Father's Day is approaching and very often in society, fathers are not highly esteemed because of the high percentage of fatherless homes. According to statistics the role of a father is extremely important in a child's life. This article examines the good fatherly qualities of some the most prominent Biblical figures.

Abraham (Isaac) - Obedient, Faithful

Abraham was given the outstanding task of being "a father of many nations" (Genesis 17:5). After being blessed with a son from God despite his wife's barrenness, Abraham was commanded by God to offer his son Isaac up as a sacrifice back unto God. Faced with one of the toughest decisions a parent would ever have to make, Abraham decided to trust God and put God before his love for his son. Ultimately he did not have to lose his son (Genesis 22:1-19). Abraham's example of faithfulness earned him the promise of numerous descendants and abundant prosperity which proves as an example that God blesses the obedience of his servants.

Manoah (Samson) - Prayerful, Committed

Manoah, the father of Samson was a prayerful man. When finding out that he and his wife would conceive a son he immediately sought the Lord for direction (Judges 13-16). Manoah, his wife, and Samson were a very close family and Manoah made sure Samson stayed pure as unto the Lord. Samson was appointed by God before birth to be Nazarite. His father had to insure that he remained separate from the world and devoted to the services of God. Once Samson grew up, he and his family were so close that he sought council from his parents when choosing his first wife.

Mordecai (Esther) - Protector, Encourager

Although not a biological father, Mordecai was an exceptional man in the Bible that adopted his uncle's daughter, Esther, an orphan child, whom he brought up as his own (Esther 2). He was very protective of her and advised Esther to conceal her Jewish name to keep her safe before she became Queen. He subsequently went on to be known as one who "sat in the king's gate" to indicate his position of closeness to the king. Mordecai eventually learned of a scheme to kill off the Jewish people that the King was tricked into approving of. He communicated with Queen Esther regarding it, despite what the law and custom was and  encouraged her to do what was right and help save the Jewish people, which she ultimately did.

Joseph (Jesus) - Great Listener, Accepting, Skillful

Joseph is known as the foster father of Jesus Christ. A parent to the savior of the world could have not been an easy task and what we learn from the scripture is that Joseph was very reliant on God's direction in leading his family. The Lord spoke to him very often in his dreams. An angel confirmed to him that Mary had conceived Jesus by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20). In the second dream, an angel told Joseph to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt (from Bethlehem) and remain there to keep Jesus safe (Matthew 2:13). In another dream, God Himself warned Joseph to avoid returning to Judea (Matthew 2:21-23). Joseph then settled Mary and Jesus in the region of Galilee in Nazareth and raised Jesus with Mary as he worked as a carpenter (Matthew 13:55).

Father God (All Creation) - Greatest Love, Forgiveness...

In the scriptures Jesus continually spoke of the heavenly Father providing several stories to help people embrace God's love for His children. In doing that, Jesus points to examples using natural things in life to help his followers better understand.

In one particular instance Jesus told the story of a father who gives the younger of his two sons his inheritance per request. The younger son, recklessly wastes his fortune and goes hungry. He then repents and returns home with the intention of begging to be a servant to his father because of how he disgraced the family. In the parable the father immediately welcomes his son back with open arms and holds a feast to celebrate his return, that expressed a father's love, enabling him to forgive and see past a child's mistakes.

In that same story, the older son then becomes jealous and refuses to participate in the feast thrown for his prodigal brother. Stating that in all the time the son has worked for the father, he did not receive such a feast. His father then reminds the older son that everything he has, already belongs to the son, and encourages him to still celebrate.

A father's role is very important in their children's lives. According to a census data in 2013, one-third of American children, a total of 15 million kids, are being raised without a father. US D.H.H.S., Bureau of the Census has reported that 90% of homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes and children with fathers who are involved are 70% less likely to drop out of school.

God the Father is the best example of a father's love and He made his creation to model after his example. On this Father's Day remember to celebrate each other by expressing the love we have freely received from God.

Below is a video filled with scriptures in the form of a letter about God's love for his children. View 'Father God's Love Letter' below: