|
In Celebration of Father's Day, a word from Pastor Andy Golden
When I reflect on the word "Father" in the scriptures, there are many examples and references to choose from, but the one that usually comes to mind first is the Lord's Prayer.
Why the Lord's Prayer you ask? Because for me, it teaches us who and what a Father (and more importantly, a Father's heart) is supposed to be, and how we as His children are supposed to respond.
Matthew 6:9 In this manner, therefore, pray; Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be your name.
Progenitor - Creator. Worthy of honor and respect
Matthews 6:10 Your kingdom come; Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Protector - Bulwark and defense. He sets our boundaries in a good place. He hems us in with His Love.
Matthew 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
Provider - Withholding nothing good from us while also withholding everything harmful for us.
Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Paternal - Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Matthew 6:13 And do not lead us into temptation but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen
Perfector - Shaping and molding us. Leading and guiding us. Transforming us from glory to glory.
When I was a boy, I overheard my dad having a conversation that profoundly impacted me not only that day but the rest of my life. He was with a friend, and they were talking about fatherhood. He told the following story.
When my son Andy (that would be me) was born, I went to the Lord and prayed the following prayer. "Lord, I don't know how to be a father. I need you to teach me."
God answered that prayer. Even though my dad did not grow up with a good example of what a father should be, he knew there was a perfect father who could lead by example, impart wisdom with generosity, and teach with patience. My dad humbly submitted himself to the training of his Heavenly Father, and in doing so allowed me and my siblings to be the beneficiaries of one of the greatest blessings that I know of. We had a GREAT DAD!
The legacy of that prayer still continues in the lives of my own children. Not only did I learn how to be a good dad by watching the example of my own father, but he taught me to do the most important thing I will ever do as a father to my own children. Every day I go to my Heavenly Father and humble ask, "Lord, I need you to teach me."
| 
