“Modeling Fatherhood for the Generations”

Father’s Day is a holiday in the United States in which fathers or paternal bonds are acknowledged. In 1910, the first recognized Father’s Day celebration occurred. Some believe it was in reaction to the acknowledgement of Mother’s Day as a needed complement.

Christians acknowledge secular Father’s Day, and acknowledge the greatest sacred example of modeling fatherhood as seen in God the Father and God the Son (Jesus). God also provided in His Holy Word other examples of fatherhood. The one I will highlight in this writing is the father and son relationship of Abraham and Isaac. Their example is one of paternal trust and obedience to God regardless of the circumstances and potential outcomes. It is an example that highlights love of God first, which leads to godly love of family.

A summary of Abraham and son Isaac is as follows:

One day God told Abraham to take his son Isaac, and to journey into the land of Mount Moriah. There he was to build an altar and offer Isaac as a sacrifice. It was a strange command, but Abraham knew that God would not bid him do what was wrong, and believed that even if he slew his son, God was able to raise him to life again. So he rose early in the morning saddled his ass, took two of his young men, and wood for the fire; and then, accompanied by Isaac, started on his journey.

On the third day they came near the place God had pointed out, and Abraham left the young men with the ass, while he and his son journeyed up the mountain alone.

As they went along, Isaac — who carried the wood, while his father carried the knife and the fire, said: “My father.” And Abraham replied, “Here am I, my son.” Then Isaac said: “Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” Abraham answered: “My son, God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering.”

The altar was built, Isaac was bound and laid upon it, and Abraham’s arm was uplifted to strike the blow that was to take his son’s life away. Then God called to Abraham, “Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him; for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing that thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from Me.” Abraham looked up, and behind him saw a ram which was caught in a thicket by its horns; this he took and offered as a sacrifice to God.

(Summary from: http://www.gospelweb.net/YouthItems/abrahamandisaac.htm)

Let’s examine the modeling of fatherhood per the Holy Bible.

Theme: “Modeling Fatherhood for the Generations”

Scripture Readings: Genesis 22:1-19 (NIV)

Reflection:

If we examine the story of Abraham and Isaac there is much to be learned. Here are the main points we realize from the story:

• Abraham was a father who talked with and had a relationship with God (…God told Abraham to take his son Isaac to Mt. Moriah)
• Abraham spent quality time with his son Isaac in obedience to God (…took a journey together)
• Abraham had trained his son in making sacrifices to God
• Abraham did not rely on his own reasoning or rationale but followed God’s commands
• Abraham started his day making God’s instruction a priority (…he arose early to begin his service to God)
• Abraham got others involved in God’s service
• Abraham realized that everyone was not privileged to be a part of God’s purpose and plan for his life (…his servants did not ascend the mountain with him)
• Abraham involved his son and family in God’s work
• Abraham protected his family (…he carried the dangerous items of the fire and knife)
• Abraham taught his son the importance of shared labor (…his son carried the wood)
• Abraham taught his son the need to offer his life to God
• Abraham taught his son that God would provide what was needed
• Abraham taught his son total trust in his father and the God they served
• Abraham acknowledged that everything and everyone belongs to the Sovereign God
• Abraham learned that God prefers obedience to sacrifice
• Abraham learned that God has resources that we know nothing about
• Abraham discerned the Will of God
• Abraham accepted that his children belonged to God
• Abraham learned that God gives and takes away (blessed be the Name of God)

So, as we reflect on Fatherhood and recognize fathers and paternal figures in our lives reflect on what we can learn from Abraham; the man God called to be the “Father of many Nations” (Genesis 17:5).

Amen!