Passing it on

As dad's we carry a baton in a relay race. We received it from our heavenly father, and now we find ourselves huffing and puffing down the backstretch.  Our children are standing in the exchange area on the homestretch, watching us run and waiting to receive the baton when we finished our lap. 

The charge to dads is undeniably straightforward. Run well and don't drop the baton when you hand it off to your children. They are counting on you to be faithful in both of these tasks.

When jesus handed the baton to his disciples, he was entrusting his ministry to them. He knew that they would be representing him as "Christians"- "christ followers."  Similarly our children represent us. "You must be Roberts daughter" stranger might say to our missy or Julie.  our job as dads is to run our race with endurance. Our faithfulness and visible experience of God's grace will give our children something to watch-a pattern worth Emulating when they carry the baton on their own.

Actually, this is a three-man event. Jesus carries the baton first. He hands it to us, and his life and power give us a pattern and the strength to run the next leg with authority.  Then, when we come to the end of our story, our children take the baton and carry it on their lap without us.

Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20 NLT)