So today is Father's Day. Which, is pretty cool, as being a dad is a pretty big deal. As I'm getting geared up for marriage, I've been thinking what being both a father and husband of God looks like. I'm going to talk about being a Godly father first.
God says a lot about being a dad as it turns out. I think we can also learn a lot about being a father by looking at the way God interacts with the people of Israel. A lot of people look at the Old Testament God as one who is full of wrath and angry. I can see why people would think that. However, I encourage you to think of God as a Father to His people. What do good fathers do when their children disobey? They punish their kids in the best way possible right? God told His kids many times that He would send other nations to punish them if they didn't listen and lusted after other gods.
What did God do in response to the often times apostate nation of Israel? He sent in other, pagan nations to enslave them. God is way more just than any human could ever be, and if that's the punishment God needed to use in order to get His children to turn back to Him, then that's what God had to use. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28. God is amazing at working even awful situations to the good of His people. Good fathers are men who justly punish their kids when needed.
God also provided for the people of Israel many, many times. He brought manna in the desert, He led his people in the desert, and He also provided the promised land of Israel. Those are just three examples, but you can find so many other ways that God has provided. Godly fathers are men who provide for their kids.
God was also present to His people. Granted, it wasn't in the form of walking and talking with them, but He was present in the Temple. He was only available to a handful of people, but He was present. Good fathers need to be present in the lives of their children.
I was told recently by a guy that being a good husband is like being the Bible to your wife. Which, kind of confused me at first, as there is a lot in the Bible. However, when I thought about it some more, it means embodying what is in the Bible. It means being patient and kind to your wife. It also means being gentle as you lead her. It means walking beside her even if you don't want to because you love her.
Loving both your wife and your children means choosing to every day even when it is a lot easier to not. It means putting them before yourself and others. It means walking with them as they're struggling. It means choosing to act like Christ to them.
Also, as a quick update, SEND is almost over, so I will be moving back home in less than a week. I will be working with a Christian and I'll be working with my church.
