Good morning Church! And a happy father’s day to all our dads and grandpa’s out there I’m so happy you have taken the time to be worshipping here today. You are setting a great example to your children about the importance and priority of worshipping God and being in church, even on this special day. And Happy Summer! Starting next Sunday we will move to our Summer hours and our service will begin at 9:45. More information and an important announcement will be given at the end of our service, so stay right there!
Join me as I open our service in prayer.
Our Scripture reading this morning is Deut.1:30-31.
“The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, 31 and in the wilderness. There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.”
May God be pleased with the reading of His word!
Before I actually begin let me say, I know Father’s Day can be a difficult day for many people. Many have lost their father’s, there is many a single mom without a husband for whatever reason, and some homes that do not have a descent father. I recognize those often painful situations. But we should not shy away from hearing and understanding what God’s word says about father’s as a corrective, and as a positive example for our children. So, today I want to speak about the traditional father.
Many of you older folks will remember Erma Bombeck. She was an American humorist who achieved great popularity for her newspaper column that described the everyday suburban home life from the mid-1960s until the late 1990s. She wrote many articles for Father’s Day but this one has become something of a classic. It had to do with her reflections, as a young girl, on her own dad and just what a dad did anyway. Let me read it to you.
“One morning my father didn’t get up for work. He went to the hospital and died the next day.
I hadn’t thought much about him before. He was just someone who left home and came home and seemed to be glad to see everyone at night. He opened the jars of pickles when no one else could. He was the only one in the house who wasn’t afraid to go into the basement by himself.
He cut himself shaving, but no one kissed it or got excited about it. It was understood that when it rained, he got the car and brought it around to the door. When anyone was sick, he went to get the prescription filled. He took lots of pictures…but he never in them.
Whenever I played house, the mother doll had lots to do. I never knew what to do with the daddy doll, so I had him say, “I’m going off to work now, “ and threw him under the bed.
The funeral was in our house and lots of people came and brought all kinds of food and cakes.
I went to my room, reached under the bed for the daddy doll. When I found him, I dusted him off and put him on my bed. He never did anything. I didn’t know his leaving would hurt so much.”
For many younger children their father is something of a mystery. Only as they grow older do they grow in their knowledge and appreciation for dad. Yet, it’s not just kids who find dad a bit of a mystery. In our fragmented, fracturing society that is endeavoring to redefine family, even father’s can be confused as what a father does and is. In such cases it is always good to go back to the blueprint, the original design and see what type of things God says about fathers.
As I mentioned on Mother’s Day, God likewise uses the analogy of fathers to describe what He is like so we can better understand and appreciate our Father in heaven. The use of the words, “like” or “as” indicate an analogy. Let me give you a couple of examples;
Ps.103:13 reads;
“As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.”
Prov.3:12;
“…because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in.”
As our fathers show compassion, love, and disciplines and delights in us, so our heavenly Father does so but much more. Then there today’s verse, Deut.1:31.
“and in the wilderness. There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.”
There are few images that convey the thought of love, compassion as well as strength as that of “carrying someone.” We have all seen the movies depicting a most desperate time when someone’s strength fails, usually the woman or child, sometimes a buddy, and the hero carries them, often with great effort, maybe in spite of the danger, in order to save them. They may be wounded on the battlefield, or struggling across a sun-scorched desert or any number of inhospitable settings. But the image at once is powerful and speaks of a loyalty and sacrificial love.
So today I want to focus on that picture. Dads who carry their family. It is a much better picture than being thrown under the bed.
I want to highlight three aspects of carrying that father’s need to bear in mind.
Dad’s to carry your family is to reflect to God. (show Mirror)
In Ex. 19:4 God is speaking to Moses and says;
“You yourselves have seen what I did in Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles wings and brought you to myself.”
God intervened in the lives of His people and brought them out of slavery. In a beautiful poetic picture God describes how “On eagles wings” He speaks of their deliverance. But there was an even deeper reason than that of their liberation. It was to bring them to Himself. In God alone is full liberation and freedom from sin and its effects. By bringing them out of Egypt God was separating a people unto Himself. And God “carried” His people to Himself. As the Hebrews set out into the wilderness they never would have made the journey in that hostile and unforgiving environment, unless God “carried” them, by protecting, leading and providing for them. As today’s verse states, Deut.1:31;
““and in the wilderness. There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.”
Well dads, I’m guessing none of you have had an actual wilderness experience. You have never had to cross a burning desert with your family as water ran out and you had to carry your child or any other such scenario. You didn’t have to warn them of venomous snakes over there, or quicksand over there, or thin ice, or lions or tigers or bears.
However, that doesn’t mean you are not stilled called to carry your family. There is still a journey before you and your family and it’s called “life.” And this journey is filled with dangers. Just look outside your window and look at the chaos and upheaval in our country.
There is the fear of the virus.
There is the hideous head of racism rising up.
There is the violence of riots and revolutionaries.
There is the abandonment of Biblical and scientific definitions for erroneous ones regarding sexuality.
There is the continuing horror and destruction of human life through abortion.
There is the liberal, almost radical, curriculum being taught in schools and all levels that go directly against the Scriptures and all that you hold dear.
These and more issues lie before you fathers and it’s your responsibility to carry your family through them. In that light you might prefer the desert wilderness!
For such a journey you, like Moses, need God, and your family needs God. It is your responsibility as Fathers, as the head of the household to turn to the unerring, unchanging word of God for direction and answers. You need to provide the strength and firmly grasp the wheel as you navigate the dangerous terrain.
In such a noble endeavor be encouraged, for God goes with you, as He was with Moses, as you seek Him and follow Him. Whenever you look into a mirror ask yourself, “Am I reflecting God’s compassion and care to my family?”
How does a dad do this successfully?
2. Dad’s carry your family by your day-to-day example. (show Calendar)
Maybe when we talk about imitating God or Christ, you just feel overwhelmed, like it is just impossible and you are hesitant to even try. Well, then follow Paul’s example. In 1 Th.2, starting at verse 8, Paul, who elsewhere called believers to “imitate me as I imitate Christ” here writes;
“ 8 so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well… 10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. 11 For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.”
Paul was not shy about being an example to the believers. He loved them and he not only delighted to share the gospel with them, but shared his life as well. Those last words are so vitally important. Dads, one way to avoid being thrown under the bed is to be really present and actively involved with your kids. Some say that LOVE is spelt T-I-M-E. Spending quality time together is vital for a healthy relationship. Absentee fathers, workaholic dads, self-centered sport or hobby addicted dads, never develop their relationships to the fullest potential. Being a good worker and doing a good job is definitely important as it’s the means to supporting your family. But the job should never eclipse the time with family.
You know, when retirement comes and after 30 or 40 years the office gives you that gold watch (do they even give out watches anymore?) and on the way out you turn back because you forgot something in your desk, and you find a new guy or gal already sitting at your desk. Yeah, that quickly you are replaced. I think it far better to so invest in your wife and kids, even grandkids, that, for them, you are irreplaceable! And dads you only have limited time to accomplish that! Like the song “Sunrise, Sunset,”from “Fiddler on the Roof” you will look one day and sigh;
“Is this the little girl I carried,
Is this the little boy at play?
I don't remember growing older,
When did they?”
Let me read to you a poem or prose on this theme.
“In days gone by, my Dad and I,
would plan to mountain green and lakes serene, to fly;
and pitch a tent, canoe a stream and bait a line,
to catch the big bass and pike and maybe walleye.
To take the time as father and son,
and speak of things great and small and have some fun.
Alas, in time, with 3 rooms, 3 kids, time did run.
A dream house, overtime, a failing heart and his days were done.
Now only memories of what might have been linger,
which the passing years only make thinner.
Now in these days MY son and I,
do to mountains green and lakes serene now fly.
We pitched tents, canoed streams and baited many a line, and caught the big bass and pike, the fishing’s been just fine.
As father and son we sat back to back,
and spoke of things great and small both myth and fact.
Of quiet times in God’s word,
and of night sounds we have heard.
WE’ve heard the loon, coyote too, seen both bats and the heron blue.
We’ve reveled at the Creator’s work in vistas grand and lovely,
and together sat in hushed respect at His starlight tapestry.
We’ve laughed and labored, joked and sang and prayed,
and built the kind of memories that will not fade.
I thank my Lord for times as these which so quickly flee,
and only wish my dad alive to make us three and God’s goodness to see. Thank you Northern Frontier for you Father/son ministry.
30 years ago I wrote that as a way to express my heart. The times camping up in the Adirondack Mountains with my son and sometimes with others at Northern Frontier are precious memories that we still recollect with fondness and smiles. My son will never forget those times. I have other special times with my daughters just as precious. My kids don’t have to reach under the bed to find dad, the memories are alive within them. I tried to set my priorities in life in proper order and as Paul wrote, set an example for my kids;
“encouraging, comforting and urging (them) to live lives worthy of God,”
Everyday we have some time to take the opportunity to show our children, step-by-step, how to live well before God. Leading the family in saying ‘grace’ before meals; praying with your kids as you tuck them in at night or with older children or teens as they face difficult decisions. Helping them ask the, “What would Jesus do?” question. Of course, that means you are familiar enough in your own relationship with Christ and His word to offer an answer. Dads, do you ask your kids, “So what did you learn in Sunday school class today?” If you are interested in deepening your relationship with Christ and studying His teachings, your children will more likely follow your example.
And then, finally;
3. Dad’s carry your family by protecting them. (show Band-aid box)
When God called His people, He made a commitment to be with them and carry them to the end. Listen to these words of commitment In Isa.46:34 reads;
“ “Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob,
all the remnant of the people of Israel,
you whom I have upheld since your birth,
and have carried since you were born.
Even to your old age and gray hairs
I am he, I am he who will sustain you.
I have made you and I will carry you;
I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”
The context of these verses is that the Babylonian idols had to be packed up and carried about on beasts of burden. However, with God it is different. God carries His people. As Prof. of Old Testament at Westminster, Edward Young points out:
“The point is that God has been with Judah throughout the entirety of her existence, even carrying her before she was born. When Man carries his god, the end is destruction; when the true God carries Man, the end is salvation.”
God made them and has carried them since birth. He will continue even into their old age, God will sustain and rescue. Rescue implies a danger that threatens. God is faithful. Likewise, we have the words of God, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
God’s pledge is His covenant. There is a phrase repeated throughout Scripture, “I will be their God, and they will be my people.” This is the language of covenantal promise. God consistently defended His chosen people from threatening enemies.
You know, any ‘dog’ can have kids. That’s simple biology. But it takes a mature man of substance, courage and strength to stand as defender of his family in covenantal commitment. Far too many men can’t handle the responsibility, the demands, the journey and cowardly throw in the towel leaving the family to fend for themselves in the wilderness.
Rather, father’s you need to be men of ‘True grit.’ Having pledged your vows to your wife and created a family, you need to show you have the backbone, the courage and tenacity to carry that family and your responsibility to protect and provide for life. This is why a good dad will do what it takes or in the proverbial words , “A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do.” This is why dad’s sometimes have to work long hours, perform backbreaking or even dangerous work just so he can protect his family from poverty and meet their needs. Or maybe it’s not dangerous at all, but it’s tedious and repetitive work and drains the spirit. He does it out of a protective love.
As a dad we also protect in other ways. If we allowed our children to choose the foods we would eat for diner, we would end up with a strange, unhealthy mix of fast foods, fried foods, large desserts and no vegetables. But we don’t allow that. Why? Because we want to protect their health. If we took a laissez-faire approach to how they use their time, most would never get off the couch and away from their video games. But we don’t allow that. Why? Because we want to protect them from obesity and stimulate their mind.
But what about values? As Patrick Morley notes in his book, Man in the Mirror;
“When we allow our children to be indiscriminately exposed to the secular life view, we risk losing their fragile, impressionable minds to secular values…the duty and role of fathers includes protecting our children from evil as well as teaching them righteousness…each of us owes our children the protection from calamity that we alone can provide, just as God our Father provides for us.”
This brings me to one last aspect of protection. If you were a farmer, you would be alert to protect your crop from weeds, crows and pests that would eat or choke out your crop. In a similar way, dads you need to know what might be destructive to your kids, whether it be what they are watching, what they listen to, or who they hang around with. This often calls for discipline. Proper discipline is motivated by love. In Rev. 3:19 the Risen Christ states;
“Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline…”
Prov.19:18 tells us to do it now!
“Discipline your children while you still have the chance; indulging them destroys them.”
While we often think of discipline as corporal punishment, we should recognize it is any CORRECTIVE ACTION. Setting reasonable rules and requiring the kids to do chores all help instill a sense of responsibility and respect for authority.
Fathers, carry your family. It is a most noble, most challenging, yet, most rewarding calling. As you do remember these 3 things.
The mirror. You have the great privilege of reflecting the love and compassion God has for His children to your children. Love and care for them so much that they would like, “Wow! If you love me that much, I can’t imagine how much God loves me!”
The Calendar. Make everyday count by sharing your life with them. Make the time to invest in their lives. Done well there will be no higher reward.
The Band-aid. Let it remind you that you have the responsibility to protect your family in a threatening and often dangerous world.
Apply these truths and carry your children and God does His, and I guarantee you will not end up under the bed.
May God richly bless you this day and everyday.
Let’s pray.
