Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Matthew 6:9
Father’s Day is a special day for many families. It gives us the opportunity to celebrate those individuals who have been fathers to us. Some families will get together for a special meal, others will give their fathers a gift, still others will take the time to visit a father they haven’t seen in a while and the rest will take time to remember those fathers who have gone home to be with the Lord. Yet, amid the excitement of this special day, one Good, Good Father will, in many instances be forgotten; he is the Father who made all earthly fathers possible.
In his song, “Good, Good Father,” Chris Tomlin reminds us of this Father with these words:
I've heard a thousand stories of what they think you're like; But I've heard the tender whispers of love in the dead of night; And you tell me that you're pleased; And that I'm never alone. You're a good, good father; It's who you are, it's who you are, it's who you are; And I'm loved by you; It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am.
In truth, there are no words or lyrics that can aptly describe this Father. He is indeed a good, good Father. He is the Father who has given you life, by sending his One and only begotten son, Jesus Christ, to die at Calvary on your behalf. He is the Father who nurtures you, as a hen nurtures her chicks (Luke 13:34). He is the Father who watches your coming and going (Ps. 121:8). He is the Father who will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5). He is the Father who gives you peace (John 14:27) and promises he will come back to take you home to be with him (John 14:3). He is the Father who is all these and so much more.
As you celebrate your human father, remember to hallow your Good, Good Father. Remember to hallow the One who was, who is and who is to come. Hallowed be his Name this Father’s Day and every day!
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.