FATHERS’S DAY WORSHIP SERVICE
June 17th 2012
It was a special Sunday service as the church celebrated Fathers Day thanking God for their presence and role in shaping our lives. Upa G. Damsawmthang, Local Chairman, wished all fathers a prosperous year and invoked God’s blessing upon them. There was a short sharing by Nu Niangpi, who on behalf of the BDF, offered her heartfelt gratitude and thanks to all the husbands in the congregation. This was followed by a melodious song by the BCD. As a token of appreciation all the fathers received handkerchiefs from both the women and children.
Pastor V. Nenglian’s sermon was based on Psalm 103: 13-19 which speaks of the love of our Father God Almighty. He drew comparisons between God’s love and the love of a father for his children. Man is an embodiment of God’s paternal love, aspirations and compassion. It is therefore his duty to lead an exemplary life and provide solid value systems from where his children can draw inspiration to be good Christians. The ways of a father, who is the head of a household, will either bring his children toward or away from God. Hence the responsibility of a father is extremely important as well as honourable.
The question then arises as to what makes or who is considered to be a successful father? The world measures the success of a father on whether he is able to uplift his children to a better economic position than him. This however is not how God gauges the credibility and achievement of a Christian father. The man who is able to bring up his children in God’s delight is a successful father.
Verse 14 describes how the humble but all-important clay can turn to useless dust unless there is enough moisture in it. God is the moisture which turns our lives into the fertile clay on which crops can grow. It is only when we are in constant fellowship with God that we can have a fruitful life.
Verses 15 and 16 talks about the short lived life of ephemeral vegetation and how human lives are comparable to such flowers that have a short life span: once our life is over we are no longer remembered. Like these withered flowers which are blown away by the wind only to be forgotten so is our short-lived life.
Verses 17-18 describe how God builds a covenant with those who are faithful and loyal to his precepts. To be able to impart this blessing it is the responsibility of a father to be repentant and acknowledge God’s power over his life. When man has fear and respect for God he will mentor and instruct his children to walk in God’s chosen path. His faith will come from true repentance and belief which will broker a new covenant with Christ. This will enable him to bring up his children to be triumphant Christians.
Even in the midst of trials and tribulations that one faces as a human being we must never forget that our God is omnipotent, truthful and compassionate. Just like a father is a shepherd to his children so is God our True Shepherd.
By- Grace Siamlianvung
Media Team
