelize! Joshua of old said, "as for men and my house, we will serve the Lord." What he meant was simple. My whole household will be centered in loving and serving the God I know. Hoe was he going to do that? Why he took an example from his forefather Abraham. The Bible tells us,

Gen 18:19 (NIV) "For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.""

Yrs indeed friend, God has chosen ALL men who become father's to be such priests! To lead their children to Christ. To show them the way at an early age and to keep from placing "stumbling blocks," in their way. Again the Bible says,

Col 3:20-21 (NIV) "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged."

Note the latter part, Dad. "Fathers do not embitter your children and discourage them!" The Greek word translated "embitter" or in the KJV "provoke" means just that! Don't create stumbling block in your children's path when God the Spirit is wooing them to Christ. How many children reject Christ because of fathers who are poor role models, or sinful in their home leadership, or worse abuse their children. Woe to them for God will bring judgment on every father who fails to tenderly control them, and to win his children to Christ by a poor example!

But now let's recap these truths. (1) A Father is to be the HEAD OF THE HOME, (2) A Father is to be the PRIEST OF THE HOME, and third, (3) A Father is to be the PROTECTOR of the home. Indeed, this is why God made the man physically stronger than the wife. All men are not to lord it over their wives and children or abusively control them for their own selfish purposes. A man's strength is part of God's image, and it is given to protect his home and family from all evils. What evils fall upon homes today, that need this deputy's protection? First and greatest evil is UNFAITHFULNESS.

Above all, the father is to be an example of faithfulness to His wife and children. His first love apart from the Lord Jesus Christ is to be toward his wife, followed by his children. If he truly loves them, there is no sacrifice too great to offer for them. This means it is his job to support the family. Sadly, how many fathers are content to let the wife work in the home and then out of the home to meet the financial needs. Now I realize there are legitimate cases where the wife must work. But I also believe the vast majority are not valid in God's eyes. If the man cannot earn enough on one job, well then get two! Before God led me into the ministry that's what I did! God will provide for the man who sincerely seeks to keep his family clothed, fed, and secure in a home for their shelter. Faithful fathers who provide is the number one role as the PROTECTOR! But there is another faithfulness necessary in the home to provide protection and security. It is the faithfulness of love!

My heart is truly broken these days for as a pastor I'm witnessing the continuing demise of the Christian home by the sin of marital unfaithfulness. Do you know the latest statistics tells us that sexually adultery and unfaithfulness in marriage is the highest in America in … would you believe Christian homes? Yes, worse than ungodly secular homes! There are more divorces per capita in the homes of professing Christians than any other. God forgive us! Dad are you faithful? Do you have eyes only for your bride and mother of your children? You'd better! Listen to what God says if you don't,

Exo 20:14 (NIV) ""You shall not commit adultery."

Exo 20:17 (NIV) ""You shall not covet …your neighbor’s wife.."

Lev 20:10 (NIV) ""’If a man commits adultery with another man’s wife—with the wife of his neighbor—both the adulterer and the adulteress must be put to death."

1 Cor 6:9-10 (NIV) "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral… nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders …will inherit the kingdom of God."

Heb 13:4 (NIV) "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral."

Rev 21:8 (NIV) "But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral —their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.""

The institution of marriage is under attack these days more than ever in the idea that sexual fidelity is unimportant. Father's need to show their children and wives what loving, caring faithfulness is all about. Dad's listen to Solomon wise advice found in the Bible,

Prov 5:18-20 (NLT) "Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth. 19 She is a loving doe, a graceful deer. Let her [body] satisfy you always. May you always be captivated by her love. 20 Why be captivated, my son, with an immoral woman, or embrace the [body] of an adulterous woman?"

A godly father finds complete satisfaction for his sexual needs exclusively with his wife. He doesn't need to go elsewhere, for she completely satisfies him. This is the kind of security a woman needs, and children need to know that their DAD cares and his heart is fixed on them in love unbreakable!

So Dad are you "protecting" your marriage and home? Are you God's deputy keeping that family together, and warding off the sinful evil things that can break it apart?

Dad love your wife as never before! Dad love your children as never before. Make sure they all come before any job, any outside commitments, any call, even the Lord's work. Sound strange? Sound ungodly? No, not at all. Remember friend, God's first command to a Christian man who establishes a marriage and family, is to be God's Deputy to them.

Then and only after meeting those responsibilities does God want us to serve Him. The mission field must never take precedence over being with the family. The local church must never come first, for serving your home and family is serving Christ, and is first in God's eyes. And, if you do this, God will keep your family intact, your wife faithful and your children obedient ¾ thus, freeing up much time to truly serve the Lord. Jesus gave the formula for this all when he said,

Mat 6:33 (NIV) "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

All these things refers to what we are talking about today. Well Dad, how are you doing? Are you God's man, His deputy in the home? Are you the spiritual leader and teacher? Are you the faithful priest and intercessor? Are you the godly provider and protector of all things in your home? God wants such men to rule their households. In fact, it's a mandatory requirement to be a leader In the church. We read of this in,

1 Tim 3:1-5 (NIV) "Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)"

If a man cannot be the ruling authority in his own home and be revered and respected for it by his wife and children, he is disqualified to ever lead the church! You see, God places a high value on fatherhood. Although the world has little place for a father, as we've seen in American circles these days ¾ God wants ever Dad to know, he is SOMEBODY!

It is my prayer that you Dad, will remember that and do your best to be God's deputy in the home. One day, God will reward you far above all earthy treasures, if you've come to know Jesus Christ personally in your heart and life. What's the cost for that? One thing ¾ your heart.

Have you given your heart to Jesus Christ? Have you realized your own sinfulness, inadequacy, and failures? Have you called upon Christ to save you here and now? If not, then take the Bible advice,

Acts 16:31 (NIV) "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.""

That's the "sheriff's" advice to those who are his deputies. For God, who is in effect the great Sheriff of the Universe, the keeper and ruler of all ¾ He is coming again to find out what we've done with our roles and responsibilities. May God add His blessing to these thoughts today for Jesus sake, Amen.

… Well you've been listening to another broadcast edition of the World, the Word & You! This has been your host and commentator Dennis Finnan. If you would like a copy of today's message to share with a friend or family member, why not write today for a free copy? Our address is: World, the Word & You! Broadcast Post Office Box 575, St. Charles, MN 55972 USA. We'll send it either in cassette form or a printed booklet. Your choice. Meanwhile as the broadcast is heard on the weekends, please take the time to visit a bible believing church or fellowship, and DAD, take the whole family! Then tune us in again next week for another look at our world, God's Word and its relationship to you. Thanks for listening, Good bye for now..

The World, the Word & You! Broadcast is a non-denominational ministry based on the historic fundamental evangelical interpretation of the Scriptures. A copy of our doctrinal statement is available upon request. These weekly radio commentaries are not exhaustive studies of any particular subject due to the time limit of broadcasting. Actual broadcasts can be heard in selected areas around the nation, as funding provides. Dennis Finnan has been the speaker for over 18 years, and serves as General Director.

These transcripts are available free of charge to all who desire them. Also available are actual radio cassette tapes and printed booklets of each message. A free listing of recent messages is available upon request also.

For further information, reprints, or a listing of all topics, please write to our speaker, Dennis L. Finnan(dennis@wwy.org),or visit our webpage at http://www.wwy.org/