By Pastor Alex Ruelo
Everybody loves fathers. Some might not agree because their fathers might not have been there or maybe their experience with their fathers might not have been good. But even the most broken relationships are hoping for reconciliation. Who wants broken relationships? You might have tried and failed. But deep in your heart, you still want to be reconciled to the one you love. Especially if that is your father.
When you see good father-child relationships, you are moved because you do not see it very often. Everybody wants it, but not everyone is blessed with a good earthly father.
Oftentimes, the sacrifices of a father are not seen. They are overlooked because of busyness and so many other things. Your family does not see that. But their love and protection are unprecedented. It is not easy to be a father. There is no manual given even to first time dads. But they work, pay the bills, and protect their family. That is what fathers do.
Fathers are not perfect. But they are perfect for their respective families because God put them there. And no matter the imperfections, they are doing the best they can. 1 Kings 15:11 says, “Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as his father David had done.” Many eyes are on you.
Some stories in the Bible show how fathers are and how God wants them to be.
Adam, the first man, was also the first father. When God created Him, he was supposed to be perfect. But the tragedy of Adam is that he did not lead his children properly. Also, in Genesis 3:11-12, it says, “And he said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?” The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” Sometimes, fathers do not take responsibility. Just like Adam, they look for people or things to blame. God is looking for fathers who choose to obey Him and submit to HIs love. Fathers who have integrity and take responsibility for their actions. The father is the leader of the household. If something goes wrong, you take responsibility.
Noah was a righteous man. But right after the flood, in Genesis 9:20-21, it says, “Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard. When he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent.” Drinking is not the problem. The problem is getting drunk and not knowing what you are doing next. Another problem is when you choose to buy wine or alcohol instead or prioritizing your family’s needs first. Do not fall into that trap.
Abraham was the father of the Jewish nation. God asked Him to sacrifice his beloved son but He, instead, provided for the sacrifice to be made; thus making Abraham the father of many people. But in Genesis 12:12-13, it says, “When the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me but will let you live. Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you.” He lied and put the life of his wife in danger. But in spite of his foolishness, God was faithful to him and spared Sarah from the hands of pharaoh. Sometimes, many fathers do many foolish things. But God will always be there to protect you and bring you back in your proper place.
Jacob is the father of the 12 tribes of Israel. The name Jacob means “schemer.” He cheated his brother out of his birth right. But the problem with Jacob is that he had a favorite son, who is Joseph. And Joseph’s brothers got jealous of him. He was traded as a slave in Egypt, but when he was there, he succeeded. Genesis 50:20 says, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Jacob made a mistake in playing favorites, but God still used his mistake to prove His faithfulness.
Moses parted the sea and gave the laws to hundreds of thousands of Israelites. He only had 2 children but he led so many people. One time, his father-in-law visited him while he was sitting down, giving advice to people the whole day. Exodus 18:17-18 says, “Moses’ father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.” Many fathers take their bodies for granted; working all day and forgetting to take care of themselves. And that is not good. You need to take care of yourselves. God created the Sabbath day for man. Use it.
David is a man after God’s own heart. He was one of the most successful kings who ever lived. But he was an adulterer. 1 Samuel 12:13, 16 says, “Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and spent the nights lying in sackcloth on the ground.” Many fathers have made this mistake along the way. But you need to repent and ask for forgiveness not only from the people you have hurt but from God too. And He is willing and faithful to forgive you.
Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, is one of the greatest fathers in the Bible. Albeit mentioned only a few times, his impact on Jesus’ life is profound. Matthew 1:19, 24-25 says, “Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.” He could have turned his back on Mary for being pregnant before they were engaged and thought badly of her. But instead took Jesus as his own because he listened to God. God gave you the responsibility to take care and protect your family. There will be many times that you will fail. You might not have the manual on how to become the perfect father. But you have God the Father who adopted you into His family.
If you do not have an earthly father, you have a Heavenly Father who loves you and will protect you no matter what. What your earthly father cannot give, your Heavenly Father will provide. To the fathers here on earth, God sees your heart. He knows all the hard work and sacrifices you make. If you feel unappreciated, hold on. Do not give up no matter what. God sees and hears. Hold on. 1 Peter 1:18-19 says, “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” God saved you with the precious blood of Jesus Christ. Hold on.
I know that I don't have forever
and maybe I don't know what to say
if I can't tell you that I love you
then I'll sing it anyway
Ever since I was a little girl
I thought the world was bigger then
You made me realize that true love meant
no distance, height or depth
And I know things are never easy
they always crumble, always break
But you always keep your head up high
no matter what it takes
For all the times that you protected me,
you know I'm thankful every day
even when it wasn't easy
Or when I didn't see it that way
So daddy hold on
hold on
You know you'll be here in my heart
No matter what they say
Hold on
Daddy hold on
I'll always love you
i know you'll be okay
For all the times you had to suffer
Sleepless nights and longer days
Yet you always find the time to check
And ask if im okay
Thanks for being so intentional
For every drive on the way to school
or when you fuel my passions for me
Dad, you're so so cool
And I know sometimes 2 steps forward
feels like moving 2 steps back
But only you could make a Disneyland
Out of a little town wreck
If there's one last thing I'd like to say
I'm proud I'm daddy's little girl
And I know that's one thing I'll never change
Because dad, you're my whole world
Even when im close or far away
You'll always be here in my heart
If you don't hear this often,
Let me say dad...
You've done a great job so far…