Father’s Day, a day to honor the men who have been given the most important role… head of the family…the one in charge, who makes the final decisions. Much is expected from fathers, and many meet these expectations with ease it seems, while others, not recognizing the importance of their role, fail to take on even the smallest responsibility…of simply being there.
In society today some men are often thought of and referred to simply as ‘sperm donors’ or ‘baby daddies’. These are the men who were there for the party but left when the bills had to be paid. Some of these fathers will see the error of their ways and eventually step up, but it might be too late for developing a real relationship with that son or daughter that was ignored.
So many families today are raised in single-parent households. Children see their dads every other weekend and Mom is always at work. Many moms have live-in boyfriends who often try to fill the role of ‘Dad’… but the kids know better. Many men are called ‘Dad’, but only those who tackle the hands-on responsibility of being there and actually raising their children deserve to be celebrated.
With that said, let those who have been blessed with earthly fathers who are worthy of our praise and recognition celebrate them and honor them as they deserve. For all, especially those who might not know, we have a heavenly Father who is more than deserving of our praise… and He never fails to be there for any of us when called upon.
Jesus is introduced to us in the New Testament and then He prepares the way for us to meet God the Father as well… “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” Jesus said in John 14:6, “and no man comes to the Father, but by me,” (God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are one and the same.)
Our heavenly Father is more than just present in our lives. He knows our heart and how we think and feel about life in general. He listens and sees beyond the words to the heart, so knows what is really going on. He is constantly there to help with words of comfort and arms to hold us close. His goal is to have a personal relationship with each of us and be the father we all need by freeing us from the snares of sin.
While searching for a message that honors fathers today, I was led to Psalm 68 and found that it was exactly what I was searching for: Praise for the Father of all Fathers.
Psalm 68: 1: Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him. 2 As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God. 3 But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God….4 Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens…5 A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows is God in his holy habitation. 6 God setteth the solitary in families…19 Blessed be the Lord. who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.
Let the earthly fathers be honored today, but above all let’s remember to honor the Father of all. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen
Happy Father’s Day!