This past Sunday was Father’s Day, and I wanted to incorporate that theme into my Sunday School lesson for my 3rd and 4th grade girls. I’ve learned that letting them do most of the talking keeps them engaged in the lesson topic, but I was unsure how to approach the topic of Father’s Day.
Kids will tell you just about anything, and I didn’t want to make anyone feel uncomfortable during the discussion. What if someone didn’t have a father in their life? What if he passed away? What if she never knew him? What if the situation was complicated and hurtful? How would she feel in the midst of everyone else celebrating their dads? How might the other girls respond if they didn’t understand someone not having a father in their life? All these were questions that ran through my mind as I began planning out my lesson in my head.
Then I realized that wasn’t the point at all. Why? Because we all have a Heavenly Father who is absolutely perfect. He loves us beyond measure and will never–can never– let us down. He’s always there for us. He’s always looking for ways to bless us and give us His very best. And when our earthly fathers fail us in any way, for any reason, He’s right there.
So instead of talking about our own dads, we talked about fathers we recognized in the Bible. They named some of the best (and worst) examples of fatherhood there are: Abraham, David, Noah, Adam.
Each of these men accomplished great things, and each of them failed at times. They are remembered for their amazing accomplishments for God and His people, and for some big blunders, too. Abraham is known for his faith and is called the Father of Many Nations, but a moment of faithlessness led to an entire population of people that have throughout history opposed the people of Israel. David was a star from his youth. He slayed animals and a giant and became one of the most prolific kings in history; but when temptation got the best of him, he found himself in a downward spiral of sin that cost a man and David’s son their lives. Noah “walked with God” (Genesis 6:9) and his faith held strong over the 120 years it took to build the ark. But after the flood waters subsided, Noah found himself in a sinful, drunken state that would impact his children and grandchildren: his son’s observation of Noah’s condition netted a curse on his son, Noah’s grandson, Canaan, that subjugated Canaan and all his descendants to children of Noah’s other 2 sons (the Canaanites were regarded as inferior people throughout the Bible). Adam’s participation in the Original Sin resulted in expulsion from paradise and the death of his younger son Abel at the hands of his eldest son Cain’s hands. All of these men fell short of God’s calling as men of God and as fathers at one point or another. Why? Because of their imperfect humanity. Nothing more could be expected. But there’s still hope…
There were two other fathers we talked about: Joseph (Mary’s husband) and Jesus. Joseph is an interesting one because, as we recalled, Joseph was not the typical father, at least not to Jesus. Biologically speaking, Joseph was not Jesus’ father. This put Joseph in a particularly interesting position. He was there to raise and care for Jesus, teaching him carpentry skills and no doubt protecting him and providing for him throughout his childhood and the years leading up to his adult ministry. Joseph made a choice early on, when he found out Mary was pregnant, to be the man God needed him to be to lead and provide for this family even though it was the farthest thing from traditional–in fact it was strongly criticized by his cultural and religious tradition. Joseph took the tough job of raising a son that was not his own. He was the ultimate example of a faithful, dedicated stepfather, a role that children in many families benefit from today.
Lastly, we talked about Jesus; though the girls quickly pointed out that Jesus didn’t ever have kids. Well, technically not. But I reminded them that we are all children of God and get to receive, experience, and reap the benefits of having a Heavenly Father when we give our lives to Christ and are born again. Being born again not only completes us by giving us what we need to lead Christ-like lives, but it also births us into the family of Christ, filling any void left by absent parents.
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.– Isaiah 9:6, KJV
We hear this scripture often around Christmas time, but its impact transcends every season. Jesus is the Everlasting Father. Whether you’ve loved and lost your father, never known him, or never had a positive relationship with him, knowing Jesus more than makes up for it. He is the infallible God who loves you more than any man ever could. He created you with a special purpose in mind and wants nothing more than to see you fulfill it. He is your biggest fan and your truest supporter. No matter what happens, He will always be there for you. His forgiveness knows no end and his blessings are immeasurable. But unlike any father-child relationship on this earth, you have to choose Him. That’s all it takes. That’s all He’s waiting for.
Our Everlasting Father’s love is unconditional. It transcends every mistake, every misstep, every misunderstanding. It is the model for what our earthly fathers should be; but is it not (necessarily) a reflection of what they are. If your dad has failed you, don’t think Jesus will, too. He won’t. He can’t. If your dad is the best dad in the world, know that the love Jesus has for you is even greater than that! You can’t lose!
As we remember and honor our fathers on Father’s Day, we must remember to thank our Heavenly Father for his abundant blessings as well. His example is the one to look to and emulate as we strive to serve our families the way we are called to.
To my Daddy: I LOVE YOU! Thank you for always striving to do your best. Your love transcends all distance in the most tangible way. I am so grateful to have you as such a strong, loving, supportive influence in my life. You’re a wonderful father to all 4 of us, the perfect sounding board for every last one of my ideas, the best hugger in the world, and the greatest friend a girl could ask for. I love you with all my heart. Happy Father’s Day!