WHERE WERE THEIR FATHERS?

Dearly Beloved, WHERE WERE THEIR FATHERS? “When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also” (2 Timothy 1:5 NKJV). My message to mark the celebration of Father’s Day for this year will be based on the theme of the Men’s Missionary Union of the Nigerian Baptist Convention for the celebration: “THE ABSENT FATHER”. Being written in a patriarchal society, the Holy Bible is dominated by the mention of names and activities of men, boys, and fathers. However, there were some unmentioned and/or inactive fathers in the Holy Bible that were conspicuously omitted or inactive in the life histories of their children. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus Christ was the first to come to mind in this category of fathers. After the story of the Boy Jesus at the temple at age 12 as recorded in Luke 2:41-52, there is no other mention of Joseph being active in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Only the mother and the brothers of Jesus were looking for Him when He was doing the ministry (see Matthew 12:46-47). Where was the father? At the cross, only the mother was present (see John 19:25). Where was the father? After the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the father was not there (Acts 1:14). Where was he? Some were of the opinion that he had died before Jesus began His earthly ministry. The father of James and John were with them in the boat when Jesus called them to be His disciples. Only the sons followed Jesus. Nothing was heard again about the father (see Matthew 4:21-22). Timothy was introduced as a son of a Jewish woman who was a believer. His father was only referred to as a Greek (see Acts 16:1). There was no other mention of the father. Apart from referring to the mother of Timothy, Apostle Paul also referred to his grandmother as the pillars of faith of Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:5. Where was his father? There is a trend in this part of the world: fathers are mostly absent at most of the following events: the “Open Day” – a day devoted for visitation by parents at their children’s school; the meetings of Parents/Teachers Association (PTA) of primary and/or secondary schools of their children (even at times at the meetings of Parents’ Forum of some private tertiary institutions of learning); sporting, cultural and other extra curricula events of schools that mainly involve children in their schools; graduation/convocation ceremonies of their children, and other similar events. Where are the fathers? I have to confess that I am guilty of this as a father to some extent. No wonder, many children hardly remember their fathers when they grow up and become successful in life. Many fathers will argue that fathers do not have time for such matters, and that such events are the responsibilities of mothers (and even at times maids or older siblings). I disagree with such argument. Do you have time for your children as a father? Can you be seen in events relating to your children in their schools? Can you be mentioned as a father in the success story of your children? As a father, do not leave the responsibility of identifying with your children to their mothers (and other people). Be there for your children all the time. Happy Father’s Day! In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Points: 1. Pray as a father to create more time to be identifying with your children in their day-to-day activities. 2. Pray for fathers to be more responsible and always be actively involved in matters relating to their children.