While Father’s Day is a time to celebrate fatherhood, which is much needed in our current social climate, it is also a time for fathers to reflect on one of their most important jobs, second only to being a husband. Most men have dreams and desires. Nevertheless, what they accomplish in their own personal lives and careers will be insignificant in the history of eternity to how they raise their children.
In the Bible, there was a man called Joshua son of Nun. We know a lot about Joshua. He was initially one of the twelve spies who scouted the Promised Land and, along with Caleb, brought back an enthusiastic report. The advice of Joshua and Caleb to take hold of God’s promise was ignored and the people were forced to wander for 40 years. He later became a great warrior, general and leader. Volumes have been written about his ability as a soldier, his wisdom as a leader and his strong faith in God.
We know almost nothing about Nun.
Imagine, Nun was the father of a man who went on to greatness, fame and fortune, but all the recognition Nun received in history was by virtue of his relationship to his son. I wonder if Nun had dreams of achieving great things or the desire to be known as this type of man or that kind of guy. What did Nun want to be? We will never know in this world, but what we do know is that he raised a son who took on huge challenges, mighty enemies and established the foundations for a great nation. Nun must have done a good job at fatherhood because Joshua was one of the few Biblical characters without any major flaws; there is little written in the Bible detailing any personal, profession or spiritual shortcomings. Also, he had the unenviable task of coming after a charismatic leader of monumental stature, yet Joshua quietly led his people successfully through times of war and peace.
I must confess that there was a time when I dreamed of doing great things for God. I gave Him my life and told Him to use it as He wanted. Today, I am looking back on far more of life than I have in front of me. Age causes a man to reflect on what was and on what is yet to be. As a dad, there have been failures and successes. But, while I can wish that I had done a better job of being a father, I could never wish for a better daughter. Tomorrow, if all history were to say of me was that I was Miriam-Danielle daughter of Richard, I can accept with that.
In the Bible, there was a man called Joshua son of Nun. We know a lot about Joshua. He was initially one of the twelve spies who scouted the Promised Land and, along with Caleb, brought back an enthusiastic report. The advice of Joshua and Caleb to take hold of God’s promise was ignored and the people were forced to wander for 40 years. He later became a great warrior, general and leader. Volumes have been written about his ability as a soldier, his wisdom as a leader and his strong faith in God.
We know almost nothing about Nun.
Imagine, Nun was the father of a man who went on to greatness, fame and fortune, but all the recognition Nun received in history was by virtue of his relationship to his son. I wonder if Nun had dreams of achieving great things or the desire to be known as this type of man or that kind of guy. What did Nun want to be? We will never know in this world, but what we do know is that he raised a son who took on huge challenges, mighty enemies and established the foundations for a great nation. Nun must have done a good job at fatherhood because Joshua was one of the few Biblical characters without any major flaws; there is little written in the Bible detailing any personal, profession or spiritual shortcomings. Also, he had the unenviable task of coming after a charismatic leader of monumental stature, yet Joshua quietly led his people successfully through times of war and peace.
I must confess that there was a time when I dreamed of doing great things for God. I gave Him my life and told Him to use it as He wanted. Today, I am looking back on far more of life than I have in front of me. Age causes a man to reflect on what was and on what is yet to be. As a dad, there have been failures and successes. But, while I can wish that I had done a better job of being a father, I could never wish for a better daughter. Tomorrow, if all history were to say of me was that I was Miriam-Danielle daughter of Richard, I can accept with that.
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