The Role of the Father: Priest, Prophet, and Intercessor
The Power of a Father’s Role
The significance of a father is deeply rooted in the Bible. A father’s role extends far beyond physical provision; it encompasses spiritual leadership, prophetic declaration, and intercessory prayer. In Genesis 35:18, we see a profound moment where a father changes the trajectory of his son’s life through his words:
“And with Rachel’s last breath, for she was dying, she named him Ben-Oni, the son of my sorrow, but his father called him Benjamin, son of my right hand.”
In this sermon, we will explore how fathers can embody the roles of priest, prophet, and intercessor to bless and uplift their children, transforming curses into blessings.
1. The Role of a Priest: Offering and Consecration
a. Jacob as a Priest
When Jacob held Benjamin, he acted as a priest, offering his son to God. Leviticus 4:33 describes the priest laying hands on the sin offering to consecrate it. Similarly, a father dedicates his children to the Lord, recognizing that they belong to God first.
In Numbers 6:22-27, the priestly blessing demonstrates this:
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
Jacob, as a priest, rejected the name Ben-Oni, meaning sorrow, and consecrated his son as Benjamin, the son of God’s right hand\u2014a place of honor, power, and authority.
b. Fathers Today: Dedication and Sacrifice
A father’s priestly role includes dedicating their children to God through prayer and teaching them His ways. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands:
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Fathers are called to intercede, lifting their children in prayer as offerings to God, trusting Him to guide and protect them.
2. The Role of a Prophet: Declaring Identity and Destiny
a. Jacob as a Prophet
Jacob, acting as a prophet, spoke life into Benjamin\u2019s identity. By declaring, “You are not Ben-Oni; you are Benjamin,” Jacob aligned his son’s destiny with God’s purpose. He refused to let his son carry a legacy of pain and sorrow.
Proverbs 18:21 emphasizes the power of words:
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Through prophetic declaration, Jacob shaped Benjamin’s future. This is a critical aspect of fatherhood: declaring God\u2019s promises over one’s children.
b. Fathers Today: Speaking Life
Fathers are called to prophesy over their children, declaring their God-given potential. Jeremiah 29:11 assures us:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Speaking blessings, affirming identity, and casting vision for their children’s future is a father’s prophetic duty. Fathers must reject societal labels and negative declarations, replacing them with God\u2019s truth.
3. The Role of an Intercessor: Standing in the Gap
a. Jacob as an Intercessor
Jacob didn’t just rename his son; he interceded for him. He stood in the gap, lifting his son’s identity and future before God. In the Bible, intercession often brings transformation. Consider Moses, who interceded for Israel in Exodus 32:11-14, sparing them from destruction.
Intercessory prayer is a father’s powerful tool to break generational curses and invoke God’s favor. Job exemplified this in Job 1:5, where he regularly interceded for his children:
“Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, ‘Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.’ This was Job’s regular custom.”
b. Fathers Today: Persistent Prayer
Fathers must consistently intercede for their children\u2014praying for protection, wisdom, and spiritual growth. James 5:16 underscores the power of such prayer:
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
Through intercession, fathers invite God’s intervention, ensuring their children walk in His light.
4. Transforming Curses Into Blessings
a. Benjamin’s Legacy
Jacob’s prophetic act not only changed Benjamin’s life but also impacted future generations. From Benjamin’s lineage came King Saul, Mordecai, and Esther, demonstrating how one blessing can reshape a family\u2019s destiny.
Galatians 3:13-14 reminds us of Christ’s role in breaking curses:
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us… He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus.”
b. Fathers Today: Breaking Chains
Fathers have the authority to break chains of generational sin and curses through prayer, declaration, and obedience. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 states:
“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”
By taking spiritual authority, fathers can release blessings over their families, turning sorrow into joy and despair into hope.
5. The Cry of a Fatherless Generation
a. America\u2019s Spiritual State
Genesis 27:34 paints a vivid picture of Esau’s anguish:
“When Esau heard his father\u2019s words, he burst out with a loud and bitter cry and said to his father, ‘Bless me\u2014me too, my father!'”
This cry echoes in today’s fatherless generation. Many children grow up without the guidance, love, and affirmation of a father, leaving a void that only God can fill.
b. The Heavenly Father’s Blessing
Isaiah 64:8 assures us:
“Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.”
Our Heavenly Father offers a blessing far greater than any earthly father. Through His love, He provides favor, abundance, victory, opportunities, and restoration.
6. The Fivefold Father’s Blessing
a. Favor
Psalm 5:12 declares:
“Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.”
Favor is God’s grace and kindness, opening doors and creating opportunities.
b. Abundance
Philippians 4:19 promises:
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
God’s blessing ensures we lack nothing and live in His overflow.
c. Victory
1 Corinthians 15:57 proclaims:
“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Through Christ, we overcome every battle.
d. Opportunities
Revelation 3:8 says:
“See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.”
God provides divine opportunities for His children to fulfill their purpose.
e. Restoration and Healing
Joel 2:25-26 promises:
“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten… You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you.”
God restores what has been lost and brings healing to brokenness.
Embracing the Father’s Role
The roles of priest, prophet, and intercessor are vital in shaping the destiny of children and breaking generational curses. Fathers, take up this mantle and bless your children with favor, abundance, victory, opportunities, and restoration.
To the fatherless, remember: your Heavenly Father sees you, loves you, and has a blessing for you. Psalm 68:5 proclaims:
“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.”