It is not easy being a father. One cynic, speaking from his own experience,
noted that children go through four fascinating stages. First they call you
DaDa. Then they call you Daddy. As they mature they call you Dad. Finally
they call you collect.
Today we salute fathers. Dads, we love you. The role of a Christian father
is more important in today's world than ever before. It is a different roll
than in earlier generations. In most households today Dad is called upon to
play more of a nurturing role in caring for children. If Mom works outside
the home, Dad must take a more active role in doing household chores. Dad is
no longer "lord of the castle." Hopefully, however, he has not been reduced
to being another of the vassals.
Today's father needs to be nurturing of his children, supportive of his
wife, and yet at the same time provide the spiritual leadership of the home
that the Bible accords to fathers. It is a rare man, a special kind of man,
who can combine all three of these qualities. We salute Christian fathers
this day. Your family needs you more than ever before.
The most common image that Jesus used in describing God was that of
"Father." It makes me think that Joseph must have been a very special kind
of father. We center much of our attention on his mother, Mary, but Joseph
must have also combined those very special qualities of strength and
gentleness that we associate with Jesus. Jesus had a very keen knowledge of
the Old Testament Scriptures. In the Jewish home it was the father who had
the primary responsibility for his son's religious instruction. Of course we
know that Jesus had an unique relationship with God. Still, I have to
believe that Joseph, though barely mentioned in the Gospel narrative, was
probably an influential role model for Jesus. Why else would Jesus have
chosen the imagery of "Father" to portray God?
In Matthew 10: 29-31 we have one of the most important Scriptural reminders
of the love of our Heavenly Father for His children. "Are not two sparrows
sold for a penny?" Jesus asks, "And not one of them will fall to the ground
without your Father's will. But even the hairs of your head are all
numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."
What a moving testimony to the very intimate love that God has for each of
us.
1. Sparrows Do Fall from Skies
2. Lifeís Problems are Not Punishment for Our Sins
3. We Never Fall Beyond the Watchful Eye of the Father.
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