TOMORROW WILL be celebrated as "Fathers' Day". Fathers from all walks of life will receive recognition and awards, while others will be buried in guilt and remorse. As we prepare to celebrate let us reflect on a prayer that is recorded in Nehemiah chapter 9. The Israelites "stood in their places and confessed their sins and the wickedness of their fathers". The Israelites confessed that their:
Fathers refused to obey God
As the Israelites gathered to realign with the purposes of God they confessed that their forefathers have not obeyed the commands of God. In their confession they confronted the fact that their forefathers became arrogant, stiff-necked, rebellious (verse 17a) and had disregarded God's guidelines for life (verse 29). The fathers in this nation too have refused to obey God. Let us come before God and confess the sins of disobedience of our fathers!
Fathers failed to remember God's miraculous acts
The Israelites confessed before God that their fathers 'failed to remember the miracles you (God) performed among them' (verse 17b). They reflected on the greatness of God as demonstrated by His constant presence and provisions. 'By day the pillar of cloud did not cease to guide them' nor the pillar of fire by night' you did not withhold your manna from their mouths, and you gave them water for their thirst', they took possession of all kinds of good things, wells already dug, vineyards, olive groves and fruit trees in abundance-' (verses 19 and 25). Let us confess the failures of our fathers, and our own failures, in not remembering God's miraculous acts and provisions towards us as individuals and as a nation.
Fathers refused to return to God
The Israelites confessed that although God had been very kind, compassionate and forgiving their forefathers refused to return and listen to Him. As a nation, God has been very kind and compassionate towards us. Let us return to God, listen to Him and live a life that is consistent with godliness, honesty, integrity and respect for others!
Prayer
Dear God, we confess the sins of our fathers and of ourselves to you. Forgive us for being disobedient and for not taking time to acknowledge Your miraculous acts among us. As individuals and as a nation we repent and return to You for your leading!
Dr. Donovan Thomas, National Director, Jamaica youth for Christ. E:MAIL: jamaicayfc@mail.Infochan.com
