LEFT IN THE COLD

Main Scriptures: Mark 6:33-37

More Scriptures: Jn.4:2, Mk.9:29, Rom.5:5

One of the worst things you can do against your wife and children is to abandon them when they need you most. In fact, if you abandon them, it leaves a negative lasting impact on them and a bitter taste in their mouth. It destroys the trust that they have in you. It also creates a separation between you and your sheep. It doesn’t matter the challenges you may be having with your wife and children. You cannot and must not leave them in the cold. You must go all the way with them. That is the hallmark of the good and godly husband. And that is what Jesus Christ, the perfect example of the good and godly husband, demonstrated. And He did it for our example. So, they got in the boat and went off to a remote place by themselves. Someone saw them going and the word got around. …..when Jesus arrived, He saw this huge crowd. At the sight of them, his heart broke-like a sheep with no shepherd they were. He went right to work teaching them. When his disciples thought this had gone on long enough…..they interrupted, we are in a long way in the country and it is very late. Pronounce a benediction and send these folks off…….(Mk.6:32-36) Message Bible.

Jesus Christ had had a long stretch of teaching engagements. He had with Him multitudes, whom He referred to as sheep (Mk.6:34). These sheep needed help-they were hungry, and they needed food to eat. But the sub-leaders (His disciples) asked Jesus to send the hungry people away to go and fend for themselves. However, the Great and Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, did not agree with His disciples. He didn’t send them away or leave them to fend for themselves. He provided for their needs despite the unpleasant circumstances-they were in a desert place, and the time was far spent.

Your wife and children need you. They are your sheep and you are their shepherd. There are things they cannot do for themselves. It is wickedness to abandon your wife and children to themselves. It is ungodly and the attitude of a bad shepherd to abandon or neglect your sheep. If you do, you lose your worth and value before your wife and children.  But how do I walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ as a husband and shepherd? Firstly, you must be compassionate towards your wife and children, notwithstanding their weakness, failures and inadequacies. Secondly, you must pray to the Holy Spirit to lavish His love in your heart (Rom.5:5) so that you can see beyond the mistakes of your sheep. You must remember that you are created in the image and likeness of God. And because God is love and you are made in His likeness, you are a love personified. Thirdly, you must walk by faith and not by sight. This means that your relationship with your sheep is founded upon the word of God and not your feelings. So, you are committed to the truth of Scriptures over and above the rudiments of the world.

SPIRITUAL EXERCISE

• Father, in the Name of Jesus, empower me not to abandon my wife and children.
• Father, in the Name of Jesus, fill my heart with the Spirit of love and compassion.
• Father, in the Name of Jesus, empower me to believe Your word over and above the dictates of my emotions and let me walk victoriously over the flesh.

FAITH CONFESSION

I refuse to abandon my wife and children, irrespective of the circumstances but I am committed to being with them at all times and in all situations because that is what makes me a good and godly husband in Jesus Name. Amen.

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