LIKE FATHER; LIKE SON

Let this mind be in your which was also in Christ Jesus. 

Philippians 2:5, NLT

Have you ever heard the phrase: “Like father, like son”? According to the Thewordcounter.com, this expression is used to describe a son who takes after or resembles his father in some way, either in terms of appearance or behavior.

Joseph was a man whose son took a lot after him. After the angel appeared to him while engaged to Mary to let him know Mary’s story was valid about becoming impregnated by the Holy Spirit, he was willing to subject himself to any ridicule and misunderstanding his community would have about Mary’s pregnancy, proceed with marrying Mary and keeping her a virgin until she gave birth to their son, Jesus Christ. As Charles Swindoll said about Joseph in his book, Jesus, The Greatest Life of All: “Joseph understood the risks, counted the cost, set aside his own rights and willingly accepted Mary's difficulties as his own. What a model of selfless grace.”

Thirty-three years later, Joseph’s son followed in his father's footsteps when he died for you and me. Jesus understood the risks, counted the cost, set aside his own rights, and willingly died on a cross (Philippians 2:5-8). What a model of selfless grace and a fitting example of a son who resembled his father in so many ways.

Each and every day, many fathers are doing the same. They understand the risks and challenges that come with fatherhood, count the costs of time and money, set aside their own rights, and daily accept their children's difficulties, challenges, and struggles as their own.

Fathers, thank you for your daily example of selfless grace. For seeking to look like your heavenly father and showing your children how to look just like you.

Happy Father's Day,

Jeaninne

Today's Prayer:  Thank you, heavenly father for setting the example of what a real father looks like. May I always seek to look just like you as I father my children. Amen.