Should we celebrate Fathers Day?

Fathers Day is this week and it’s a tricky day in church. We want to celebrate and honor fathers while acknowledging how polarised our experiences of fatherhood are. Some are celebrating today while others are grieving bereavement, abuse, miscarriages, and neglect. This list goes on and every one of those experiences will be represented as we gather on Sunday. 

Whatever our experiences of fatherhood, I don’t want to miss the opportunity to reflect on God as our heavenly Father. Even if you have the most amazing experience of an earthly father, it pales in comparison to Him. There are few things in my pursuit of Jesus that have been more transformational for me than contemplating the love of the Father.

David wrote:

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful…” (Ps 139:13-14).

Before you had any sort of success. Before you took a step. Before you spoke one word. Before you were born. In fact, before your parents had any inkling that you existed - God knew you. He is the pre-eminient relationship in your life. He didn’t just set his affection on you and choose to love you. He made you. He imagined you. The thought of you existing brought him joy. And when you sinned, and failed, and struggled, he had already sent His one and only Son to make a way for you to be set free, cleaned up, and brought into His family that you might enjoy Him forever.

You are wonderful. You are incredible. You are so valuable. I know it because you have a heavenly Father who says so.

And so whatever your view of Father’s Day, take some time to step back and look up. Read and re-read Psalm 139 until the truth sinks in. The works of the Father are wonderful and one of those works is you. May you know His deep affection for you today.

Much love,

Simon

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