Father’s Day is a day set apart to honor and commemorate our fathers. In 1966 President Lyndon Johnson made a proclamation for the third Sunday of June to be Father’s Day. Finally, it was made an official national holiday in 1972.
Though the Bible does not set aside a day to specifically honor fathers, many fathers are honored in Scripture. In Genesis 4:20-21 Jabal is recognized as “the father of such as dwell in tents and such as have cattle.” His brother Jubal is called “the father of such as handle the harp and organ.” In Genesis 17:5, when Abram’s name was changed to Abraham, God tells him, “Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.” Fatherhood clearly has a place of honor in God’s eyes.
Of course, God relates to Jesus Christ and to those who are united to Christ as our Father (Matt. 5:45; 6:9, 32; Rom. 1:7; 15:6; 1 Cor. 8:6). Jesus always honors His Father’s will (Jn. 17:1, 5). Fatherhood is a high and holy calling. I am thankful for my own godly father and for the many godly fathers and future fathers in our church. Those of us who were blessed with godly fathers can never repay our dads for their godly example, their provision, their protection, their tender love. But we who are fathers can seek to pass on their legacy to the next generation.
In expression of our gratitude for fathers, we invite fathers to pick up a Dad’s Root Beer following the morning service or after 11am Sunday school. Happy Father’s Day!
