By Kingsley Baehr

“And what is so rare as a day in June?” is the first line of a poem by . James Russell Lowell celebrating this month in which the year is full-grown after the forlorn winter, and the fulsome spring.

And what is so rare as a FULL-GROWN FATHER in American society today?

Fatherhood has been vilified by the media’s portrayal of stupid fathers who are clueless about how to fix things, household products, and child care.

Fatherhood means only being a good provider.

Fatherhood has been reduced to the concept that its only function is to cause unwanted pregnancies in innocent women and then to run from responsibility.

Fatherhood is dead in the lesbian notion that it is unnecessary in raising children successfully.

Fathers’ Day is not nearly as lucrative in the merchandising world as is Mothers’ Day.

Fatherhood has been getting a bum rap for years.

As you read this devotional, let your mind and heart be drawn toward what the Supreme Father of all has to say about the importance of fatherhood:

“Honor your father and your mother...” – Exodus 20:12

“Listen to your father, who gave you life... The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him.” – Proverbs 23:22a,24

“Anyone who attacks his father or his mother must be put to death. Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.” – Exodus 21:15,17

“ ‘A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due Me?” says the Lord Almighty.’ ” – Malachi 1:6a,b

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him; for He knows how we are formed; He remembers that we are dust.” – Psalm 103:13,14

As we enjoy the full-grown beauty of this month, and as we celebrate Father’s Day, let us remember that the Lord God Almighty, the creator of heaven and earth wants to be your Father. He wants to implant in you the seed of eternal life. He wants to bless you and love you and throw His compassionate arms around you.

He wants to guide you into a future which He has planned out for you.
He wants your obedience and love.
He wants you. Do you want Him?