Celebrating Father’s Day on 16th June, 2024: Being a text delivered by Sir Ben Ngwakwe, JP, at St.Andrew Anglican church,Barunde Quarters, Gombe, with the topic: ” Where are you?”, which was taken from the book of Genesis 3: 1-24.
Happy celebrations to all fathers in Christendom. May the Lord continue to grant you the grace to give godly leadership in your families in Jesus name amen.
Synopsis/ Introduction of the origin of Father’s Day celebration: The origin of Father’s Day and how it came to be celebrated by churches worldwide according to scholars and theologians.
First, the early Coptic Orthodox Church honored fathers in the 5th century, around 400 A.D.
Secondly, the Catholic nations in Europe began honouring fathers in 1508, designating March 19 (St. Joseph’s Day) for celebration.
Thirdly, the Eastern Orthodox Church also started recognising fathers, choosing the second Sunday before Christmas for honoring Christ’s earthly forefathers, with emphasis on Abraham.
Fourthly, In the United States, the idea of Father’s Day emerged in 1908 when a church in West Virginia held a sermon to honor 362 men who died in a mining explosion.
Also, Sonora Smart Dodd started the quest for a national Father’s Day in 1909, and her home state of Washington celebrated the first official Father’s Day on June 19, 1910.
Finally, Father’s Day gradually spread across the United States, with President Richard Nixon officially declaring the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day in 1972.
Brief explanation of the reading from Genesis 3 vs 1-24.
The phrase “Where are you?” is taken from Genesis 3:9, where God asks Adam, “Where are you?” (in some translations, “Where are you hiding?”). This is after Adam and Eve have eaten the forbidden fruit and hidden themselves in the garden.
In this context, God’s question is not just about Adam’s physical location but also about his spiritual state. God knows exactly where Adam is, but He’s asking Adam to confront his own actions and his separation from God.
The conversation that follows is significant, as Adam blames Eve and Eve blames the serpent, showing how sin and shame can lead to finger-pointing and division.
Also, the phrase “Where are you?” has become a symbol of:
- God’s quest for humanity’s spiritual whereabouts.
- Humanity’s tendency to hide from God and each other.
- The need for accountability and transparency.
It’s a powerful and thought-provoking question that resonates throughout the Bible and human history.
Again the phrase “Where are you?” is also related to the concept of pilgrimage and journeying with God, as seen in Genesis 28:15 and Genesis 31:3.
In Genesis 28:15, God says to Jacob, “Behold, I am with you, and I will keep you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I promised you.”
In Genesis 31:3, God says to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your kindred, and I will be with you.”
In both instances, God is essentially asking Jacob, “Where are you in your journey with Me?” or “Where are you in your walk with Me?”
This question is a reminder that our lives are a pilgrimage, a journey with God, and that He is always with us, guiding us and directing us. It’s a call to accountability, to examine our spiritual journey and ensure we’re aligned with God’s plans and promises.
In this sense, “Where are you?” is a question that:
- It encourages self-reflection and spiritual assessment.
- It also reminds us of God’s presence and guidance in our lives.
- It calls us to trust in His sovereignty and provision.
It’s a powerful reminder of our relationship with God and our reliance on Him throughout our journey in life.
The phrase “Where are you?” is also a comfort in trials, as seen in Isaiah 43:2, where God says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you.”
This verse is a promise that God is with us in the midst of trials and difficulties, and that He will see us through them.
Similarly, in Matthew 28:20, Jesus says, “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
This verse is a comfort because it reminds us that Jesus is always with us, even in the midst of trials and challenges. He is our constant companion, our guide, and our strength.
So, the phrase “Where are you?” is a comfort in trials because it:
- Reminds us of God’s presence and promise to be with us.
- Encourages us to trust in His sovereignty and provision.
- Gives us strength and hope in the midst of difficulties.
It’s a reminder that we are not alone, that God is always with us, and that He will see us through even the toughest of times.
The phrase “Where are you?” is also related to the concept of Divine presence, as seen in Exodus 3:12 and Exodus 29:45.
In Exodus 3:12, God says to Moses, “I will be with you” (or “I will be present with you”), and in Exodus 29:45, God says, “I will dwell among the children of Israel and will be their God.”
These verses highlight God’s desire to be present with His people, to dwell among them, and to be their God. This Divine presence is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing God’s desire to be close to His people and to guide them.
The phrase “Where are you?” in this context is a reminder that:
- God is present with us always.
- He desires a personal relationship with each of us.
- He is our guide and our refuge in times of need.
It’s a comfort to know that God is always present with us, guiding us and directing us, even when we may not feel His presence. It’s a reminder to seek Him, to trust in Him, and to rely on His guidance and strength.
In Exodus 3:12, God’s presence is promised to Moses, and in Exodus 29:45, God’s presence is promised to the Israelites. This Divine presence is still available to us today, and the phrase “Where are you?” encourages us to seek Him and to trust in His presence in our lives.
In conclusion, Father’s Day, could symbolize the joy, love, and appreciation we feel for our fathers and father figures, hence we say happy fathering Sunday to all the fathers, praying for longer live, prosperity, good leadership to our homes, good health and wisdom to run our homes and families to the Glory of God and for the upliftment of his Kingdom here on earth in Jesus mighty name,we pray amen n amen.
Let us pray.
