Guarding the Landmarks: Fatherhood

Psalm 103:13 - 14

Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.

In a few days, we will celebrate a special group of people:  our fathers. Every year on Father's Day, I think of my own dad who passed away nearly 35 years ago and I can tell you that I still miss him. I miss his counsel, his friendship, and his presence with me. There is just something special about a dad. 

This year is also a strange Father’s Day for us because of another dad that has now passed. In December, Gina’s dad, Curtis Bicknell, passed away. And, like my dad, I miss his presence, I miss our conversations about life and ministry and I miss his friendship. Curtis was more than a father-in-law to me. He was also a dad to me. Sometime in the future, I will write more about Curtis, but for today, I am missing both my dad and Gina’s dad. 

Over the last few weeks, we have been thinking about the landmarks that God puts in life. Landmarks like God’s Word, prayer, God’s will and so many others are placed there by God to keep us from confusion and chaos. It occurred to me that fathers are another one of those landmarks that God provides and, like the other landmarks, fatherhood is under attack as well. In fact, some want to take down the institution of parenting, especially fatherhood.

The word father brings out all kinds of images for different people. For some, like myself, the word father is a warm word, an encouraging word, and a comforting word. My dad and Gina’s dad were awesome fathers. They strengthened us, comforted us, and disciplined us in the love of Christ. For others though, the word father brings up terrible memories. For example, some hear the word father and think of absentee fathers because their dads were rarely around. Some think of harsh fathers, angry fathers, or even abusive fathers. 

We see fathers being attacked by culture today. Fathers are chided for discipline, teaching, and leadership in the home. Fatherhood is under attack and I believe it is up to us as believers in Christ to guard the landmark of fatherhood. 

The best way to do that is to remind ourselves, especially as dads, of what Scripture says. In Psalm 103 the Bible speaks of a father as compassionate. In fact, vs. 13 says, “Just as a father has compassion on his children…” Did you know that one of the spiritual attributes a dad can provide is compassion? Now, let’s be honest, for many, the idea of a compassionate dad is something foreign. For many of us, the word compassionate is more likely a word ascribed to our mothers. But Scripture ascribes the quality of compassion to a father. In fact, this kind of dad is much like our Heavenly Father, compassionate and loving to us. Some think of compassion as a feminine quality, but God’s word describes compassion as a godly quality. In fact, according to vs. 14, godly compassion grows out of fatherly knowledge. Just as 

God knows about our weak frames and weak lives and has compassion on us, so too, should an earthly father have compassion on his children. 

When I think back on my days as a child and teenager, I realize there was a whole lot more Dad knew than I realized. And yet, he was still compassionate to me. He still was patient with me. He still allowed me to grow and learn and even fail. Yet, in his compassion, I never fully failed. He was there to lovingly help me.

There is something we need to regain:  the importance of a compassionate father. This is a landmark worth guarding. 

Before we go today, I have a challenge for you. If your dad is still around, make a point to tell him how much you love and appreciate him, especially his compassion. 

If your dad is not around, find another dad, perhaps a young dad, to strengthen and encourage.

Enjoy your Father’s Day!