“FATHER’S DAY”

By: Rev Gerry G. Nable
Bethany Baptist Church, Makati
Makati City Metro Manila, Philippines

We celebrate today Father’s Day. It is not only fitting but really Biblical to recognize and honor our fathers, and even set a special day like this to do so. Thank God for our fathers and the distinct role He gave them in being the nourisher, protector and upholder of their family. The Bible in 1 John 2:13-14 speaks of a father as one advanced in the knowledge of Christ. In verse 13a it says, “I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning.” Again in verse 14a it says, “I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known Him that is from the beginning.” Our earthly fathers must truly be a reflection of our Heavenly Father.

A father’s main goal should be to lead his loved ones by obeying his own Heavenly Father. A father is responsible for teaching God’s Word to his family. The Lord’s plan is to have children learn the purpose and benefits of obedience through a godly dad and mom. This protects our children from the pain and suffering that sin always causes. In this way they also develop a solid foundation that will help them to mature into the next generation of godly leaders and role models.

My dear Bethany fathers, we really must assume our God-given responsibility of family leadership. But before we can do this, we must submit to the Holy Spirit so He can produce in us the fruit of self-control. The Bible in Proverbs 16:32 tell us that “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” Many fathers cannot assume leadership at home because they have never learned to rule themselves. When we learn to take charge of ourselves, we can then take charge in our home. Again, this could be possible only as we truly and sincerely recognize and submit to the authority of God in our life and in our home. Psalm 127:1a clearly points out that “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.”

My dear brethren, may we always put God first, giving Him our highest priority, and letting Him do the building of our lives and families. May all our Bethany fathers have that resolved and conviction likewise to say with Joshua in Joshua 24:15, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”.
Happy Father’s Day!