Father’s Day

Like Mother’s Day last month Father’s Day is also a day that can evoke so many different emotions. Some folks have their fathers still with them, while many do not. Some people had wonderful, loving, and kind earthly fathers, but some struggled in their relationships. There are some who never knew their fathers and there are some who have never been able to have their own children. For some, that may have been their choice. For others it may have resulted in a calling to be a resource and a supplement to other families by ministering to other people’s children.

So the gauntlet of emotions may be felt this week as the world celebrates fathers. As with Mother’s Day, it is not a day intended to hurt but to honor and to reflect. It is a day to challenge ourselves as men to either be like our fathers or to do better. In many cases it is both. We model the good characteristics and we learn from the more negative ones.

In fact, as you read through the pages of God’s word you will find the full gamut of fatherly characteristics in the various individuals that the Spirit saw fit to include in the written texts. There are some who did what they could to guide their children to righteousness and some who led them into sin (Job 1:1-6; 2 Kings 21:19-21). There are some who nurtured and guided while others neglected their responsibilities (Genesis 6:9-10, 1 Samuel 3:12-14). There are fathers who were patient with their children (even in times they did not understand) and those who lost their tempers over selfish and unrighteousness situations (Genesis 22:6-8; 1 Samuel 20:32-33).

Yet, all through the Scriptures, there is encouragement to fathers to bring up their children in godly ways. And maybe, most wonderful of all, there is the great honor of God using the term Father to give us a picture of His relationship with us. While it is a great honor, it is also a great challenge. The Heavenly Father does what He does best: He calls us to be like Him, even in the most simple way like sharing a description.

So today we join in praising the fathers that have loved and guided their children, honoring the memories of those who left great legacies for their families, and encouraging the dads that are currently pouring their best effort into their children. We are also praying for those of you who find today difficult and may we point you to the one true Father who will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5-6).

Ben