Father to the Fatherless

Read Psalm 29, 33, 65 thru 68
 
Psalms 68:1, 5-6a Rise up, O God, and scatter your enemies. Let those who hate God run for their lives…5 Father to the fatherless, defender of widows – this is God, whose dwelling is holy. 6a God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.

THE events, commands, laws and worship established in the five books of the law were to remain very constant with Israel’s leaders and people. We can remember that, “Remember.” is God’s essential exhortation to Israel. They must always know who I AM is, what I AM has done and what I AM is going to do. This, too, is our duty as we say, “I am a Christian.”
   David remembered God’s word and works in many ways. In our previous lesson David exalted God as our Creator. And here, in verse 1 David remembered Moses’ words from Numbers 10:35 And whenever the Ark set out, Moses would shout, “Arise, O Lord, and let your enemies be scattered! Let them flee before you!” Moses was praying for God’s power and presence as the Ark of the covenant was lifted to acknowledge the LORD God as Israel’s leader through the wilderness. David remembered and used the same words here to pray for God’s protection over Israel. Now we can do the same. Remember God’s Words. What strength and courage we would have in any circumstance if we would proclaim, “Arise, O Lord, and let your enemies be scattered! Let them flee before you!”   
   Note, too, David’s prayer, “God is Father to the fatherless.” was an intercession and an assurance God would care for orphans and neglected children. We must be very purposeful to teach God is Father to the fatherless. Far too many people equate fathers with something bad, nonessential or nonexistent. Orphans and abandoned children must know God does not want them alone, without help and subject to abuse. We must teach God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. Then we must live it. Our work must be to make this happen as far as God will lead us.
   The church and the world need men of God to be God’s fathers to the fatherless. Men of the church worldwide must stand as they are able to care for the children around them. God’s Word must not be empty promises. Instead, God’s Holy Word must free children and widows from abuse and despair.
   Let’s be alert to remember what God has done for us. Then let’s be active to be his loving hands to those who do not know his love.