COMMENTARY

Don Atkin

THIS IS MY BELOVED SON

And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying,

"This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." - Matthew 3:17

There is an awakening throughout the body of Christ to the role of spiritual fathering. Ministers from many nations are requesting my "fatherhood." The epidemic proportions indicate to me that this is a significant move of God.

The cry for fathers is an indication of maturation. Babies and even little children tend to gravitate toward mothers. But, fathers are commissioned to bring them (children) up in the training and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).

While children, joint heirs of Christ are no different than slaves (Galatians 6:1-2). We are to grow up in all things into Him (Ephesians 4:15). We are to grow up into our inheritance as sons of God. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God (Romans 8:19).

The cry for fathers sets the stage for significant kingdom advancement. Because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God (Romans 8:21).

The cry for fathers is an appeal for approval and affirmation. Fatherly exhortation motivates, fatherly comfort secures, and fatherly direction sets us on the path to our destiny (see I Thessalonians 2:11-12).

Paul told the church in Corinth, You do not have many fathers (I Corinthians 4:15), indicating the validity of the function. Jesus cautions that earthly representatives are never to take the place of our Father in heaven (Matthew 23:9). John identifies fathers in this way: Because you have known Him who is from the beginning (I John 2:13).

As a spiritual father, I want sons and daughters to see our Father through me. I want to point others to our Father, teaching them to pray:

Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. - Matthew 6:9

I want sons and daughters to hear Him say, This is My beloved son/daughter, in whom I am well pleased!