June 19, 2022 | Dr. Gary Hylander
Passage: Deuteronomy 6:1-25
When reciting the Lord’s Prayer, we begin with the words Our Father who art
in heaven (see Matthew 6:9). What is interesting is that in the Old Testament,
God is only referred to as Father 14 times, and the term was always used with
references to the nation, not individuals. When Jesus appeared on the scene,
he addressed God only as Father. On the cross, Jesus began and ended his
statements with reference to God the Father (cf. Luke 23:34, 46).
With God the Father serving as a model for earthly fathers, we return to
Deuteronomy 6 on this Father’s Day. In this passage, fathers are offered a
glimpse into the multigenerational impact they are to have. The Shema, as
recorded in these verses, provides understanding regarding the relational
dynamics of fatherhood. The chapter ends with fathers explaining to their
children the ways of God. As we examine this important chapter, let’s honor
our fathers in accordance with Exodus 20:12, pondering the role of fatherhood in this world.
As We Consider Our Fathers’ Relationship To God The Father, Note...
• The Multigenerational Influence A Father Is To Have. (1-3)
• The Relational Guidance A Father Is To Provide. (4-9)
• The Essential Questions A Father Is To Address. (20-25)