Fathers are not honored in our society as they once were. In fact, in some quarters, it is taught that fathers are not necessary for a child’s well being. Thankfully, studies have shown how valuable fathers are to their children.

There are a lot of verses in the Bible that reveal how important fathers are in God’s economy. We have heard them many times and may have become numb to their importance. In the middle of the Ten Commandment God said that we are to honor our father (Exodus 20:12). Under the law there were severe penalties for a son or daughter that refused to honor and obey their father and mother (Deuteronomy 21:18-21). And there are many other passages that we could mention, but Jesus expresses God’s view of fathers when He said, “And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven (Matthew 23:9).”

Jesus says this in the context of the hypocrites who loved to be honored with titles. They liked the titles of rabbi, master, and father. Jesus didn’t mean that should not call their own fathers father. That would stretch this verse out of its context. But the fact that Jesus said this does indicate how high that name is. So lets look at this man called father.

Just from our scripture text we understand how high honor the title father is. This is the same name that Christ calls His Father. It is by the name “Father” that Christians refer to God. Jesus acknowledges that God is “your Father (John 20:17).” It is this title that we honor our earthly fathers. No one else on earth deserve that title. That is not man’s opinion. That comes from Christ Himself Who warns us to call no man father on earth, but affirms the commandment to honor our fathers (Mark 7:9-13).

Being called “father” is a high title. That is the reason that the rabbis in Jesus time coveted it. The name that they used was “abba”. This name may be familiar. Jesus said in that dark night in Gethsemane, “Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt (Mark 14:36).” John Gill says “… the Scribes and Pharisees… were called not only by the name of Rabbi, but Abba, “Father”, also: hence we read of Abba Saul, or “Father” Saul; Abba Jose ben Jochanan, a man of Jerusalem, Abba Chanan, …and others…” They desired the name of father to rule over men.

To bear the name father is to bear a great responsibility. True fathers have this name to train up their children “… in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).” And it does not matter whether you are a biological father, step-father, or adoptive father, that name means you are responsible for the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual upbringing of those children under your care. And it does not stop when they are “grown”. The emphasis changes as they grow, but the responsibility continues. You may have a type of friendship with your children, but your main task remains to nurture and influence them for their Father in heaven.

Now, let me speak to children and mothers. Society has so changed that fathers are discouraged from being real men. What children need, boys and girls, is not another mother, but a true father. Boys need a father to teach them how to be godly men. And daughters need a father to show them what a real man is. Pray for your father/ husband to be a strong and courageous leader of the family in the image of our Father in heaven.

Rise up, O men of God! Have done with lesser things; Give heart and mind and soul and strength To serve the King of kings.

— “Rise Up, O Men of God,” William P. Merrill If you have any questions, we invite you to visit with us this Sunday. Worship is at 10:50 a.m. We are located at 711 W. Washington Ave. Check our sermon videos on YouTube @ ricksmith2541. Send comments and prayer requests to prayerlinecmbc@gmail. com.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Rick Smith is the pastor of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church.)