Fathers, Pay the Price of Freedom
Reverend J. Loren Russell
Ephesians 6:1-4
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
Fatherhood is a privilege that allows men to lead, guide, and protect their families, helping them to avoid or minimize the pitfalls of life and self-sabotage. Fathers make sacrifices so that their children can become their best selves, laying the foundation for personal success and self-determination. Fathers can liberate children from bondage through discipline and instruction from the Lord.
In the African American community, we just celebrated Juneteenth, our Independence Day. For me, there is a parallel between Juneteenth and Father’s Day. Both days are set aside to commemorate the struggle for liberation as a God-given right; father’s leading the way for their children, and our forefathers in their valiant struggle for the freedom of their yet unborn children.
Strong fathers and father figures have enabled us to break free from self-imposed and societal limitations, allowing us to pursue our desires and exercise our God-given rights.
The Emancipation Proclamation’s exception clause allowing slavery as punishment for crime perpetuates modern-day slavery:
“Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”
Fathers must train their children to not voluntarily re-enslave themselves through the criminal justice system. Freedom is to be used to serve and share with others, as taught by our fathers, our ancestors, and by God Himself.
Biology makes fathers, but love makes Daddies. We must teach our children about the Emancipation Proclamation, teach them about the 13th Amendment, and most of all, teach them of the freedom that makes us free indeed…, the blood of Jesus. That’s love, and the price father’s must pay for freedom.
Happy Father’s Day to all those who are biological, spiritual, and surrogate fathers, as well as mothers who have had to be both Mommy and Daddy.
Be Blessed!
Rev. J. Loren Russell is an associate minister at Goodwill Baptist Church and is the clergy officiant of the Evangelical Church of God, all in the Bronx, President/CEO of The JLR Company for Church Financial & Strategic Consulting (718-328-8096), and hosts “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” on Monday nights from 8:00 – 10:00 PM on Facebook Live.
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