Editor's journey

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Honor and blessing

 

CINCINNATI — After speaking at a missions convention at Tri-County Assembly of God, I had the opportunity to spend some time with Senior Pastor Brad Rosenberg and his father, Hugh, founding pastor. The Lord has used them to build a great missions-focused church — a congregation full of joy and compassion.

Hugh Rosenberg is a relentless visionary. Over a period of 40 years he served as the congregation’s founding shepherd, before handing the reins to Brad in 2002. Brad is a young leader who, like his father, possesses extraordinary faith. It didn’t take me long to recognize they have a special bond: Hugh honors Brad; and Brad reveres his father. They openly demonstrate their admiration and support for one another.

At a time when so many father-son relationships are broken, it is heartwarming to see the love and respect these two have for one another. They take pleasure in each other’s successes, operating as co-workers in ministry rather than competitors.

In an unusual way, I sensed that God, in part, is blessing Tri-County Assembly of God because its pastors have such a Christ-honoring father-son relationship. Their love for one another is infectious within the congregation.

When children like Brad love and respect their parents, Deuteronomy 5:16 says they invoke God’s blessing: “Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you” (NIV).

This Father’s Day, look for a visible way to honor your father. And, fathers, look for an opportunity to praise your children. In doing so, you are honoring your Heavenly Father and inviting His blessing.

Hal Donaldson

E-mail your comments to tpe@ag.org.