The Messenger

Father’s day hasn’t long past and once again my sons and family raised my spirits with fond memories and words of congratulations. You know, I think I prefer Father’s Day over birthdays. Everybody gets a birthday but not everyone gets to be a dad.

A Christian friend said to me, “Don’t you know? Every day – on earth and in heaven – is Father’s Day!” I thought they’re right. Dad’s come in all forms – biological dad, step dad or may just a fatherly figure. But for one day, we all get to share in Our Father’s spotlight.

It humbles me to think that we are honoured with the same title as our Creator. In comparison to God, “THE Father”, we don’t deserve the title. How or why did we become known as fathers? I don’t have an answer but all the same, it’s an incredible responsibility – and an awesome gift.

Between the pages of Genesis and Revelation our Father God created us, protected us, and guided us and by His grace – He sent His one and only son to save us.

John 3:16 (KJV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Awesome! – We have been in His sight forever.

As God’s master plan unfolded he revealed to us, first a covenant through Moses which in turn led us to a new covenant in Jesus Christ.

Our Father gave His all for us.

Well, in honour of Father’s Day I share a praise report with you, of an extraordinary dad no different than you that gave of himself for his babe.

The young child was 2 when he ingested e-coli at our annual street party. He spent over 5 months in hospital as the e-coli rampaged through his abdominal cavity, all but killing his kidneys and pancreas and a large stretch of his bowel. In June of this year, approximately two years after he became ill, his Dad donated one of his kidneys. Again and again doctors had no explanation for how or why the child pulled through.

Just recently a friend reported that the kidney transplant went very well, and, despite fluctuating numbers, the child is making great progress.  His mom pointed out that when God formed her husband/donor, He made him with 140% kidney function, and so with only one kidney remaining, the dad is still at 70%. Praise God!!

As this little boy’s dad revealed his love for his son by sacrificing one of his kidneys, he reflected the unconditional love our Father has for us.

Even though you and I may never make a physical sacrifice such as this; we continue to surrender ourselves for the betterment of our children. You might say it’s in our parental DNA.

With three sons of my own I thank God every day for my blessings.

Although we elevate fathers on their special day, I think you would agree that it’s not about us; it’s about our children and Father God. We wouldn’t be “dad” without them <smile>.

So I have two prayers for the fathers out there:

While your relationship matures with your children, I pray they will seek and grow their relationship with their Father in heaven.

And I pray God will instil in you, the heart of that father in the bible with the prodigal son (Luke 15:20), that you will always have room in your heart to welcome them home.

– S.D.G.