February 15, 2022
Adrian Rogers
Scripture Passage: Psalm 128
By God’s design, there's to be harmony in the home; the entire household is to be a symphony of praise and worship, and the father is the leader of the band.
Perhaps the most difficult—and rewarding—role a man could ever commit to is being a good dad. In Psalm 128, God’s Word provides several ways we can be the dads we ought to be.
Psalm 128:4 says, “Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord.”
First, it is a good dad’s character; if he fears God, a godly father will walk in the way of God. Though we will inevitably make mistakes, we can be fathers who leave legacies of integrity.
Second, we must learn contentment: “When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you” (Psalm 128:4). God has a way of taking care of the godly; though we are not guaranteed every desire or want, we can rely on God’s promise to provide for every need. A father who is content will lead a family that is also satisfied.
A godly father also loves his companion—his faithful, fruitful wife—and leads his children.
“Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the very heart of your house, your children like olive plants all around your table” (Psalm 128:3). In the Bible, olives symbolize fruitfulness and righteousness. This verse is a beautiful picture of how a godly father’s righteousness is reproduced through his children. And if the wife is the vine, a wise father understands it is his job to cultivate his wife’s love and needs, so she may meet the needs of their children.
Finally, a godly father leaves a legacy: “The Lord bless you out of Zion, and may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life. Yes, may you see your children’s children” (Psalm 128:5-6).
Adrian Rogers says, “You can’t do anything about your ancestors, but you can certainly do something about your descendants.”
As fathers, we have an opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of our children, and our children’s children.
Are you leading your family with character and contentment? Do you love your wife and lead your children on the path of righteousness? Consider the legacy you are leaving behind, as the leader of the band.
