Guys have a certain phrase they throw around when someone excels – has it all together. You know what I mean: the biceps, chiseled abs, muscle car in the barn, a great career – the one who can still pole vault and finish an ironman triathlon: “You are ‘The Man‘”!
We all have a picture of what it would be like to be “The Man” – the Top Dog, Top Gun, or Alpha of the pack. A lot of us men strive toward that seemingly ideal picture in our mind’s eye – or we wish we could be like that. Ladies listening in here may want that in their man or in a man. After all, that’s what Hollywood and Nashville tell us what “The Man” is all about!
But what is God’s picture of “The Man”? The man who is blessed, genuinely happy, satisfied, honored by God and humankind?
Take a look at this brief yet poignant song of ascents:
How blessed is everyone who fears the Lord,
Who walks in His ways.
2 When you shall eat of the fruit of your hands,
You will be happy and it will be well with you.
3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
Within your house,
Your children like olive plants
Around your table.
4 Behold, for thus shall the man be blessed
Who fears the Lord.5 The Lord bless you from Zion,
And may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.
6 Indeed, may you see your children’s children.
Peace be upon Israel!(Psalm 128)
The Truth: “The Man” blessed-happy in God… bows under God’s authority and walks with God’s directions.
The Promise: The blessing-gifts from God spread across everything that matters: your work, your home, and your future.
Father’s Day 2025: My dad would never say he’s a Bible scholar or theologian. He’s never made lots of money or been well-known. He’s not weak, but he’s never had chiseled six-pack abs or massive biceps. But throughout my entire life there is one thing he has been: FAITHFUL.
He is consistent in his love for my mother. He never raised his hand toward her. EVER. He’s rarely raised his voice toward anyone (even though I pushed the limits as a young teen!).
He has always been devoted in prayer. He has always been in the Word every single day. He has always been faithful in his love toward us, as his family.
He has always been entirely honest, full of integrity in the home, community, and workplace. He has always been hard-working and always learning.
When I juxtapose my own life with my dad’s, my inconsistencies are glaring – not because my dad is somehow special, but because he is so much like his Savior, Jesus Christ.
From my vantage point, my dad is “the man,” by God’s love and mercy.
So, here are a couple questions that I’m considering today:
Q: Do you desire that your children walk in the truth? Then you must walk in the truth. (cf. 3 John 1:4)
Q: Is your wife wilting or blossoming? Are your children growing in God or withering under your leadership? (cf. Psalm 128)
May I be found faithful, as a man who walks with Jesus.
Happy Father’s Day, dad. I love you.
To Dig Deeper: Here’s a video of a message I preached from Psalm 128 several years ago:
