The following is an insert from 20 Centuries of Great Preaching, Volume 1, Origen Admantius, pg. 29-30His parents supplied him with both Christian education and Christian example…In addition, his father taught him the Scriptures; to learn a passage of Scripture a day was a routine part of Origen’s life as a boy…When Origen was sixteen, a violent persecution erupted against the Christians. His father, Leonides, was thrown into prison. Origen ardently desired to follow his father to martyrdom. His mother prevented his leaving the house - by hiding all his clothes. Unable to go to his father, Origen wrote to him and pled with him not to abandon his faith out of anxiety for his family. Leonides stood by his faith and was beheaded…
With both a biographical sketch and a sample of preaching, this chapter centers on Origen as a 3rd century churchman. Certainly ecclesiastical opinion of Origen's contributions vary, yet it was the influence of a father that I found most gripping.
It needs little commentary, but may we as fathers follow Leonides lead. Let it be said that our home fashioned men of bold faith; that our commitment to glory in Christ inspired a yearning for the unseen. Let it be said that our consistent displays of grace, justice, and humility propelled our household to greater expressions of faith, hope, and love.
May we be found faithful, grace and peace.
Jason. Once again you have managed to touch my soul and let me see a glimpse of the grace of our father. Your family is a blessing to me.
ReplyDeleteOh, how I pray that all the fathers I know would be men of bold faith. What a difference that would make in the lives of our children and grandchildren. Thank you for your example.
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