An MVP Dad

Notes from Pastor Bob Bressert's at Grace EFC on 6/15/08. (I admit to being somewhat distracted during the beginning of the sermon because Pastor Bob, a Cardinals fan, used a picture of David Eckstein hoisting the World Series trophy circa 2006 to illustrate what an MVP is. That was tough on a Tigers fan.)

This Father's Day, did, I challenge you to be that MVP your family needs.

1. Hit for average! Jeremiah 35:1-19
The main point here was to make contact every time you step into the batter's box. Luckily for us, in spiritual matters God provides the ablility to make that contact. This has a lasting impact. The sons of Jonadab (who we'll look at in point #2) were still following his example 240 years later.

2. Hit for power. 2 Kings 10:15-31
Jonadab was put in a position here where he had to come through in a big way, and he did. The verses note he was even more faithful than his king. Most of the time moving the runners is enough, but sometimes God will expect us to knock one out of the park. Again, thankfully for us, God provides the strength to do the job, we just need to stay in the box and swing.

3. Hit for the team.
A. Sometimes a bunt is just as important as a homerun! Jeremiah 35:1-7
Jonadab set an example and left commands for his sons to remind them who they were. Doing the little things kept them on the right path.

B. Sometimes moving the runners into scoring position wins games. Jeremiah 35:8-19
Jonadab's example, and his the obedience of his sons, led to this remarkable promise from God: "Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not lack a man to (AG)stand before Me always." As long as men live on the earth, a son of Jonadab will be faithfully serving God. Now that's a legacy.