Who's Your Daddy?

Since the death of Michael Jackson a number of reports have emerged questioning the paternity of his three known children. Some have even reported, including Michael’s father, that Michael had a fourth child; who was seen sitting among the family at the funeral. Dr. Arnold Klein, Michael’s former doctor and boss of Jackson’s former wife Debbie Rowe has claimed that he might be the biological father of Prince Michael Jr. and Paris. Although the paternity of Michael’s youngest son, Prince Michael, II is unknown, it has been rumored that his mother was an unknown surrogate.

Not only is it likely that Michael’s children don’t know who their real daddy is, they are now without a father, who in spite of his eccentricities was reportedly a wonderful daddy. Therefore, the important question is not, who’s their daddy? But, who’s ultimately going to raise them, now that their father is gone? Will it be Michael’s mother, Debbie Rowe, Dr. Arnold Klein, or Diana Ross? If I had a vote it would be for Janet. She doesn’t have any children, she is definitely more stable that La Toya, and her days as a musical diva are quickly coming to an end.

Several weeks ago I began a sermon series on spiritual adoption in which we are exploring the many parallels between spiritual adoption and natural adoption. The first message in the series was titled Who’s Your Daddy? From a theological perspective, adoption is the overarching Biblical metaphor for the invitation and inclusion of Gentiles into the Judeo-Christian lineage as children of God. Adoption is our pathway to redemption and the family of God. Therefore, regardless of our birth family’s structure, as Christians we are all adoptees. The Bible says,

God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.[1]

Michael Jackson may have been the King of Pop and his two sons may be named Prince Michael, but as God’s adopted children there is no question about who our father is. And as children of God we have the assurance that we will never be left parentless. The psalmist David declared, “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take care of me.”[2] The prophet Isaiah spoke prophetically of Jesus as a wonderful counselor, a mighty God, an everlasting Father, and a prince of peace.[3]

Whether your biological father is deceased, or you lack a relationship with him, or you are not even sure who he is; remember who your real daddy is. This week when you are faced with a major challenge or decision, remember that your daddy is available to provide you with His expert counsel. If you’re faced with an impossible situation this week, remember that your daddy is a mighty God. When life becomes chaotic this week, remember that your daddy is the Prince of Peace.

By the way, I’m glad to be back blogging again and I hope you have missed the Bishop’s Blog.

[1] Ephesians 1:5 (NLT)
[2] Psalm 27:10 (NKJV)
[3] Isaiah 9:6