There are men and women that I have studied that lift me up from within, when I think of their faith and courage.  We have read of them.  We know of their names.  We are familiar with their stories. 

Yet, comparatively little is said of the ordinary saints whose prayers, lives, and instruction shaped these men and women so mightily used of God. We admire the flowers and forget the roots. Mothers often play a formative role in the lives of great men: Hannah stands behind Samuel, Elizabeth behind John the Baptist, Eunice behind Timothy, and on and on. Their praying, weeping, and pleading gave birth to lions for the kingdom of God.  But, then, so do fathers.

In this week’s edition of PathLight, we will be reminded that although God may not call us to accomplish mighty works, He may allow us to train someone who will.  This week’s program is entitled “Knowing Your Father’s God.”

Near the start of Jesus’ public ministry, He says these words: “My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” (John 4:34). As Jesus ministry continued it becomes evident that the work of the Father is wrapped up with His death on the cross. 

In John’s Gospel particularly the chief reason that Jesus completes this work is because it will bring glory to the Father: “for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name” (John 12:27-28); “Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee.” (John 17:1). And, of course, the agony of Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane brings out the same concern for His Father: “Not my will but thine be done” (Luke 22:42). 

I always find it moving to see those times in the Gospels when Jesus resolutely sets out to Jerusalem knowing what awaited Him. And it is easy to focus on the fact that He is motivated to do that by love for me. But a true reflection of the New Testament will ALSO have in mind that He is motivated by a desire to obey, please, and glorify the Father that He loves. 

For this year’s PathLight Father’s Day message you are invited to join Dr. T. D. Worthington as he discusses the Love our Lord had for His Father 

There is something in the American air today that most of us have never smelled before.  For example, just a few years ago, almost everyone understood that males use the men’s room, females the women’s. Now, confusion is in the air.  An evil conspiracy is afloat, as those with questionable morals breathe together a noxious odor; yet finding it enjoyable.

Today, facts are no longer important; narrative is all the rage. Subjective narrative replaces the hard truth of reality. At one time, the society was able to recognize truth. We knew when something didn’t smell just right.  Today, we are blind to truth. God continues to reveal it, but we are insensible to that revelation. It would appear we are no longer able to sniff out the truth.  The modern press sure seems incapable of discovering truth.

Perhaps that is because truth is no longer defined by our Creator.  We have created a new world, a world free of facts, morals, and free of God Himself.  As people suppress the truth of God’s existence, they also reject the hard facts of the reality, He has created.

In this week’s edition of PathLight, we will be reminded that God’s people have one-book, so it should be easy to speak with one-voice, but apparently it is not.  This book tells us how to be wise in a foolish world.  This book tells us what should smell noxious to us.  This is the standard, and when applied, it will keep us from smelling bad and looking dumb in the eyes of the righteous.