A Father Like Abraham

It seems that every Christian can identify Abraham as a father.  He is identified as the father of faith as well as the father of many nations, but have you ever wondered why God chose Abraham?  Pastor Nathan looked at this interesting question in his Father’s Day message.  So, why Abraham?  In reading through Genesis, we can gain much insight into the character of Abraham.  First off, Abraham always wanted to be a father.  Even before God promised him a son, Abraham became a father figure to his nephew, Lot.  While lot traveled with Abraham, he was greatly blessed.  He acquired so many flocks, herds, and possessions that they finally decided to separate.  Lot chose the best land for himself, the fertile plain of the Jordan, along with the well-known cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Pastor Nathan began reading in Genesis chapter 18 in which we find Abraham watching.  As he did so, he saw three men approaching.  Pastor Nathan reminded us that a good dad will watch and pray.  Abraham knew there was something special about these three men for Abraham was a man who ministered to the Lord and who walked in the blessing of God.  He recognized the Lord and knew what He was about to do.  Sodom and Gomorrah had become so wicked, it was necessary to destroy the cities.  Abraham’s heart immediately recognized the danger to his nephew, Lot.  Likewise, we need good fathers today who recognize what God is doing.  We need dads who know how to pray and intercede when our families are in danger.  We still need fathers today who know how to watch and pray. 

As you read Genesis 18, you might wonder how Abraham had the courage to talk to God in such a manner!   “Abraham approached him and said, “Will you sweep away both the righteous and the wicked? Suppose you find fifty righteous people living there in the city—will you still sweep it away and not spare it for their sakes? Surely you wouldn’t do such a thing, destroying the righteous along with the wicked. Why, you would be treating the righteous and the wicked exactly the same! Surely you wouldn’t do that! Should not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?” Genesis 18:23-27 NLT  Abraham didn’t stop at 50 righteous people.  He kept asking God to spare the city until he was down to just 10 righteous people! 

Pastor Nathan reminded us that we need dads like that today.  We need dads who are not afraid to pray over their families.  We need fathers who know how to talk to God.  We need men who know how to stand in the gap for their families.  We need spiritual fathers, as well.  We need those who can provide confirmation that God is working in our lives.  We need spiritual dads who can keep us on track.  (Hebrews 13:17)  We need spiritual fathers who will pray for us, give godly counsel, and speak God’s Word over our lives!

As a result of his faith, obedience, and relationship with God, Abraham soon became a natural father, but also a father to generations yet to come.  He became an example for other fathers to follow.  What better example for all fathers to aspire to than to be like Abraham, a man of faith, prayer, and great courage.