Before I start I want to qualify that this pertains to all men that have been a father figure in someone’s life.  It doesn't refer only to those who have birthed children.

Father’s Day 2013

            At some time during the service today we will recite the Lord’s Prayer.  It begins with “Our Father” and we then pray to our Father who is in heaven.

            God in heaven has given to mere mankind the ability to be fathers and to therefore reflect to their children the face of God.  Our earthly fathers are the first images that we see of Him. 

            Fathers teach their children how to change a flat tire, bait a hook, throw a football, paddle a canoe, set a plumb line, make a perfect campfire, read a map, balance a checkbook, replace a window, properly tie a Christmas tree to the roof of a car, grill the perfect hamburger, parallel park, drive a stick shift, and comprehend calculus.

            Fathers love to play hide and seek and Legos and monster.  They wrestle, fill water balloons and throw them, ride bikes, ice skate, ski, swim, dive, solve puzzles, and read stories in different voices.  And what child doesn’t have a memory of having a better view while seated on the shoulders of their father?

            Fathers provide for their families by working day after day, year after year.  They bring home a paycheck that is spent on orthodontists and underwear and shoes and piano lessons.  Casseroles, soups, hamburger helper, quiche, and salads are consumed with rarely a thought of steak.  Well, not THAT often.  Their weekends are filled with home repair projects, soccer practice, and family time.

            Present at birth, they continue to mark major milestones in their children’s lives.  Losing a first tooth, entering kindergarten, receiving a driver’s license, prom, diplomas, an escort down the aisle at a wedding.

            Fathers teach their children to pray, and then pray with their children, and finally pray for their children.  Always.  They love the mother of their kids hourly, daily, and will continue that love until death. They exhibit faithfulness and patience and constant care.

            The fathers here are in different seasons of life.  Perhaps your children are babies or in the terrible twos; young and facing a world that is full of adventure and surprises.  They may be ill or troubled; lost and without direction, they may be estranged from you.  Maybe they are doing well, have survived the teen years, and you are immensely proud of them. 

This one thing is true, they are your children and you love them. This one thing you must do – reflect the face of God to them.  Be to your children, as He is to you.

God does not change.  God never turns His back on us; He never ceases to listen to us.  He never withholds His blessing, His love, or His forgiveness.  He is always there and always available.  May you be as unchangeable to your children.

And on this Father’s Day may all of you see your children rise up to be a blessing and to bless you.  God bless you.  Happy Father’s Day.