Happy Father’s Day! As we celebrate another Father’s Day, my first word of encouragement is; if your dad is alive, give him a hug or maybe just let him know you love and appreciate him. My dad has been gone 23 years and Trish’s dad has been gone 43 years and, without a doubt, we miss them immensely. We would give anything if we could just hug their neck or tell them once again how much we appreciate them. I know many have lost their fathers and the absence is a void that can’t be filled but can be healed.
When I think of Father’s Day, I think of relationships. I believe through God’s infinite wisdom He wanted to make it possible to relate to Him in a meaningful way. So, He gave us the family structure. Have you ever wondered why God refers to Himself as our Heavenly Father? May I suggest a few of my own thoughts.
First of all, God wants fathers to realize the value of His gift of children. One of the remarkable ways God illustrates His love is through the gift of children. In Psalm 127:3, the scriptures remind us, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him.” This verse captures the profound truth that children are not merely an extension of earthly relationships but divine blessings entrusted to us. They are living reflections of God’s creative power and love, with the potential to bring joy, growth, and purpose to a family.
Secondly, God, as our Heavenly Father, provides for our well-being. In the scriptures it is explicitly clear, God expects the father to provide for his family. “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (I Tim 5:8)
Thirdly, God would have fathers training up and nourishing their offspring in the Lord. “And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Eph. 6:4)
Lastly, God want fathers to be proud of their children. Proverbs 23:24 highlights the joy a father finds when his child walks in wisdom: “The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.” This verse underscores the deep satisfaction and pride a father experiences when his children grow in character, wisdom, and righteousness. Such pride is not self-centered but celebratory of God’s work in their lives. The scriptures acknowledge that every child is uniquely crafted by God. Psalm 139:14 praises the Creator’s craftsmanship: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Fathers are encouraged to recognize and celebrate the unique qualities of their children, taking pride in how God has intricately designed each one with purpose.
The Bible provides a profound framework for fathers to care for, nurture, and take pride in their children. Pride in one’s children is not a mere human emotion but a spiritual acknowledgment of their God-given value and purpose. By celebrating their achievements, affirming their uniqueness, and delighting in their growth, fathers can fulfill their divine calling as reflections of God’s love and pride for His creation.
I hope this Sunday we can come together to thank our Heavenly Father for all the ways He has cared for us, as His beloved children. Let us lift up songs of praise and worship Him with hearts full of gratitude for His many blessings. And let us recall with a somber spirit that He had such a great love for us that He sacrificed His own, His only, begotten Son so that we may be called, “children of God.” (1 John 3:1).
In Christ,
Steve
Leave a Reply