Our Father

There’s no title I love more than being called “Dad.”  The joy of being my kid’s father is unique among those things in which I find happiness. I celebrate their successes, pray for them, and sometimes worry over them because they are my children, though they have not actually been ‘children’ for decades.  A father’s responsibilities includes making provision for his family and giving protection to those in his care. These roles  are not exclusive to men or fathers, but they are primary. 

When I was a child, I rested unconsciously in the security of my Dad’s care for us. I was never anxious about the next meal, nor did I fear the external threats of danger. Why? Because I had a Dad, who was, at that stage in my life, a superhero. With maturity I realized he was a mere mortal, but I still sought his counsel.  His values shaped me, even in ways that I did not consciously choose, in large part making me who I am today.  His God became my God. His love for others formed real compassion in me. His sense of responsibility for his family and his world grew in me as I became a man, a husband, and a father.

I believe that the ongoing celebration of “Father’s Day” is evidence of the persistent desire in all of us for the love of a father.  In a culture that is confused about familial roles and relationships, a real hunger for fathering remains.  Where fathers are absent because of death, abandonment, or abuse - we often observe very real results - emotional starvation, lack of direction, insecurity, and frustration over the future.  Though there are certainly exceptions, one of the prime predictors of a healthy transition into adulthood is the presence of an engaged father in the family.

The Scripture reveals God as Father.

Jesus spoke of God as His Father and ours, too.  He taught us to pray, not to the nameless universe, nor to some impersonal force, but to “Our Father, Who is in Heaven!”

The Psalmist celebrates the Father’s care. "Father to the fatherless, defender of widows— this is God, whose dwelling is holy." (Psalm 68:5, NLT)

On this Monday morning, let God be your Father!  By faith receive the offer of God’s gift, given in Christ Jesus, that restores you to your place as a child of the Heavenly Father. The Word tells us that "you should not be like cowering, fearful slaves. You should behave instead like God’s very own children, adopted into his family—calling him “Father, dear Father.”" (Romans 8:14-15, NLT)  Other translations include the original text - “Abba” which indicates the intimate, loving relationship - like a child who addresses his father as “Daddy.” 

We are reminded that our Father is not like a sentimental old Grandpa who finds it hard to see his grandchildren shaped by their parent’s discipline. He loves us enough to let us go through situations that form character, that make us whole and holy. "My child, don’t ignore it when the Lord disciplines you, and don’t be discouraged when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes those he accepts as his children.” As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Whoever heard of a child who was never disciplined? If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children after all. Since we respect our earthly fathers who disciplined us, should we not all the more cheerfully submit to the discipline of our heavenly Father and live forever?" (Hebrews 12:5-9, NLT)

Unlike we who are Dads here, He never gets it wrong, never ‘disciplines’ us just because He’s had a bad day.  He acts always in love, for our very best.  Trust your Father!

His love is boundless, dear friend. Luke 15 tells my favorite story - the one of a lost and wayward son who finally returns home. Though he plans to negotiate a place only as a hired hand so he can eat, his estranged father will have none of that.  "While he was still a long distance away, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger, and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening in the pen. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ “ (Luke 15:20-24, NLT)  Yes, this is for you and for me - an invitation to come home to Our Father in Heaven, who waits with open arms!

Take this word from the Word with you today. Reflect on it, letting the promise wrap you in the love He gives to us. "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." (1 John 3:1-2, NIV)

Pray with me as I end this reflection -

“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’" (Matthew 6:9-13, NIV)

AMEN!

____________

(Video of this blog at this link)

  Good, Good Father
 (listen, learn, and worship at this link)

I've heard a thousand stories
Of what they think You’re like
But I've heard the tender whisper
Of love in the dead of night
You tell me that You’re pleased
And that I'm never alone

You're a Good Good Father
It's who You are
It's who You are
It's who You are
And I'm loved by You
It's who I am
It's who I am
It's who I am

I've seen many searching for answers
Far and wide
But I know we're all searching for answers
Only You provide
Because You know just what we need
Before we say a word
You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways
You are perfect in all of Your ways to us

Love so undeniable I can hardly speak
Peace so unexplainable I can hardly think
As You call me deeper still
As You call me deeper still
As You call me deeper still
Into love love love
You're a Good Good Father
It's who You are
It's who You are
It's who You are
And I'm loved by You
It's who I am
It's who I am
It's who I am

Anthony Brown | Pat Barrett © 2014 Capitol CMG Paragon (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Common Hymnal Publishing (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing)
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