Pointers on Fatherhood from God the Father

And when Jesus was baptized, immediately He went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on Him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” - Matthew 3:16-17

+

Doug Wilson recently gave a sermon in which he highlighted six essential elements of fatherhood on display for us from God the Father Himself at the baptism of Jesus:

1. The Father was present.
2. The Father made His presence felt by sending His Spirit to descend.
3. The Father made His presence known by speaking:
4. "This is my... Son," The Father identified with the Son.
5. "This is my beloved Son..." The Father expressed His love for His Son.
6. "...with whom I am well pleased." The Father expressed His pleasure in His Son.

Fathers, if you show up, make your presence known, speak up for your children, gladly identify with them and openly express your love for and pleasure in them, you are following your heavenly Father's lead. Each one of these six points is worth meditation and reflection as there are many great points of application to be drawn from them. But use the example of God the Father as your own: 

Be present. Speak up. Identify. Love. And take pleasure in your kids.