Redemptive Fatherhood.
For me, and for many others, the Psalms have long been and continue to be a source of great peace, comfort, and perspective. This is likely because many of us can relate to the imperfect life of David. In one breath he’s rejoicing, declaring the faithfulness and goodness of God. While in the next, he’s languishing, lamenting over his discomfort and the situations he finds himself in. Emotionally, he was all over the place, and so are we. Want to know how to be a good dad? Allow God to redeem you.
Many know David penned more Psalms than any other author. But who are the other authors? Who wrote one of the most well-known Psalms about God being our refuge and strength, Psalm 46? It was as scripture states, “Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A Song.”
Who were the Sons of Korah?
In short, they were the children and came from the lineage of Korah, who was the grandson of Kohath. The Kohathites were given a very arduous and burdening job of carrying elements of the tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant as the Israelites left Egypt during the time of Moses. After enduring this work for a generation, Korah lost sight of his duty, so he gathered other men who shared in his displeasure and formed a ploy to revolt against Moses and Aaron. Well, his plan was thwarted and ultimately, he, along with the 250 other men in his camp, were swallowed in an earthquake……. but their children survived.
Fast forward to the time of King David and the following passage becomes clearer:
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.”
Psalm 46: 1-3
Were they referencing what their ancestors experienced when writing this Psalm? Most likely.
During the time of King David, the Sons of Korah became extraordinary poets, lyrical maestros, and authors of 11 of the Psalms we read today.
Why is this important and what does it have to do with redemptive fatherhood?
Because God is not forgetful. He redeemed the shortcomings of Korah by blessing and bestowing favor to his lineage.
Because brokenness in our past and even in our present is not a curse, it’s a pathway to redemption and forgiveness. It’s a pathway to a healing and relational communion with a good and perfect Heavenly Father.
Redemptive Fatherhood is less about who we are as earthly fathers, and more about an appropriate understanding of a Heavenly Father that loves us unconditionally.
Men, you need to hear this; God is good, he loves you deeply, your shortcomings become his canvas to create, and he delights in you and calls you his beloved. Never forget this. Write it on the tablet of your hearts.
I used to view many of the challenges and difficulties I’ve faced in my life as obstacles that would hinder me from opportunities or success or even true joy and happiness. Though, I’ve come to realize there’s tremendous beauty in difficulty and adversity, because it’s an invitation to better know and understand who I am, but more importantly, it’s a divine invitation from a loving Father who delights in my spending time with him.
And like the Sons of Korah, who declared and rejoiced about his faithfulness, you and I can equally declare that he is who he says he is, A Good Father.
Peter Ostapko is the Founder and Publisher of Kinsmen Journal. Publishing has long been a dream of his, though only in recent years did the dream become more clear. This platform and voice has been birthed out of his belief that God is good, and that each of us have a story to tell, because of a Savior that redeems.