12: Our Father’s Business
Many of you reading this newsletter probably learned about it as a result of attending a homeschool convention. Most of my speaking is at state conventions. While Sandi and I did teach and train our sons at home, that is not the main reason I travel and frequent these conferences. Have you wondered what God is doing in our world today? Jesus observed what the father was doing in John 5.
John 5:19 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever he does, that the Son does likewise.”
I have a growing conviction that home education is a part of a greater movement of God to restore the family. God designed marriage and family. “In the image of God he created them, male and female. He made the two, one.” This sacred institution was ordained by the triune God before Israel, before governments, or the church. This unique and sacred union is under attack from this present world, our own carnal nature, and our ancient foe. We know this.
But God is not discouraged nor is He defeated. He is marshaling his forces and is restoring marriage and the family. The family dynamic is the basic building block of our churches, our communities,and our culture.
Isaiah 42:4 He will not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set justice in the earth; and the isles shall wait for his law. ASV
He has said that he would turn the hearts of fathers to children and the hearts of children to fathers. That is happening in our day in homes across the globe. I have the wonderful opportunity to meet with many many committed men who are taking off time from work to learn how to be better husbands and fathers. I am witnessing mothers making tremendous personal sacrifices to teach and train the next generation in their homes. Women who are not sacrificing their responsibilities to family on the altar of career. I have address rooms full of teens who want to learn how to honor their parents, love their siblings, and find a godly mate.
God’s ability to restore families to his original design, one man and one woman, has not diminished.
Isaiah 59:1 Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; ESV
He may not receive any air time on the major media outlets, but his is relentless in his agenda and will not be turned aside form his plan. There is a divine timeline articulated in scripture, with three key points concerning the family.
Creation Restoration Consummation
- God created marriage, Genesis 1 & 2.
- God restores the family relationship, Malachi 4.
- God witnesses the fruit of his labor, the marriage supper of Jesus and His bride, Revelation 19.
I began this letter with the observation and conviction of what I see the father doing. Someone has said, let us not ask God to bless what we are doing, but to do what God is blessing. May we each continue to be about our Father’s business.
Steve