What Makes A Father’s Day
Gtcotr/ss062004
Today we celebrate Fathers, by recognizing them, their valuable place in our lives and the honor due their station.
Key Scripture: Genesis 18:19 For I know him, (Abraham), that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. (KJV)
A father is more than a sperm donor; more than a mother’s current live in partner; more than just someone who lends you their last name or one you have to answer to - - - the role has requirements.
A father is responsible; demonstrates his love; is strong but merciful and kind. He studies to give wisdom as his answer. A father provides, protects, encourages, corrects and defends his family. He is the leader both by example and by position.
A father, just like Abraham, superintends his family giving them security and a foundation for their future. When it comes his time to leave this world and be gathered home, he hopes to leave them blessed and not cursed, confident and not confused, unified, not divided, serving God and not just themselves.
Numbers 14:18, along with several other scriptures, reveals that a father who opposes God will leave a curse upon his children and grandchildren unto the third and fourth generation.
Deuteronomy 7:9 tells us that the person who keeps covenant with God, their blessing will extend to a thousand generations.
We all are blessed when our fathers are blessed.
With these thoughts it is safe to say that A Father Deserves His Day!
And we should all make it happen for him.
Keep in mind this morning that I will be using scriptures which relate to God’s Fatherhood over, and the relationship He has with, His Son, Jesus. Using them as our main example, I will attempt to show:
What Makes A Father’s Day
Now, from my experience, let me tell you about a few great days in every father’s life.
I. First: When A Man Hears That He Is Going To Be A Father
A. This Happened For Our Heavenly Father When
1. God Chose A Woman - Mary - to be the mother of His Son
2. Mary Had A Choice
* She had questions
* She certainly could not have understood it all
* She made her choice
Luke 1:38 “Be it unto me according to thy word.”
B. What makes a father’s day?
C. When the woman you have chosen, chooses you.
* More about that later.
II. Another Great Day: When Your Child Is Born
A. There is nothing that can take the place of that feeling
B. That, in and of itself, whether it’s God or man, that makes a father’s day.
III. Then: Each Time Your Child Recognizes You As Their Father
A. It begins like we see it in scripture. Jesus first recorded words:
1. “I must be about My Father’s business” Luke 2:49
2. What makes a father’s day?
3. When a child embraces their father
4. John 10:30 “I and My Father are one.” (Identification)
* Its when your child is not ashamed or afraid of you
* Its when your child does not deny you but chooses to associate with you and wants to be around you & work with you
* That makes a father’s day!
B. It continues through young adulthood as seen by Jesus in
1. John 8:29 “I always do those things which please My Father” (How many of you children can say that?)
2. What makes a father’s day?
3. When a child follows the counsel of his father
C. It culminates with Jesus saying to God:
1. “not My will but Thine” Luke 22:42
2. What a bitter-sweet day for a father - to witness their child making tough and at times costly, but right decisions in life.
3. What makes a father’s day?
4. When a child becomes an adult and acts responsibly.
Note: It’s not the tie, the shirt, some new socks or the new tools from Sears that makes a father’s day. It’s you!
You Make A Father’s Day!
Let’s recap in practical terms.
IV. How To Make A Father’s Day
A. A Wife’s Recipe
1. Trust your husband
2. Support his decisions
3. Follow his lead
4. Let Him and others know it.
B. A Child’s Recipe
1. Embrace your father
2. Follow your father’s counsel
3. Grow up and act responsibly
VI. A Word To Fathers
A. I borrow what Phillip said to Jesus -
* a bit out of context perhaps, but true nonetheless:
B. John 14:8 Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and we will be satisfied."
C. Your family, your community and your world will benefit from the Father in you --- Show us The Father.
D. Lets Pray For Our Fathers Today
