Our culture today has drastically minimized the role of men in the world. Sitcoms and cartoons depict men as dumb, unimportant, unnecessary, mean, sexist, womanizing, weak, or horrible people. There are some fathers who are disinterested in the lives of their children, passive in their discipline, not leading spiritually in their homes, submissive to their wife and kids, absent because of their job or overly busy in their schedules, uninvolved or unavailable, and even spiritually lost. Today, more than ever, we need to be thankful for the great witnesses of godly men with their families. We probably all know dads who pull double duty – being “mom” and dad to their kids. We need to encourage them and pray they can be an encouragement and influence on other fathers. Time is fleeting. In no time at all, those little ones will soon be adults with families of their own. What examples are being set for them to follow?

As Father’s Day approaches, why not take some time to reflect on biblical manhood in the role of parenting. We already know how the world feels, but what does the Bible say about fathers?

There are many fathers mentioned in the Bible by name. As we read, we find them leading their families (Deut. 6), protecting their families (Deut. 32:10), guiding them (Prov. 4:1-4; Eph. 6:4; and 2 Tim. 3:15-17) and loving them (Prov. 3:11-12), giving stability (Psalm 128:3-4) and setting good examples for their children to follow (1 Kings 15:11). We read about them taking pride in their wife and children (Zech. 2:8) and reflecting God’s unique love to them (1 Thess. 2:11-12).

So, who were these dads and what is recorded about them for us to read and learn from their example? Well, Noah was one of them. We can read about his life in Genesis chapters 6-9. Noah believed God at His Word and displayed godly fear, reverence, toward God. He took action out of obedience and his entire family was saved. He displayed great faith that responded to God and influenced his family. He exemplified hard work and valued his children. Noah’s life was a life of love, obedience, and surrender.

Hebrews 11:7, “By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.”

Abraham is another great father we find in Scripture. We can read of his life in Genesis chapters 11-18. He lived a life of faith and obedience, and he began those steps of obedience without even knowing where he was going. God blessed his steps of obedience and guided him and his family. Abraham surrendered his plans to God because he knew Who was going with him. He was not a perfect man, but he tried his best to live a life separated from the ungodly ways of the world and he showed his family how to do the same.

Genesis 18:19, “For I have chosen him, so that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring upon Abraham what He has spoken about him.”

In Genesis chapters 22-35, we read about the life of Isaac and the man and father that he was. He lived a surrendered life to God completely. His talk matched his walk. He served other people and looked for ways to benefit others more than self. Isaac’s testimony was seen by others. He was always blessing others, refreshing others, and serving others.

Hebrews 11:20, “It was by faith that Isaac promised blessings for the future to his sons, Jacob and Esau.”

And in Hebrews 11:21, we read how Jacob continued the godly legacy his father Isaac had left behind: “It was by faith that Jacob, when he was old and dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons and bowed in worship as he leaned on his staff.” Jacob is another father who was a godly example. He made sure to tell his family he was saved and how God took care of him (Gen. 48:3). He told them how he had wrestled with the angel of the Lord to show them how God had been at work in his life (Gen. 32:24-32). He blessed his family and children and told them how God had plans for their life. He gave them his funeral arrangements and died worshiping the Lord because things were right between he and God.

In Exodus chapter 2, we find another godly man and father – Moses. Moses was a man who said yes to God and no to lesser things. By faith, Moses refused the life of Egypt and left that country. He refused the place of power and the pleasures of sin and prosperity. Moses was focused on eternity. He had his eyes on heaven. He valued God’s people over the fame of this world. Moses was fearless; and as a man of faith, he endured by keeping his eyes on God.

Hebrews 11:24-27, “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the temporary pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he persevered, as though seeing Him who is unseen.”

Long after Moses had left the scene, along came another godly man and father that we find in the pages of Psalms, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, and 1 Kings. David was a mere mortal as we are – flesh and bones. As a father, he endured hardships, made mistakes, and did some things well. Before he died, he gave wise advice and encouragement to his son, Solomon. Near death, he told his son, “I am going the way of all the earth. So be strong, and prove yourself a man. Do your duty to the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies, according to what is written in the Law of Moses, so that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn,” (1 Kings 2:2-3)

As we cross the pages to the New Testament, we find another godly man and father – Joseph, the husband of Mary. In Matthew chapter 1 we read that he obeyed the Lord without question. He took care of his wife and baby Jesus. Joseph was kindhearted and upright, a diligent student of the law who lived by faith. He was a patient and trustworthy man, resting in the providence of God. He trusted God and received timely affirmation, instruction, and protection for his family.

Of course all these examples point to the One, Good Father – God. He is our Heavenly Father who loves us perfectly. He is the best listener (John 11:41), and our provider (Matt. 7:11). He is faithful (1 Corinthians 1:9). He sees you as valuable (Matt. 10:29-31) and He want you to be with Him forever (John 3:16).  

Psalm 32:7-8: “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”

Proverbs 4:11-12: “I will guide you in the way of wisdom and I will lead you in upright paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered, and when you run, you will not stumble.”

When families face hardships, children look to their parents for reassurance, hope, and encouragement. If a father respects and submits to God in all things, his faith will be a source of comfort for his children and help them feel secure, regardless of what the storms of life bring against them.

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

Godly men and fathers begin in the home, and then begin to fill the church, cities, and nations. Let’s pray for them and ask the Lord to raise up a generation of godly men who seek Him, follow Him, and lead their families to know Him.