THE POWER TO LAY DOWN

Main Scriptures: Jn.10:17-18

More Scriptures: Jas.4:6, Pro.6:17, 1Pet.5:5

I must confess to you that what defines our heritage as husbands is not just in the talking but in the action. And it would require the power of God to function as a good and godly husband. First, the power of God is what you need to become the head of your family and remain there. Second, it is the power of God that empowers you to overcome the threats satan throws at you.

As the head of your family, satan sees you as a threat. He understands that if you can get it right as a man, husband and father, you have become a trans-generational agent of blessings. Satan doesn’t want you to be like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Cornelius, Zechariah, Aquilla or Joshua. So, if you want to enjoy the best of God as the godly husbandman, you must engage the power of God to lay down. Jesus said so. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father (Jn.10:17-18). Whatever you lay down is what you have power to receive. So, what should you lay down by the power of God?

It is your pride and ego. As the head of your family, there is the temptation to be egoistic and proud towards your wife and children. For instance, you have wronged your wife or children, and you know it. Rather than apologize to them in humility and sincerity of heart, you try to defend yourself because you think you are the head. What is working in you is pride. And according to Scripture, God gives grace to the humble and resist the proud (Jas.4:6-7). “I am sorry” is not a sign of weakness. It is a proof of maturity and strength.

You will also need the power of God to lay down your convenience for the sake of your wife and children. It was not convenient for Jesus to lay down His life for you and I, yet He did. Because He loved us so much and wanted us to be reconciled to God, He endured the shame, insults and pains and died on the Cross. And today, you and I are enjoying the blessings of salvation. That is what the power of God to lay it down can do for you. Ask Him to help you now.

SPIRITUAL EXERCISE

• Father, in the Name of Jesus, empower me to lay down my pride and ego on Your altar.
• Father, by Your Spirit, empower me to walk in humility and sincerity of heart toward my wife and children.
• Father, by Your Spirit, pour upon me the Spirit of sacrifice and love.

FAITH CONFESSION

I receive power from God to lay down my life to serve and honour my wife and children as this is my honour as a good and godly man, husband and father in Jesus name. Amen.

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