A Father Specially Chosen By God

In 2 weeks’ time, we will be celebrating Father’s Day. Mothers tend to receive more attention than fathers, and Mother’s Day is often celebrated more extensively than Father’s Day. Is the role of the father important? Apparently, it was important enough for God to handpick a man to become the father of His chosen nation. In fact, this man would not only become the father to the Israelite nation, but he would become the father to all who have faith in Jesus (Genesis 17:5; Galatians 3:7). This man is none other than Abraham. Why did God choose him?

“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him” (Genesis 18:19)

1. He leads in the way of the Lord

Abraham was chosen because God, in His omniscience and foreknowledge, knew that he would be able to train his descendants to “keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment” (Genesis 18:19). Although the Israelite nation was not perfect, they managed to cling to the Lord for the next 2,000 years until the arrival of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Abraham was chosen because he was able to lead his family to the Lord.

There might be many different qualities that we look for in a father. However, the most important quality is his ability to lead the family to serve God. Just as Jesus, being the head of the church, provides the spiritual leadership for the church to follow, fathers too, as heads of the home, ought to provide the spiritual leadership for the family to follow (Ephesians 5:23-25). Fathers have been tasked by God to bring up the children “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). Fathers, which direction are you leading your family towards?

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15)

2. He leads with authority

Abraham was chosen because God knew that he would “command his children and his household after him” (Genesis 18:19). Abraham’s wife, Sarah, was obedient to Abraham’s directives (1 Peter 3:6). Abraham’s son, Isaac, obediently followed his father even up to the mountain for his own sacrifice (Genesis 22:1-10). Generations of Israelites obediently followed in the faithful steps of their forefather in serving the Lord. Abraham was able to successfully lead his family in the way of the Lord because he exercised his authority as the head of the house.

It would be difficult for a man to lead the family if he is unable to exercise control and authority. Unfortunately, many Christian men have failed to take charge, and instead, allowed their wives and children to take over the controls. Wives have been called to submit to their husbands, and children are called to obey their fathers (Ephesians 5:23-24; 6:1-3). Hence, the father must faithfully assume his role as the head of the house. He needs be active in making decisions for the family’s spiritual well-being. He needs to exercise discipline to keep the children in order. He needs to lead with love. Fathers, have you been taking charge of your families?

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4 ESV)

3. He leads by example

Abraham was chosen because he would lead his family by example. Abraham was, of course, exemplary in his faith in God. When God called him to go to a strange land, Abraham followed in trusting faith (Hebrews 11:8). When God promised Abraham a son in his old age, he was fully persuaded in his belief (Romans 4:19-21). When God called Abraham to sacrifice his only beloved son Isaac, he obeyed unbegrudgingly (Hebrews 11:17). Therefore, it is fitting that Abraham is called the “friend of God,” and also the father to all who have faith in Jesus (James 2:23; Galatians 3:7).

It is difficult for a father to lead if he does not “walk the talk.” Just as the apostle Paul beseeched the Christians to “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ,” so fathers should show their children by example how to be a faithful follower of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV). If fathers are to successfully train their children in the way of the Lord, we need to show them the way! Fathers, are you leading by example?

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6)

Concluding remarks:

Let us take this time to appreciate all fathers who have been imitating Abraham’s example, by playing their role as leader of the home. Let us lead our families in the way of the Lord, exercising our role as the head of the home, and showing the way by our faithful example. May God bless all faithful fathers as we lead our families towards the Heavenly home.