Hi, Pastor John;
Your message in Eph. 5 last night reminded me of what the Spirit showed me about God’s order when I was in my early thirties. I was going to work at 5:30 in the morning, and out of the blue, the Spirit asked me, “Who was created first, Adam or Eve?” I replied, “Adam, Lord.” Then another question, “Whose name did Judy take?” Again I responded, “Mine. She became a Mellick and left her maiden name behind.” Then he opened the order of things for my home, and I know it is for others, too.
1- God
2-Jesus
3-A godly Pastor
4-Husband
5-Wife
6-Children
The first two in this relationship, and surely the third one listed, will not change unless Jesus takes the godly Pastor home to be with him. Jesus and his Father are doing just fine for eternity. This is the chain of command. If every home is in order, then fellowship will be experienced between each member of the family. If any part of this order is not right, there will be trouble and strife.
I pondered on this the whole day at work and knew I hadn’t occupied my space as head of household. When I got home, I rehearsed this scene with Judy. I hadn’t been the father to our children as I should have been, and let her take on my responsibilities. Essentially, she was doing my job, and hers with the children. I just went to work and came home and worked, ate, and went to bed. This formula works! Everyone should be looking up this chain of command for help. All direction and instruction flows downward. If one does not have children or a spouse, the only thing needed is to ask themselves, “Who is above me in my chain of command?” If mommy or daddy are gone, “Who is above me?” If my children backslide, “Who is above me?” God will always have someone above you for our help. Loners, as you have instructed us many times, will fail and fall (eventually).
Love always,
Billy