A Good Father

Psalm 103:13 NLT

The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.

Introduction:

The world that we live in has faced an epidemic of missing fathers. Fathers have given up their leadership position and have opted to take the back seat. Some fathers are completely absent leaving their families to make it on their own. While others are just too busy with work or play.

God designed an order for things and He desires men to be leaders in their homes and within community.

Its time for men to reclaim their rightful place as leaders and fathers.

Today, on Father’s Day, let’s look at the qualities of a good father.

Devotion

Proverbs 20:7 “The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them.”

A good father is devoted to his children. Confidence and understanding are encouraged through communication.

Children respond when they are free to express their joys and disappointments to a father who listens and cares.

A good father is devoted to God. We should be devoted to God our heavenly Father, giving Him our time, talent and treasure. Fellowship increases our love to Him. It is an example to our family.

Psalm 145:4 “Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power.”

Discipline

Proverbs 3:12 “For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.”

A good father corrects his children. They need the security that loving firmness brings.

Children are better able to please God later in life if they have learned obedience at home.

Our heavenly Father disciplines His children because He loves them. He knows what is best for them.

Direction

Proverbs 4:1 “My children, listen when your father corrects you. Pay attention and learn good judgment,”

A good father offers direction to his children. Children often make quick and rash decsions. They need guidance and the right example to follow.

Children who accept instruction from their parents are better equipped to accept God’s direction later in life.

Our heavenly Father wants to lead and instruct His children. Those who seek His will for their lives receive His guidance and direction.

Diligence

Proverbs 11:27 “If you search for good, you will find favor; but if you search for evil, it will find you!”

A good father diligently seeks whatever is good for his children. His love demands the best possible for them.

Children are aware of their parents’ love, concern, and sacrifice. It gives them security

Our heavenly Father wants the best for His children. He loves and cares for them and is concerned about them.

Altar

Do you need to surrender today?

Do you need to hear from God today?

Do you need prayer?

The Blessing

God told Moses to tell Aaron to bless the people. This prayer is found in Numbers 6:24-26

The priest would lift his hands in holiness and bless the people. When he did his hands like this it creates an opening through which the radiance of God’s presence streams. The picture is that of a dove hovering and getting ready to bring forth life.

We do this today because God wants His people blessed.

It is extra special today because it is Father’s Day and this blessing is equivalent to a father blessing his children. Something that both ancient and modern Hebrews practice usually around the dinner table.

Psalm 127:3-5 declare that children are a blessing from the Lord.

Like the heavenly Father, parents should desire blessing for their children and children should desire blessing from their parents.

The father is the priest of the home and for this reason, I would like to ask fathers/families to come with their children and we will speak this blessing together this morning.

As we prepare to bless this morning we are to be reminded that Jacob and Esau desired a blessing from their father, Isaac. Jacob received the blessing. (This gives credibility to the idea that the blessing is more than just words. They are words that heaven honors.)

The practice of blessing is also prophetic as we see in Genesis 49 as Jacob blesses his sons, including his adopted sons, Manasseh and Ephraim.

Fathers, let’s speak this blessing together this morning:

May the Lord bless you and protect you.

May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.

May the Lord show you His favor and give you His peace.