by Justin Reinking

More than likely you are reading this article sometime between Sunday, May 12th and Sunday, June 16th. As you may have guessed, these aren’t arbitrary dates on the calendar. In 2013, these Sundays mark the dates set aside to honor moms and dads. Mother’s Day became an official holiday in 1914. Father’s Day had its roots around the same time but did not become a national holiday until 1972. These special days always take my mind to the image of a mother, father, and children living in a happy home. It is a time to celebrate the memories, care, nurture” support and wonderful home cooked meals by mom. Dad is honored for his leadership in the home, the way he protects his family, and the work he does to provide for the well-being of the home.

Perhaps your mind, like mine, has begun to make a spiritual application to the natural relation of the family. The family of God consists of three basic members: father, mother, and children. Our heavenly father is our father. The church, the bride of Christ, serves as our mother. The children of God are those who have been born again into his family. The family of God is very important in the life of a believer. It is especially true because of the cultural war that is being waged in the area of marriage and family. As I think about my father, who still lives in Indianapolis, IN, I remember many things from my childhood. Mostly I thought of him as a spiritual leader, the protector of our home, and the provider. Dad was the one who was responsible to get the family to church and walked us to our pew.

He was the one who went to the altar, to the prayer room, and put money in the offering plate as it went by. Dad was the one who was involved in prayer groups and Bible studies at his work. Dad was and still is the spiritual leader. When he spoke, we listened. When he gave advice, we knew it was well thought out. What if believers could have the same respect for our heavenly father? The ultimate spiritual leader in our lives is Him. He draws, leads, speaks, and changes those who are His children. Thankfully, there weren’t any experiences with intruders in our home as a boy, but I also felt confident that my father would take care of any enemy’s attempt to harm our house.

The same could be said about our Father. In 2 Samuel 22:2-4, we find this encouragement, “And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my savior; thou savest me from violence. I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.” Our heavenly Father is our protector! Calion Him in time of trouble. When I was growing up, Thursday was payday. Dad would cash his check at the bank and bring home the cash for Mom to pay the bills. Dad worked so he could take care of and provide for our family.

The Family 0f God

It makes me think of the message of Jesus in Matthew 7:11, “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” Allow God to provide! He knows the need.

While Dad is the head of the home, Mom is holding it together. She brings her own set of attributes to the family. In most families, Mom is the cook, and my mom fed us well! The kitchen was a happy place for meals and memories. The same should be said about the local church. The food, the bread of life, is hot and ready to be consumed by the children. Believers need to see the church as a place to be fed by His word. In 1 Peter 5:2 and Acts 20:28, encouragement is given to the ministry to “feed the flock of God” and “to feed the church of God.” To be fed, the believer needs to be present at the dinner table!

Mom also provided nurturing and tender care that didn’t come as naturally for my father. She took care of the bumps, bruises, and injuries. She knew how much medicine to give, what to eat on an upset stomach, and how to bring down a fever. The church ought to be a place where the believer can receive the nurture and care of a mother.

Finally, Mom was and still is a strong supporter of her children. She believes and sees the best in them. Let it be said that the church does the same thing for its offspring. The church should be a place to find the encouragement, enrichment, and support found in mothers loving arms. Remember this time between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day as an opportunity to appreciate God and His Church – our father and mother.

Justin Reinking
General Youth Secretary
jreinking@upci.org
(636) 229-7900 x7886