Could You?

Part of my duties at the school where I work is to ensure the safety of the students, parents and the staff during morning drop-off. It is a large undertaking to get 677 students into school everyday! While I observe the many ways students are brought to school: buses, parents and other transportation, it is wonderful to see the interaction between parent and child. A loving embrace with several I love yous heard as parents send their pride and joy off to school for the day. In many cases, the parents will stick around to watch their little one walk into the building. It is beautiful to see that God given bond between parent and child.

The Bible shares similar stories about the love parents have for their children. The special and unique relationships between mother and child as well as father and child. As Christians, it is important that we recognize and embrace the differences in these relationships. Lovel and I have been blessed with three children: Ethan, Madeline and TraVon. Each have a special place in our hearts and enjoy unique relationships with each of us. It has been wonderful to watch as their personalities have developed and matured over the years.

As a father, I inherently feel a need to provide for and protect our kids. Even as they have grown into adults and are starting their own families I still have a desire to protect them. I take issue with whoever and/or whatever would try to bring harm to them. I am quite sure many of you feel the same way. Two of the most difficult stories in the Bible for me to process is that of Abraham and Isaac along with God and Jesus. Father and son, a bond filled with love, pride and sense of protection. Every true father wants his son to be a better man than he was (fortunately for me, my sons have both done so). Imagine, for a moment, the ultimate sacrifice of both these fathers. Abraham had to interact with Isaac the entire way to the place in which he was to be sacrificed. God told him to give up THE most important thing in his life. The pain and emotion Abraham must have been going through. Yet, through it all he had faith that God would provide!

In a similar fashion, God who sacrificed his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

As a loving Father, watching Jesus as a young child being loved and cared for by Mary and Joseph; watching him grow only to be crucified on a cross for the sins of man. Can you imagine? The anguish of a father who chooses to allow his beloved son to be sacrificed. I want to believe I would have the faith of Abraham. I want to believe I would be willing to do what God did for me. If that time comes, could I? Could you?

Pastor Aaron