Luke 1:67

Luke 1:67 – His (John’s) father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied.

       John’s birth, similar to Jesus, was nothing short of a miracle. His parents were well beyond child bearing age and they had tried their whole married life to have a child, but were unsuccessful. Then Zechariah was ministering in the house of the Lord and an angel appeared to him.

       This angel brought the promise of a child, but Zechariah found it hard to believe. He was looking at the natural circumstances of His life and questioned the message that came from God. Because of his doubt his voice was taken from him and he was unable to speak.

       From the time of the vision all the way until his miracle baby was born, Zechariah was unable to utter a word. It wasn't until he named his child John that his tongue was loosened. This verse in Luke comes right after he is given the ability to speak again.

       There are a lot of things that Zechariah could have said, but what he did was prophecy. First his praises went to God, and then he prophesied over his son. That speaks a lot to those of us who are fathers. I think this is one of the things that is missing in today’s families. It is a tough world to grow up in and our kids need to help. They need encouragement and life spoken into them.

Prophecy is not just about speaking the future. It can come in many forms. Basically it is a word from God; sometimes it is a scripture or just an encouraging word. Children need this. As fathers it is our responsibility to give this to them. Seek God for your children. Pray for them every day and then in turn prophesy over them.

Luke 18:16-17

Luke 18:16-17 - But Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

  Our mindset today isn't that much different than what it was in Jesus day regarding our children. Sure, you hear people saying, “children are our future,” and “invest your time in your children,” but when it comes right down to it, is that what we are doing? When we have gatherings we often separate our kids away from the adults. There will be a ‘kids’ table and an ‘adult’ table. Or we will set up the back playroom for our children and tell them to stay back there and play. Then if that doesn't work we will start a movie to try to appease them and keep them busy, so we don’t have too.

Don’t get me wrong, I think ‘adult’ time is important. We all need some time with our peers to build and strengthen each other in the Lord, but we need to be careful. This seems to happen way too much and we don’t make time to “let the little children come to us.” Sometimes I think Jesus would have preferred the ‘kids’ table.

We can see in this passage of scripture that Jesus made time for the children when no one else would. Even His disciples were trying to drive them away, but Jesus stopped them because He wanted to see the children. He wants us to understand the value of our children and the power of childlike faith. In fact He says if we don’t receive the kingdom like a child we will never enter it. How does a child receive the kingdom? With open arms. There is no doubt or questioning, but complete faith.

Luke 3:21-22

Luke 3:21-22 – When the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as He was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I Love; with You I am well pleased.” We are children of God and were created in His image. Therefore, some of our characteristics (other than our sin) are like God. Ephesians says, “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly Loved children. So we know that we ought to act like God. This is no different in our role as a father. Do you want to know how to treat your children? Let’s take a look at how God acts toward Jesus. In this passage, Jesus is getting baptized. This is what He needs to do to fulfill scripture and to show us that it is right. It is also in obedience to His Father, God. As He is doing this there are people all around. We know that because Jesus went to John to be baptized, and there were hundreds who had come to see John. God took this as an opportunity to publicly exhort and affirm His Son. We see heaven opening up and the Holy Spirit coming down on Him in the form of a dove. Then God speaks, “You are my Son, whom I Love; with you I am well pleased.” God not only professes His Love for Jesus, but also tells Him that He is pleased with Him. Every child needs to hear this. God set an example and showed us how to treat our children. They need our Love and affirmation. It needs to be verbal, not just “assumed”. Take every opportunity to tell your kids that you Love them and are proud of them.