Un-Binding the Strongman (Poem)

 Fathers, we have an unseen influence over our children,

This influence ‘works’ whether we are present with them or absent.

It is something special that to us alone God has given.

It’s His delegated authority as ‘their Helmsman Parent.’

From the time they are conceived, until the time from home they leave,

We’re assigned as their Protector, spiritually speaking.

Whether it’s to their Mom, others, or no woman we may cleave,

This responsibility is given without our seeking.

Angels and demons alike must respect OUR authority,

Even if we, ourselves, are totally ignorant of it!

Over all our children we exercise an autocracy.*

In the spiritual world, the buck stops with us. Be sure of it!

That’s why devils and demons work hard to get our attention.

They well know we are God’s assigned ‘Strongman’ in all of our ‘house’.

If they can capture our imagination and ambition,

Our authority over our children they know they can douse! 

In one of His parables, Jesus gave an insightful word:

‘One can’t enter a strongman’s house without first tying him up. 

Then the strongman’s house can be thoroughly ransacked and plundered!’**

Imagine recovering from such a horrible smashup! 

While Jesus referred to satan in the context of His words, 

The exact thing applies across our physical world today.

But let’s think how it also applies to other things we’ve heard:

‘Like father, like son’, ‘apples falling close to trees’, as we say. 

Fathers’ persistent words and actions during children’s ‘home years’, 

Give to angels and devils our ‘spiritual nod and license’,

To influence our children based on how ‘we set our own gears’. 

In our children’s lives, OUR spiritual lives will set the cadence.

Did this get your attention, as your own life is in review?!

It sure got mine, so down on my knees I went, and repented. 

I asked God for His great Grace and Mercy my life to imbue.

He said, in Christ, all my sins and shortcomings are remitted!

Now this word I share with all sons, fathers, and fathers-to-be,

For too long, by devilish tricks and traps, all of us have been bound!

Please hear my plea, and let’s open our eyes, spiritually.

WE determine whether our kids’ spirits will thrive... or be drowned.

As we embrace God’s assigned role as Strongman/Child Protector,

And daily perceive into worlds in which our kids cannot see,

He will daily grace us with the strength, insight and character,

To become ‘all the Strongman we should spiritually be’.

If you’re still Father, and your kids’ at-home years have not yet passed, 

Ask God for Grace that will inspire and instruct future outcomes.

If they are just leaving, or their at-home years have long since passed,

Ask for Mercy to enhance, retroactively, past outcomes.

Our Father assignments one day will attract great scrutiny.

At Christ’s Judgment Bar, consider carefully how might you be found,

When He says, ‘Now let’s review your Father opportunity!

‘Were you the best Strongman you could be, spiritually un-bound??’

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* Spiritual autocracy, that is. God installed fathers as the spiritual head and protective covering over the family, and especially over children.

** Matthew 12:29, Mark 3:27 and Luke 11:21-22, paraphrased.