As I was reflecting on my Fathers Day message for 2011, I was reminded that one of the most profound prayers ever prayed or written was one by Jesus, given to His heavenly Father. In His relationship with the Father, Jesus recognized the key elements which Fathers give to their children. In Matthew chapter 6, verses 9 - 13 we see what Fathers do for us in our lives.
Fathers give us a name (v. 9)
As son's of a earthy Father, the first thing we receive from a Father is their name. I am reminded of what sadness falls upon the fate of un-wed teenage mothers when the boy in their life does not or can not give their child his last name. That is because when a Father gives his name to his child he is declaring responsibility, relationship and protection. So too, a father gives his pledge to his children by giving his name. He pledges protection and a place in society as a son. As long as that child is a minor, he or she remains under the protection and tutelage of their earthly father.
Fathers give us a home and rules (v. 10)
When Jesus prayed, "thy kingdom come", He recognized the heavenly kingdom will be the place that he will ultimately live but that relationship continues even now. Our fathers provide along with a name, but a place, a city, state address to which we have been defined to dwell. It is within that realm that we experience the freedom to enjoy Him. In my fathers house there is for his children a place to belong, where it is safe and he provides his shelter.
Fathers provide food and shelter (v. 11)
"thy daily bread" is the most evident sign of a Father in the home. The dinner table is not only a place to eat, but also a place to share feelings, thoughts and experiences of our day. It is important that we eat and share together with our Fathers so that we know where our food comes from.
Fathers teach us to love and forgive (v. 12)
On the road to independence through maturity, our fathers teach us to forgive, which is the greatest gift they can give us. Fathers provide the example for us on how we view other people. I remember my father sharing with me about how he dealt with being mistreated, and the ability to forgive. I learned how it takes a real man to forgive and rise above being mistreated. Jesus reminds us that the relationship with the heavenly Father is maintained through forgiving others as He has forgiven us.
Fathers lead us to righteousness (v. 13).
Fathers are the greatest example of living right. We learn from our fathers what to respect. In fact, Fathers are the greatest examples for us of how to live. They are vital in maintaining core values which society cannot teach us. How many of asked why we do what we do respond: "Well, that's what I saw my Dad do.." The same is true with manners, behavior, respect and raw talent. We get these things from our Fathers.
As our relationship with our Heavenly Father is what Christ modeled for us, so too, the relationship with our earthly father is mirrored throughout our lives. The impact of a father to his children is beyond words. The experts are still studying the impact of earthly fathers upon their children and admit the profound impact of them upon society, but are not able to explain it. That is because the relationship is spiritual, it has dimensions which are not seen or heard, but felt. So too, with our heavenly Father.
This year, let's thank our Fathers for the joys and blessings of being in our lives and helping us to understand our heavenly Father just a little bit better.
Have a happy Fathers day!
Pastor Vince Gonzales
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