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Fathers Day Message by Bob Watson (14 June 2005)
On this special day we think of and, hopefully, give thanks for our fathers.
Our Fathers have had a big influence upon our lives, some for the very best, but sadly some for the very worst reasons. Some we remember with pride and joy, others are remembered with regrets and sadness. We will find all sorts of fathers in the Bible. We will find there:

The Worst of Fathers: The Best of Fathers: The Greatest of Fathers.


The Worst of Fathers

An ancient crime
In the Old Testament we read of an ancient pagan god called “Moloch” the worship of whom involved the sacrifice of children in the Fire. This was widely practiced in the ancient world. Moses warned the children of Israel not to be associated with such worship, yet they did so.
E.g. King Ahaz burned his children in the fire 2 Chron.28: 3
Manasseh did so also 2 Kings 21:6.
We may well be horrified by such a diabolic practice, but such a crime is not confined to the dark ages. It is also

A modern crime
There are very many diabolical crimes against children in our own day. Some men in our modern society can be called the worst of fathers for they have put their children through the fires of physical; verbal; and even sexual abuse.

Jesus speaks of one who is the worst of all fathers. (The Devil, Satan) John 8: 44
He is the evil influence & invisible ruler of both the ancient & modern world.
He is a Deceiver, Debaser & Destroyer of men & women, of the young and of the old.
Some examples are: Adam & Eve Gen 3; Judas John 13: 2; Peter Matt.16:23; Ananias Acts5: 3
Paul in Eph. 2: 3 makes it clear that, outside of Christ, mankind is under his power & evil influence. He is the very worst of all fathers. We need to get out of his family, his kingdom, and rule over our lives.
Christ came, died and lives to bring us into God’s family, kingdom, & rule.

The Best of Fathers

You may be fortunate enough to have the best of fathers yet rebel & go your own way
Samuel was a great prophet, lived close to God, yet Samuel’s sons walked not in Samuel’s ways.

The story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15) has been told many times. But on this father’s day let us think of the father in the story. I think he was the very best of fathers. We wonder at his willingness to let this headstrong son have his way, give him what he asked for, let him leave home to wreck his life and sink to the lowest. We wonder at his patient waiting for his son’s return. We wonder at the picture of the welcome given to this prodigal, running to meet him, kissing him, putting the best of clothes on his back, a ring on his hand, and a feast at his table! I find that all very moving and very wonderful. Surely he is one of the very Best of Fathers!

The Greatest of Fathers

What the prodigal’s father did for his wayward son God has done for me, and for many others in an even more wonderful way. And He waits to do the same for you! What a wonderful privilege! What amazing Love for those who don’t deserve it!

Jesus said, “The Father himself loveth you” John 16: 27
“Behold what manner of Love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons (children) of God” 1John 3: 2

John tells us very plainly how we can enjoy such a wonderful privilege;
“As many as Received Him, to them gave He power (the authority, the right) to become the sons (children) of God, even to them who Believe on His Name.” John 1:12

He is Willing, He is Waiting; He has a Royal Welcome ready now for you.

He is the Greatest of Fathers. Trust Him with a childlike faith to forgive & to receive!

Bob Watson
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