Fathers, We Have Work to Do

Be Strong, Be Well — Sunday, June 21

It’s Father’s Day. Just one of the many days in which we should honor fathers for their leadership, support, and guidance.

Our prayer today is for all fathers to continue to take their responsibility seriously. Whether you’re a young dad bringing up small children or a grandfather with another generation or two being brought up in this world, be the best you can be for their sake.

In the middle of a life and death situation, where wickedness was overrunning entire cities, God contemplates what He should tell Abraham about what was going to happen to some of his close relatives.

During this time, God made a remarkable statement about the character of Abraham.

“For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice, that the LORD may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him" (Genesis 18:19).

There will always be the challenge to do the best we can. We won’t be perfect. Abraham wasn’t. We will sin. Abraham did. There will be times when we’ll need to drop to our knees and ask God’s forgiveness and the strength to overcome the temptation to fall again.

However, as fathers, we must have the character and determination of Abraham. As we read the story of the “father of the faithful,” we know what kind of father he was.

He took the time to teach his children to be devoted to God in their lives and worship of Him. He taught them to be honest in their dealings with all men. He was a man of prayer and patience. And most of all, Abraham demonstrated great trust and faith in God.

Fathers, we have our work cut out for us. May we command our children and our household after us, that they keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice. —Chris