Delighting in Dad
June 20, 2009
We are blessed this morning to enjoy another wonderful Father’s Day. This national moment during which we celebrate Dad is one that fills our hearts with joy. Despite our elation, however, too often we witness a lower assessment of fatherhood. For example, our nation’s telephone circuits are frequently overloaded as children reach out to Mom on Mother’s Day. Such “overloading” does not occur on Father’s Day. Moreover, singers romanticize Mom with songs like “I’ll Always Love My Momma,” “Mama’s Song,” and so forth. On the other hand, “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.” It is obvious from these examples that in many instances, society’s view of fathers is less than complimentary. Well, society’s view is one thing, but what can be said of heaven’s view? When we read Scripture, we see that God views Dad as a person to be honored and respected (Mal. 1:6). He is a person to be emulated (1 Kin. 3:14). And he is a person to be celebrated and appreciated (Gen. 46:29). Perhaps the most striking proof regarding the positive nature of fatherhood is that God himself is the ultimate father; the father of all creation (Gen. 1:1; 1 Cor. 8:6). What can we say to all this, friends? Only that societal negatives must not inform our view of fatherhood. To the contrary, the Scriptures should occupy that role. When they do, a sense of respect, emulation, and appreciation will well up in our hearts regarding our fathers and we will truly delight in Dad. Please think about it, and Happy Father’s Day to all! — JLNJR
