A Father’s Love
Today is the day many have set aside to honor their fathers. Originally, this day was celebrated only by the Catholics in Europe, and started sometime in the middle ages. The idea was to “honor” Joseph, the husband of Mary, who was the mother of Jesus. In this culture he (Joseph) was referred to as: Nutritor Domini ("Nourisher of the Lord"). This is wrong – as it indicates that Joseph provided for Jesus and leaves God out of the picture. The specific day this was observed was March 19.
The Spanish and Portuguese brought the “custom” to the Americas, and it was kept by Catholics only in Mexico and Central and South America. “Father’s Day” was not observed in North America until after “Mother’s Day” was established after Anna Jarvis, a Methodist, began that tradition in 1905. In 1910, Father’s Day was set up in the USA to complement Mother’s Day, and so that the male parents also would be given honor. (Set up by a Presbyterian) NOTE: If mankind would have followed the Word of God, both parents would receive honor that is due them and they wouldn’t need a “special” day in which to receive it. Additionally, the parents (if they live by the Word) would live so as to be due the honor as they raise their children in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4) And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
After reading the information provided above, do you ever wonder how many of the “traditions” of the religious world are followed blindly by those of the world and Christians alike, while not knowing the origin? (2John vss 9-11) One is “blind” if they follow something, or someone and have no understanding of what, or who they follow. Jesus addresses this in Luke 6:39 in while teaching His disciples – those He called apostles. They were not to follow those who knew not where they were going. And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?
There are many today that are “blind” regarding the Love of the Heavenly Father. They think (and teach) that God’s Love will supersede (take the place of) everything else come judgment time. Some foolishly teach that God’s Love is so great that He will not allow any to be lost. This is to say that God is not serious about what He says in His Word, the Bible. Will His Love “replace” His Justice? While it is true that God is a God of love and mercy, it is equally true that God is a just God. He told Israel this in Isaiah 45:21, and it has Never changed. Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me.
The Love of the Father (Heavenly), is considered by many in the world (and sadly, by many in the church) to be much like what is depicted in a George Strait song of a few years ago. The title is: “A Father’s Love”. In the song, the world’s concept of love was applied to the earthly father and his reaction to fighting at school. Then it was applied to becoming a father himself and explaining it to his own child. Finally, we see it applied at death. The last stanza is fraught with religious error, yet accepted by many as “gospel”. It goes: ”Last night I dreamed I’d died and stood outside those pearly gates. When suddenly I realized there must be some mistake. If they know half the stuff I’ve done they’ll never let me in. Then somewhere from the other side I heard these words again. And they said, Let me tell you a secret, about a fathers love. A secret that my daddy said was just between us. You see, daddies don’t just love their children every now and then. It’s a love without end, amen. it’s a love without end, amen. Some of the many problems with this are . . .
1) No where does God’s Word teach that one goes to the “Pearly Gates” as soon as one dies. 2) God does not make mistakes. 3) Yes – we will be judged by what we do, per 1Corinthians 5:10. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 4) There is no one on the “other side” of the Pearly gates other than God. (1John 5:7) For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 5) It is blasphemous to speak of God as a “daddy”.(Matthew 6:9) 6) God’s Love is not “a secret between God and anyone. His gospel is available to all. In Acts 6:26-27, the Spirit had Paul speak of the “openness” of God’s Love and God’s plan to King Agrippa . God’s Love was declared previously by the prophets. For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.
God’s Love will never end, but unlike earthly fathers, God will always keep His Word – even to the judgement. In John 12:48 Jesus (who is God) said: He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. The Heavenly Father’s Love brought that Word to us so we can be saved. It is available to all.
Why reject the gospel and in so doing reject the Heavenly Father and His Love? Show your love to the Father. Honor the Heavenly Father daily by reading, studying, rightly dividing and then doing what He tells us to do in His Word. Do this, and have His Love and eternal blessing.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ.
