Prayers for my son.

Tomorrow my son enters into the world. I write this while laying in bed unable to sleep. Before we turned the lights off, I read scripture to and prayed for my son. I read him the story behind his name in 1 Kings 22, as well as Romans chapters 5-8. As I read so many of those familiar verses, they began to take on such a different meaning in regards to my son.  I'm so grateful for the power of the gospel in my own life, but now my prayer shifts to him. I pray he will see and embrace that power in his own life and that my life will so clearly demonstrate the gospel, that he sees its power through my love for him.

It breaks my heart that as he enters into the world tomorrow, he enters born into a sin nature.  He won't have to be taught to say "no". He won't have to be taught to lie to me or his mother. He won't have to be taught how to be selfish.  None of us had to be taught any of those things.  Ephesians 2 tells us we are "by nature children of wrath like the rest of mankind."  This baby that I will hold in my arms tomorrow and will seem so innocent and perfect has a sin nature like the rest of mankind. 

However, it brings me great joy to think about and take hope in the truth that God has "formed (his) inward parts... Knitted (him) together in (his) mothers womb." (Psalm 139:13).  This whole process (that seems to have just started) has been ordained and guided by God! He is and has always been in control!  His will will be done! 

My prayer as a father is that Jesus will be made real to Micaiah. That he will see that he is a sinner. That he will humble himself, and surrender his life to Jesus, the One who willingly gave up His life for him.  I further pray that he will live up to his name.  Micaiah means "who is like Yahweh?". I pray he will see that there is no one like our God! I pray he will stand up for Jesus. Just as Micaiah in 1 Kings wouldn't compromise, but would only say that which the Lord said to him, I pray my son will stand and boldly proclaim the things of God!  Whether that will be through preaching, teaching, singing, or any other method of sharing the gospel, may he not give in to popular opinion, peer pressure, or anything else! I pray he stands and boldly and proudly says "Jesus saves!" 

Lastly, my prayer as a father is that Micaiah will see in me the love of Jesus. I pray that my love for him shows him the love of the true Father. I pray my love will be unconditional. I pray my care will be constant. I pray my chastisement will come with mercy. I pray my life points to the One who exemplifies all of these things far more and far greater than I will ever be able to.  I pray Micaiah sees Jesus in his father. 

I'm so grateful for my father, my papa, my grandpa, my father-in-law, and my grandfather-in-law who have been incredible examples of loving, Godly fathers. I pray I can live up to the legacy I've been given to follow. But more importantly, I'm grateful for the love of my Father in Heaven and for the love, that I read about to my son tonight, that God has for me in Christ Jesus.  

God grant to me the ability to love Micaiah the way you love me for Your glory.