There is no denying the important and impactful role fathers play in a person’s life. The presence of a good dad or the absence of a dad all together has a major effect on us. Either way, when we reflect on the relationship we have with our fathers, most likely a certain level of emotion is revealed.
Earlier this week, Tom Brady showed this type of emotion when a seven-year-old boy (who won a chance to be a Super Bowl reporter) asked him this question: "Many people say you're their hero, but who's your hero?"
Despite the immense focus on the upcoming Super Bowl, Brady got a little choked up, paused to gather his emotions, and responded: "Who's my hero? "That's a great question. Well, I think my dad is my hero. Because he's someone I look up to every day."
This turned out to be a memorable moment in the midst of a crazy media day. Both the question and response are worth thinking about with respect to our own dads and also the role we have in our children's lives.
Should a hero be someone who accomplishes amazing things...or someone who is supportive, encouraging, and present? Should a dad be respected for great wealth and success...or for having a steadfast faith and loving heart?
Some of us reading this devotional today don’t have a dad to look up to or a child that looks up to us. However, we can all relate to admiring someone in our lives, and hopefully desiring to be the type of person others admire.
The father-son dynamic is a powerful one and on full display in the Bible. Jesus looked to the Father for guidance and did according to His will.
John 5:19-20 (ESV) tells us, "So Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that He himself is doing. And greater works than these will He show him, so that you may marvel.'"
When unpacking the relationship between Jesus and God the Father, we can see how Jesus honored Him in all that He did. In light of Brady’s comments about his father, let's be thankful for the impact our own fathers have had on our lives, or address the negative impact we've had to face.Ultimately, let's desire to be a hero to our own kids...and remember the reconciling power of Jesus who grants us access to our faithful and loving Heavenly Father. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m thankful that You sent Your son Jesus to redeem the world and allow me to have a right standing with You. Thank you for Your Fatherly love toward me, and for the important role, you give earthly fathers. Help me be a father that points others to You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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