John 10:40 NASB
And He went away again beyond the Jordan to the place where John was first baptizing, and He was staying there.
A father's approval of us is very important. In fact that approval is so important that it can make or brake a child in life. It is also important that the child hears this approval straight from the father not just hear say that comes from others.
My dad deeply loved me I have no question. There were moments that he revealed that with a hug, word of encouragement, or a form of needed advice. But I would have given anything to have heard him personally tell me what he told others when he was proud of me as his son. Those moments were rare. I felt that my last days with dad ended much the same way as they were lived...in one form of turmoil and conflict or another.
In John chapter 10 we read of Jesus having a conflict with the Jews. He had basically put them in their place by stating three things: they were not the children of God because they were not following Him (verses 22-30); He and the Father were one (verse 30); and that the works He performed and words He spoke were from God His Father (verses 32-39). This lead them to attempt to capture Him and stone Him but it states that He eluded them. Where does He go afterwards? To a place where it all seemed to have started, the place of His baptism. Why here? What is the significance of this place? In the three Synoptic Gospels the answer is given; this was the place where His Father gave Him His public approval, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17; Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22). The cool thing about this is that the Father gives this blessing long before Jesus does anything.
So fathers today start doing something that maybe your father never or rarely did. Show your loving approval for who your children are not just what they accomplish. And make sure you do it a lot and in the open. I know that James will be experiencing it a little more than I did. And if your father is still alive give him a big hug!
Please contact me with any questions or speaking engagements you may want to include me in on at StevenSwaim@BeDevotedMinistries.com.
His Servant Together With You,
Steven Swaim
President and Founder, Be Devoted Ministries
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