THE PRIESTHOOD OF THE FATHER

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  06/18/23

Job is an excellent example of a man who loved his wife and children and wanted God’s best for each one of them. He also understood the role of a father as priest and never hesitated to take responsibility for his loved ones.

He was up early in the morning, but not to check the weather report or the stock market predictions. His first concern was not whether he could beat the traffic rush into work. He didn’t turn on his computer to check his email or log in to read The Wall Street Journal. Instead, Job was up early in order to spend time with God. He worshiped the Lord and offered sacrifices for his wife and children. He was aware of their personal needs, and he was a committed provider.

There are three things a man should cultivate in his life to serve as a family priest:

1. Commitment to the Lord: God must be first in his life. If he has allowed anything to come before God, then he will not have the godly wisdom he needs to provide for those he loves.
2. Compassion: With deep love and humility, he must be sensitive to his family’s needs.
3. Consistency: Job never swayed in his devotion, commitment, and love for the Lord, and you can have the same type of lifestyle.

If you are a single parent, God understands the challenges you are facing. If you cry out to Him in difficult times, He will turn your trials into moments of blessing and praise. When you seek Him with your whole heart, He will come to your rescue as your faithful provider and living Lord and give you a double portion of His strength.

Prayer: Lord, show me how to pray for and lead those I love. Teach me more about You each day. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil” (Job 1:8).