And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him, and said to him, The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valour. (Judges 6v12 NKJV)
In scripture there are several instances in which men are referred to as mighty men of valour. For example, the army of men defending Jericho (Joshua 6v2), Naaman the commander of the Syrian army (2Kings 5v1) or David’s army (1 Chronicles 12v8). Most people however are familiar with the story of Gideon when he is referred to as a man of valour.
The statement “mighty man of valour reflects the qualities of strength, courage, and bravery. These qualities are closely intertwined with the core characteristics of leadership, wisdom, and integrity. If we think about these attributes we can see that they are synonymous with the role that fathers are entrusted to undertake.
Fatherhood is not an easy role, it comes with the responsibility of men, nurturing, guiding, and providing for their child(ren). And for the Christian father it comes also with the profound responsibility of him leading and teaching his children in the things of God according to the Christian faith. “Train up a child in the way it should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22v6).
In the sphere of our homes, families, communities there are many men who take their role of fatherhood very seriously. These remarkable men are striving to be good fathers to their children and children entrusted into their care. Often they are undertaking the role in silence daily going about tasks and activities that will ensure that their children are loved, cared for and protected.
This Father’s Day we acknowledge and celebrate all the fathers who are striving to be good fathers. To the fathers who may not be biological fathers, but you have taken on the fatherhood role in the lives of children whether, stepdad, uncle, older brother, mentor this includes you.
As the declaration “mighty man of valour” has been declared and used to describe men in Scripture may these words resonate with every father reading this “you are a mighty man of valour”. With God’s help you are strong, you are brave, you are courageous, you can be the father God has called you to be.
You may not feel that you have these attributes or are up for the role of fatherhood but take note of Gideon, when the Angel of The Lord spoke to him, he was cowering away living in fear of the Midianites and as some men do, Gideon struggled with fear and uncertainty. Despite this Gideon is referred to as being brave and courageous. As Gideon’s story develops we see how with God’s help Gideon became what was declared over him. He became brave and courageous going on to defeat the Midianites with a small army of men. Gideon’s story can be found in the book of Judges chapters 6-8
Fathers when feeling unsure be encouraged and lean into your heavenly father knowing that he loves you “The Lord your God is in your midst. The Mighty One will save. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will quite you with His love. He will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3v17).
As you lean into God know that God is with you, and He will instruct you on how best to raise your children. “Your ears shall hear a word behind you this is the way walk in it whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left” (Isaiah 30v21)
Dear fathers as you walk in your calling of fatherhood do so with God’s wisdom, strength and in the power of HIS might. Keep going!
Happy Father’s Day.
(Nb Scripture references are taken from the new king James translation)
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