A Reflection for Father’s Day - Sunday June 21, 2020
Pastor - Rev. Elroy Christopher: First Moravian Church of Georgia
Dr. John R. Rice observed that “Mothers are mentioned in the Bible some 363 times, but fathers over 1,300 times. The father was intended to be the image of God the Father, the high priest of his family, the king, the judge, the counselor, the provider, the avenger of wrong!” (Dr. John R. Rice, “And Ye Fathers”).
This is particularly relevant today, given the tumultuous times in which we are living. Parents, especially fathers, need to demonstrate to our nation’s children what it means to live in ways that are pleasing to God.
In the Liturgy for the Baptism of infants, parents make a commitment to “Lead your children by prayer instruction and example toward that time when they can by Grace confirm their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and commit themselves to the life and work of the church”. It is truly a blessing for fathers to be take the lead in teaching children to lead in keeping with that commitment, which can only lead to the development of children to be responsible citizens of society, and ultimately to be citizens of the Kingdom, heirs and joint heirs with Christ.
The writer of Proverbs puts it this way “ is old, he will not depart from it.” ( Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he Provers 22:6). The role of the father is demonstrated by Joshua when he was faced the challenge about who he would worship. He declared, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”. (Joshua 24:15).
The psalmist writes in Psalm 127 3 - 5 “Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them”. Whether biological, by adoption or just being role models for some kids on the block, when fathers fulfill the roles appointed by God, the blessings will abound.
In acknowledging the importance of fatherhood, I point to just three of many thoughts one can share today.
First: Be good and Godly examples, because children mirror what this see and reflect what experience, remembering that while somethings can be hidden from children for a time nothing is hidden from God and invariably will be revealed. Children will follow in the footsteps of their “knights in shining armor”, their heroes, fathers!
Second: Take seriously the responsibilities that come with fatherhood. It is not just about providing financial support as some seem to think. It calls for generosity in giving emotional support to our children and to the mothers who so often have to struggle alone to bring up their children ..It means acknowledging whether they are shortcoming door failures and owning up to them.
Paul writes in Ephesians 6; And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: “but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord”
Provocation to wrath can take many forms, including things done that hurt or anger a child as well as things that should be done but are left undone that will injure a child’s feelings toward life as a whole. We call these sins of commission and omission.
The third thing is to understand that the first two thoughts cannot be realized if fathers do not spend quality time with children. I recall one evening as I was about to leave home to attend a church board meeting, my young son looked at me and asked: “Daddy are you going out again?”
That question touched me deeply and moved me a to reflect seriously about the need to spend more time with him. It is something that every father should ponder because it can either make or break children.
I close this reflection with a word to children. Think about it: without your father, would you even exist?
Not only did Paul admonish fathers not to provoke children to wrath, he first admonished children with these words: “Children obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee and thou mayest live long on the earth.” (Ephesians 6: 1-3)
In a word, follow the inspired guidance of parents, show love and appreciation to parents today. Make it an incredibly special day for FATHERS, as well those mothers who are also doing their best to fill the role of fathers who for one reason or another, are not present.
May God’s blessings and guidance be yours always.