Portrait of a Good Father

Portrait of a Good Father

Hello, brethren! Today, as we celebrate Father’s Day, our sermon will focus on the responsibilities of fathers, as guided by Luke 15:20-27. In our world today, there is no greater honor and challenge than being a father. In the Bible, Jesus showed us the model of spiritual fatherhood that we, as earthly fathers, can strive to emulate.

When the disciples asked Jesus how they should pray, he responded with the words we now know as the Lord’s Prayer, beginning with, “Our Father in Heaven.” This simple yet profound phrase underscores the primary role of a father – to be a spiritual guide. Fathers are not only responsible for the physical wellbeing of their children, but also their spiritual nourishment. They are to guide their children in prayer, in faith, and in understanding God’s will.

You have likely witnessed the situation where a child disobeys their mother, and the mother warns, “I will tell your father.” This highlights the authority vested in a father, who often serves as a moral compass for the family. As fathers, it is our responsibility to be good role models, to discipline our children, and to guide them in righteousness. The name ‘father’ is indeed a weighty one. The responsibilities that come with it are immense, but so are the blessings and rewards.

Just as Jacob was blessed by his father Isaac, fathers have the crucial role of imparting blessings upon their children. They are to speak life, love, and prosperity into their lives, helping shape their future in accordance with God’s will.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus continuously taught the crowds, offering parables and lessons to guide them towards the path of righteousness. He was a beacon of wisdom, love, and compassion. In the same way, a father’s responsibility is to bring people together, to teach, and to guide.

As Jesus associated himself with sinners, showing them love and forgiveness, he laid the foundation for the church. Fathers, too, are called to embrace and forgive, fostering unity within the family, the church, and the community.

Consider the parable of the prodigal son, which teaches us many lessons about fatherhood. The son, after squandering his inheritance, found himself living with pigs. Yet, when he returned home, his father was overjoyed to see him. This story emphasizes a father’s unconditional love and the joy they feel in the return and restoration of their children.

Our material possessions, including money and property, are fleeting. Instead, fathers should strive to leave a legacy that extends beyond these earthly treasures. The greatest inheritance a father can pass on to his children is the gift of discipline and wisdom.

Remember, children often emulate their parents. Sons, in particular, tend to copy their fathers. It is essential, therefore, that fathers embody the values they wish to see in their children – kindness, honesty, respect, faithfulness, and more.

Finally, let us not forget our Heavenly Father, the divine architect who brought us all together today. In our lives, we should strive to imitate Him, seeking His wisdom and His guidance. He listens to us when we pray, providing for our needs in abundance. Even if your earthly father is no longer with us, take heart. Our Heavenly Father is always there, ever watchful and caring, ready to provide for us and guide us.

Brethren, on this Father’s Day, let’s honor our earthly fathers and our Heavenly Father. Let’s remember the lessons they’ve taught us, the love they’ve shown us, and the example they’ve set. It’s the least we can do for those who’ve done so much for us.