It has been correctly said, “If a man leaves behind faithful children, it is as though he never died!” How true! Inspiration divulges a narrative of a father who certainly lived some lessons that all fathers would do well to emulate. The narrative of Jairus (Mark 5:22ff) teaches us all some valuable lessons in parenting faithful children.
Firstly, Jairus came to the right place (cf. Mark 5:22). Jairus did not go to conventional books filled with the wisdom of the day. He did not seek the so-called professional parenting experts, but rather he came to the place where he knew the answers could be found – where Jesus was! Sadly, many fathers try the lake, the garage, the ball field or some other carnal place each Sunday instead of seeking the right place (Matthew 6:33)! Paul emphasized the need for fathers to come to the right place when he declared, “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Jairus came to the right place.
Secondly, Jairus came to the right person (Mark 5:22-24). Fathers are sometimes the worst at seeking help. However, faithful fathers understand that raising faithful children requires help from the right person. In fact, the Psalmist portrayed the importance of coming to the right person, when he penned, “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain” (Psalm 127:1). Jairus came to the right person.
Thirdly, Jairus had the right priorities. Obviously, the most important task of the day was for Jairus to help his daughter. Work, play, relatives and recreation all took second place. What a lesson for 2011 fathers! In order to really help our children, who are potentially dying spiritually each day due to this sinful world’s influence, fathers must prioritize! Priorities, like those seen in Joshua’s life, “…but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15b). Priorities that seek the church of our Lord above everything else (cf. Matthew 6:33)! Often, our priorities will one day become our children’s priorities as well! What is number one in your lives, fathers? Jairus had the right priorities.
How wonderful it would be to leave behind faithful children! As John’s inspired pen divulged, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 4). Fathers, what are you doing to leave behind this legacy? Take a lesson from faithful Jairus, go to the right place, seek the right person, and daily develop the right priorities! May God bless faithful fathers in this daunting task!
