“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’”
— Matthew 3:16

Fathers are Present

Incarnational Fathering is key:

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”
— Philippians 2:5-7

Intentional fathering includes an intentional setting aside of the me in order to enter into the them.

According to Father Facts, “In America, 24.7 million children (33%) lived in a biologically father-absent home in 2010. 20.3 million lived with no father (biological, adoptive, or step) in the home.”

Fathers Acknowledge

“This is my son…”

The Father in Heaven wanted the entire world to know, that Jesus was His Son. God the Father leaves no ambiguity surrounding his relationship to Jesus Christ.

As dad’s (parents) the danger zone is when our children make bad decisions and we are tempted to disown them and/or sever our relationship with them. It is instead precisely at this very point when we must be clear with our children, that no matter what, they will always be acknowledged as our children.

May we be compassionate fathers to our children:

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust”
— Psalm 103:13, 14

Fathers Love

“…whom I love.”

The Heavenly Father’s love towards Jesus was not only mere words. His love for Jesus was expressed in tangible ways.

So many times, as dads we think our only responsibility is to provide food, clothing, and shelter. Not so. Our children have other needs too. We have the privilege of being fathers who live in close, loving proximity with our children so we can best know how to meet their needs and show them our love.

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”
— 1 John 3:1

May we not go cheap when it comes to showing and vocalizing our love to our children.

The way fathers love their children has a direct impact as to how our children perceive what God is like.

“Fathers, don’t exasperate your children by coming down hard on them. Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.”
— Ephesians 6:4

Fathers Affirm

“…with him I am pleased.”

Affirmation is powerful and we all need it desperately.

“If leaders see somebody’s potential and call that out, that gift of belief will cause them to rise to the occasion.”
— Jenni Catron

“Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.”
— Proverbs 14:26

“Your greatest contribution to the kingdom of God may not be something you do but someone you raise.”
— Andy Stanley