Today is Father’s Day.

We thank God for giving us our fathers.

We owe our lives to them in many ways.

We carry their genes in us.

They influence us in one way or another.

Fathers play several roles.  Three key roles of a father are:

1. Provider.

But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (1Tim 5:8)

A father does not only provide food and shelter for his family, he also provides love, wisdom, guidance, and his example for his children.

2. Protector.

Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight. (1Pet 5:2)

A father not only protects his children from harm and danger, he also protects them from ungodly influence, temptations, sin, and the devil.

3. Priest.

And when the days of the feast had run their course, Job would send and consecrate his children, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my children have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually. (Job 1:5)

A father is the pastor of the household.  He teaches the Word of God to his children.  He prays for them.

Fathers, are you fulfilling your roles as provider, protector, and priest?

May God help us.

(MT)