Each of us has an earthly father. Yet no matter how good, bad or nonexistent our relationship may be with him, as Christians, we also have a Heavenly Father. Have you ever prayed and searched the scriptures to gain a deeper appreciation of how God is a Father to His children?
Our love for Christ/God/Our Father (Isaiah 9:6) is so important, He said that our feelings for our earthly father (and others) should be like hate compared to our love for Him.
- Luke 14:26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.
Seeing God as Our Father
- Old Testament
- Deuteronomy 32:6 Do you thus deal with the Lord, O foolish and unwise people? Is He not your Father, who bought you? Has He not made you and established you?
- Isaiah 63:16 Doubtless You are our Father, Though Abraham was ignorant of us, And Israel does not acknowledge us. You, O Lord, are our Father; Our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name.
- In the Old Testament God was viewed more as the Father of the Nation of Israel.
- New Testament
- Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
- Galatians 4:6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”
- In the New Testament God is viewed as a loving Father to every Christian. We are so close to Him that the Holy Spirit prompts us to call Him ‘Daddy’!
A Few of God’s Fatherly Attributes
- God Gives Life – God is the creator of all life. He lovingly created each of us. (Genesis 1:27, Psalm 139:13-14, Colossians 3:10)
- God Provides – We may not get everything we want, but God provides all that we need. (Psalm 23:1, Matthew 7:11, Philippians 4:19)
- God Protects – Although we are not promised an easy life (to the contrary, we are promised suffering for Christ’s sake), God not only protects us, he also gives us the armor we need to stand for Him and the weapon we need for spiritual warfare, His Holy Word. (Psalm 3:3, Psalm 28:7, Ephesians 6:10-11)
- God Listens – Sin impacts our relationship with God and can become a barrier to our communication with God (Psalm 66:18, Proverbs 28:9). But when we approach Him honestly, humbly and in repentance, He will hear us. (Psalm 5:1-3, Daniel 9:19, Hebrews 4:16)
- God Disciplines – As a father disciplines his children to correct and teach them, God perfectly disciplines His children as part of transforming them into the image of Jesus Christ. (Proverbs 3:12, Hebrews 12:9-10, Revelation 3:19)
I have given you just a few verses and thoughts related to why I Call Him Father. Take some time this week for reflection, prayer and Bible study and then list some additional reasons and scriptures elaborating on why God is your Father. And remember, God is the perfect Father; He doesn’t make mistakes. All He does and allows is for your benefit!
Prayer
Dear Lord, what an awesome privilege to call you Father. Although my understanding of Your perfect love for me is limited, I thank You for all You do to care for me and sustain our relationship. I pray You will use Your Word to touch other’s hearts with the amazing truth about Your Fatherly role and responsibilities in their lives. Thanks in advance. I praise You and love You. In Christ’s name, Amen.
