WHO IS THE GREATEST IN THE SHEEPFOLD (2)?

Main Scriptures: 1 Tim.5:7-8

More Scriptures: 1Pt.3:7, Jn.10:16, Ezk.34:23

But ye shall not be so, but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? Is not he that sitteth at meat? But I am among you as HE THAT SERVETH (Lk.22:26-27). Yesterday, the Person of the Holy Spirit exposed to us as husbamdmen that the office of the husbandhood that we occupy is not our right but a privilege from God so that we can demonstrate the nature of Jesus Christ as the godly man, husband and father to our sheep. God created the office of the husbandman (Gen.2:14-18, Matt.19:5, Mal.2:14). He also created you to occupy the office (Ps.100:3). So, give thanks to God always for making you a husband.

However, the office of the husband-hood comes with a lot of demands and expectations cutting across all these areas- spiritual, mental, physical, emotional and financial. And these are called RESPONSIBILITIES. As the husband and head of your family, the only way anyone can describe and assess if you are indeed the good and godly husband are the things your sheep and other people see you do and the fruits you bear. There are so many things that God has ordained that you must do to and for your wife and children as their head and shepherd. After God made the first family and handed it over to Adam, He did not just allow him to roam the garden without any form of commitment. God said to the shepherd in verse 15-18 of Genesis chapter 2 to, tend and dress the garden. God has not changed (Mal.3:6).What God is still saying to you is that it is not enough for you to know that God has handed over to you a wife, children and a home. Rather, it is much more important for you to take up your roles effectively and efficiently and do them cheerfully.

But why must I take up my responsibility as the head of the family? Taking up your covenant responsibilities helps you to grow and develop into maturity. For instance, if you take up the responsibility to provide spiritual support for your wife and children, it accelerates your personal spiritual growth and development. What this means is that you will give more time to studying the Bible, to prayers and intercession and other spiritual exercises. As you explore the Word of God for the benefits of your sheep, you will discover that you are indirectly building up your most holy faith (Jude verse 20-21). There are so many opportunities that you cannot handle as the head of the family if you have not demonstrated maturity both spiritually, mentally and physically. You are above your wife and children according to the order of the family kingdom. In the hierarchy of God, you are the head from where the spirits flow to your wife and children (Ps.133:2). Husbands, there is so much that God has empowered you to do, you must rise and take up the responsibilities joyfully and in faith.

SPIRITUAL EXERCISE

• Father, in the Name of Jesus, empower me to perform my responsibilities to my wife and children joyfully and not grudgingly.
• Father, in the Name of Jesus, deliver me from the power of indiscipline.
• Father, in the Name of Jesus, empower my life to bear good and godly fruits for everyone to see.

 FAITH CONFESSION

I take personal and absolute responsibility for my wife and children and I make godly impact in the world at large because that is what makes me a good and godly husband in Jesus Name. Amen.