Text: Genesis 33:17-20; 34: 1–2
Memory verse:
“and in the wilderness where you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a man carries his son, in all the way that you went until you came to this place.’
Deuteronomy 1:31 NKJV
Whether known or unknown, true or untrue, everyone came from a father. So, as we thank God for the fathers, let’s learn from two types of fathers today. Firstly, is the Absent father. They are never available. They are just too busy or simply, they haven’t ordered their priorities right. While the scripture speaks of the mother and the grandmother of Timothy, no mention was made of his father or grandfather and their part in Timothy’s upbringing. Today, there are also many fatherless children, not because the father isn’t living but just not available! It was once reported that a boy asked his dad, “Dad, how much do you earn per hour?”. The dad was puzzled for a while but the son insisted, “Please, tell me how much?” Finally, the father told his son, $10. And the son straight away took out $10 from his pocket and cried, “Father, can I buy one hour of your time?” Is this not the inexpressible cry of many children today? Most parents excuse themselves with the need to provide for the family. Absentee fathers have been linked with boys’ aggression and boys who act like girls. Research has shown that 70% of most rapists are from single parents’ home and 75% of adolescents who commit homicide are from broken homes. Even their girls exhibit early sexual activity.
The second type of fathers is the Present but Unavailable. He provides but doesn’t connect with his children. He is at home but engulfed in other things. Most often the children seek counsels from others especially their friends except when the mother steps into that role. Where was Jacob when his daughter, Dinah went out on careless visitation to the people of the land and was raped? (Gen 34:1-2). He had recently ended his journey to Bethel at Shechem, the crossroads of trade. He must have been so busy with his cattle business that he became unavailable to his children. Our memory text shows how God, as a Father was there for His people through their journey – was present and available!
Friends, like Pope John XXIII said, “It is easier for a father to have children than for children to have a real father.” Are you a present and available father?
Prayer points
1. Father, please, forgive all our fathers and help them not to fail in their parenting responsibility in Jesus name.
2. Father, please, make our men, real fathers, who will be present and available for their children in Jesus name.
Today’s declarations
1. Failures of fathers open the door for the adversaries in the family.
2. It is much easier to become a father than to be called a father.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng