FATHER’S DAY – NEWSPAPER ARTICLE FOR 6/17/20
The third Sunday of June has traditionally been celebrated as Father’s Day in America since 1910. It was founded by Sonora Smart Dodd as a day to honor fatherhood and paternal bonds, as well as the influence of fathers in society.
“Words from Above” in the Bible have established the importance of fatherhood from the beginning of time. One of the most important duties of fathers was initiated just prior to the people of Israel entering into a land that God had promised to Abraham concerning his descendants. God gave commandments for the people to follow, and He gave them very specific instructions about passing them on to their children. God intended fathers in particular follow these instructions.
God specified that first of all these commandments become a part of the hearts of the fathers. Then they were to teach them to their children by talking of them as they sat in their homes, as they walked along the road, when they retired for the night, and when they awakened in the morning. They were also instructed to wear them on bracelets on their wrists, as well as on necklaces. Finally, they were instructed to write them on the door posts of their homes and gates.
God promised the people that when they entered the Promised Land, they would inherit homes full of good things, wells that had already been dug, and vineyards and olive trees which had already been planted. He cautioned them to not forget Him, but to show Him respect, serve Him, and swear by His name. He warned them not to worship other gods like the people who previously lived in the land or like the nations around them. He promised to drive out the previous occupants of the land if they would do what is right and good in His sight.
God also told the people to make sure to explain to their children why He had given them His commandments. He wanted them to tell them how He had brought them out of Egypt with His mighty hand, and how He had delivered them from Egyptian slavery. He wanted them to tell their children how He had performed great signs and wonders in the land of Egypt as well as upon Pharaoh, King of Egypt.
It is still important today for fathers to teach their children the ways of God, and to be a good example to them. The reward for doing so will be a land that is better than any land on this earth, a land that is “fairer than day”, as we are told in an old hymn. It’ s a land called heaven.
Larry R. Steffee is pastor of the Center Hill Brethren In Christ Church on Miller Road in Smithville. Everyone is welcome to attend. For informa-tion, you may email lrsteffeetn@yahoo.com.
