A Father’s Instructions

Text: Titus 1:4-5
Theme: Paul viewed Titus as his son, whom he instructed and encouraged.
Key verses: “I am writing to Titus, my true son in the faith that we share. May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Saviour give you grace and peace. I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you” (v. 4-5).
What God said to me: Dwayne, my servant Paul had a father’s heart. To really appreciate the depth of teaching in this book, you must first understand the depth of love and concern Paul had for his “true son in the faith.” Paul was motivated by a true love for his Heavenly Father and by a father’s love for his true sons. When Paul wished grace and peace on Titus, he meant it. It wasn’t some worn-out routine of a greeting. And don’t think it was easy for Paul to leave Titus in Crete alone. It wasn’t. Fathers never like to leave their children to fin for themselves. So Paul is writing to encourage Titus, to let everyone who read his letter know the high place Titus held in Paul’s heart. Paul wrote to instruct him–and the church too, of course. Letters still have a powerful and profound impact on people. More than Facebook messages or emails or texts, a old-fashioned, hand-written letter shows you care enough to take the time to write. Question: Who are you encouraging today, Dwayne? Which of your sons in the faith will you write a letter to this week? And what about your biological sons? They could use it too.
What I said to God: Holy Lord, thank You for meeting with me this morning, even though I failed You yesterday. Thank You for Your forgiveness and everlasting love and patience with me! Who do You want me to write a card or letter to? You know how little time I have this week. You know all that I have coming up in the next couple weeks. But if You say write, I’ll write!