Issue 1473 – Fathers and Sons – June 13, 2024
Father’s Day is just around the corner, so I’m thinking about fathers and sons. My late father was far from perfect in many ways, and our relationship was tumultuous. We both share fault in that.
I loved my dad, although, if I’m honest, there were many times I did not like him very much. I can honestly say that I knew he loved me and that he did his best with what he had in terms of parenting skills. That’s all we can ask.
Relationships between fathers and their children, especially sons, can be complicated. Jesus was the perfect obedient son, and God the perfect Father. None of the rest of us will measure up to that bar.
The scriptures command us to honour our parents.
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12
“Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Ephesians 6:2-3
I readily confess I could have done better in this area many times.
Honouring our earthly parents also teaches us to obey our Heavenly Father. Unlike our earthly fathers, He is perfect in all of His ways. He is all-knowing (omniscient), ever-present (omnipresent), and all-powerful (omnipotent). He is love, grace, and mercy. Even His wrath is holy.
That can’t be said for us, either as children or parents. Still, learning to be more Christlike can help us love and honour our earthly fathers more and extend forgiveness and grace to them. With the Spirit dwelling in us, we can accomplish many things that are not possible under our own strength.
There is another general command you may be familiar with.
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:8
That word “all” is all-encompassing; it includes fathers, good or bad.
In the power of the Spirit, may we learn to love and honour our fathers (and mothers), extend grace and forgiveness where needed and to praise the Lord.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
Never let the enemy tell you that you are worthless or insignificant. Your value in God’s eyes is so great that it was worth dying for. You are a blessing to the world. You are so precious to God that his plan for heaven will not be complete without you.
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the English Standard Version (ESV)