"The Right Kind of Father"

Let me begin by saying, not all fathers are created equal! Some just relish the role of leading and loving their homes while others, they simply could care less. However, blessed is the child who has a godly, loving father!

John had the right kind of father. His father, Zechariah, was a priest before God. Sadly, not all fathers care about the Lord. Some are concerned about wealth or pleasure and so God has no place in their lives. They may attend religious services, but still, they have little interest. Consequently, little to no thought is given to training their children in the paths of God's righteousness.

Zechariah made a wise choice in his life by selecting a companion who would be the right kind of wife and mother. She too, was a godly person. Her name was Elizabeth and she was one of the daughters of Aaron, a descendant of the High Priest. The right kind of father picks the right kind of woman to be his wife!

The right kind of father establishes a God-fearing home. Here is Luke's inspired testimony about this couple, "They were both righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord." (Luke 1:6) What do we learn? Look at their devout example they set. Their lives were God pleasing. They were not pretenders but righteous before God. They weren't "church attenders" but worshippers of the Lord.

The right kind of father prays. Zechariah was a prayerful father. He was offering incense while the people outside the temple were praying. Incense stood for further intercession of prayer.

Jesus gave us the ultimate assessment of John, the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth: "I say to you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John..." (Luke 7:28) It pays great dividends to have the right kind of father and mother!!