Sea of Men

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-9 (NIV)

I really like our new church. Each season highlights some of its traditions. Over the years I have seen roses passed out to the women on Mother's Day or the mother with the most children honored but our pastor had all the men stand and applaud the women present. His words of encouragement and this visible act of appreciation warmed all the hearts of the women in attendance. Last Sunday, he announced that Father's Day has a different tradition, one started when the church began fifteen years ago. He invited all men – dads, granddads, husbands, men, and boys to the front of the church to kneel down with him in prayer. As the leaders of the home, he wanted to ask for God's guidance and blessing for these men. Pastor got down on his knees behind the pulpit and as he prayed, I'm sure the spirit of God filled that room with glory and hallelujahs. Nothing pleases Him more than to see men bowed before Him, seeking Him, loving Him, desiring to do His will. Tears filled my eyes as I looked over that sea of men kneeling before God, thankful for the roles they play in their families. I heard some knees cracking as they stood to return to their seats but there was also a warmth and camaraderie. Sometimes it is a lonely job but these men knew that God had met them on a Sunday morning in June.