Matthew 7:9-11
Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
I don’t think that many of you will know what I’m referring to, but years ago (1954-1960) there was a television series titled, Father Knows Best that promoted the virtues of what a “good” American family should look like. And at the head of each successful family was a strong, loving, kind, generous and hardworking dad. We’ve come a long way from there haven’t we?
Sometimes on Father’s Day I feel a bit strange because I almost had that kind of home. You see, I didn’t have the prototypical “black” family experience you see portrayed in the media. I grew up in an extremely strong patriarchal environment. I watched both my grandfathers manage their households and handle the affairs of the family with total strength and care. And yes the ‘women folk’ were talkative, loud, bossy and threatening; but when pop said, “enough”, everybody sat down.
And my dad was just like them. He ruled with an iron fist. But he took care of his family, the church and the community. He was as close to a perfect example of a father you could ever want. But as wonderful as he was, if he was the only male influence in my life, I doubt I would be talking to you today. Of all the things we was, there are many more things that he was not. Of all the things he did that we needed, there were countless things he didn’t do; and frankly, couldn’t do. So when I think of Father’s Day, I begin with the father that has all, can do all, knows all and provides for us all. Yes, our Heavenly Father.
It’s easy to get into the trap of blaming our fathers for the predicaments we find ourselves facing in life. Dads are perfect targets taking the weight for less than productive lives. But actually, our lives are a combination of the good, and not so good circumstances we face. If everyday were sunny, we would not know how to appreciate the rain. We would be totally unprepared to handle the storms in life that come our way. But because we have experienced good times and bad times, ugly days and tortuous night, sunshine and rain, we now can handle whatever life throws at us. We now understand balance. And this balance is orchestrated and managed only by the hands of God.
Given the extremely fortunate nature of my past, I am careful not to be critical of those that didn’t have a dad to love and guide them. Or who had a father that was abusive. But even in the best relationship possible, no one person is capable of completing you. Other than church, almost all my other interest were nurtured by men other than my dad. I love the outdoors, he hated it. I love all kinds of sports, he wasn’t interested. I love fixing stuff, computers, fishing, jogging, etc. And he didn’t. I think you get the point.
But in everything I just mentioned, God placed someone to help train and guide me in my time of need. I have found, everything I’ve experienced I actually need for the work I’m called to do today. And if it had not been for the men in my life that God inspired to deal with me, I wouldn’t be who I am right now. And this is a truism that works both ways. For as much as I was helped by those who imparted valuable nuggets of wisdom and knowledge, I was equally assisted by observing those that failed or lied or tried to derail my purpose and my destiny.
Let me explain. While dad might have been wonderful, everybody I’ve met hasn’t been. There have been “no shows” in my life also. Men I counted on to help me that totally let me down. But when I think about it, I needed them also. I needed to know what disappointment looked like. I needed to experience what heartbreak felt like. And most of all, I needed to learn that the only one that will never, ever let me down is my Father…my Heavenly Father.
Today’s scripture lesson recorded by Matthew is a prime example of the attitude we must approach our Father with. Because he is holy, there is no darkness in him. Because he is powerful, there is no failure in him. Because he is all knowing there is nothing he cannot do. And because he is all loving, he works unceasingly for our good…in all things.
Beloved, let us never forget the words of the Apostle Paul in Roman 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose”. That includes good dads, bad dads, present dads or absent dads. All things that have, are or will happen in your life is under the direction and watchful eye of your Eternal Dad! And trust me, Father Knows Best.
God Bless
