Faithful Father

Nº 358

June 10, 2025

The goal of faithfulness is not that we will do work for God, but that He will be free to do His work through us. God calls us to His service and places tremendous responsibilities on us. He expects no complaining on our part and offers no explanation on His part. God wants to use us as He used His own Son. - Oswald Chambers

There are not a lot of Bible stories where the children of great men followed in their footsteps. Many accounts show good dads with bad sons. Adam’s son killed his brother. Aaron’s sons disregarded God’s commands. Eli’s sons were immoral. Samuel’s sons took bribes. David’s son committed treason. Solomon’s son made foolish decisions. Hezekiah’s son worshipped Baal. The list could go on and on.

Good dads don’t ensure good kids. But one dad left an admirable example.

Joseph was a simple carpenter. There is no record of his words in Scripture, and his life appears to have ended early. But God the Father selected him to care for Jesus during His childhood.

Joseph was obedient. Four times angels gave Joseph special instructions, and four times he obeyed.

Joseph was honorable. Even when he felt betrayed and abandoned, he sought the best for Mary and the special child she carried.

Joseph was protective. He raced his family to Egypt, and he strategically returned to resettled in Nazareth evading Harod’s threats.

As we approach Father’s Day here in the USA, we should all strive to be more like Joseph. “When Joseph woke from his sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.” (Matthew 1:24)

Excelsior,

Dan Bolin