With Mother’s Day in our rear-view mirrors and Father’s Day fast approaching, I thought it would be a good time to reflect upon the role of God as our heavenly Father. It’s good to be reminded that we’re not only His sons and daughters, but that He’s a good, very good Father. Sometimes we lose sight of that fact. Sometimes we don’t feel His love. Sometimes circumstances, adversity, and even lies – from whatever source – drown out the truth of who we are in Christ and how much our Father really does love us.
Some people have had both a wonderful mother and a father.
Some have only had either a mother or a father.
Still others have never experienced either.
Then, there are those who have had either a mother or a father, or both, but the relationship was at best rocky, and at worst terrifying.
Accordingly, whichever of these categories you find yourself in, your definition of a good father or mother would more than likely be derived from this. For me personally, I had a good relationship with both my parents and therefore I have more of a positive outlook toward God as Father. Adversely, I have a friend who had expressed to me that after having a father who walked out on him and his mother when he was young, has a hard time believing that God could be a good Father.
So, if you had a bad (or no) relationship with your father and I were to say that God was a good father, there’s a good chance you would think otherwise. On the other hand, if you’re one who has had a very good relationship with your parents and I were to tell you that God was a good father, it’s likely you would agree.
However, regardless of how your relationship with your parents may have influenced your view of God as Father, a true image of God as Father can only be found in His own words to us, as He has revealed Himself to us in Scripture. Because, our finite, fallen thoughts just cannot compare to divine truth about the goodness, kindness, and unconditional love of our heavenly Father. It just makes sense, then, to draw our conclusions of God as father from His own divine, eternal words, rather than our own mortal, temporary experiences.
So, I pose this question: Rather than allowing our earthly relationships to define our relationship with God as Father, wouldn’t it be much better if our relationship with God determined our relationships with others?
I for one want to know what God says about all of this. So, just what does He say? Glad you asked. Here are just a few of the many examples in Scripture. God is identified as Father more than 250 times in Old and New Testaments. Additionally, the New Testament particularly identifies believers in Christ as those having a new identity as adopted children of God. We should first understand that through faith we are sons and daughters of God, that we can have that kind of relationship with Him.
In Galatians 3:26 and 4:5-7, we’re told that, “In Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith,” and that Christ has redeemed us, “that we might receive adoption as sons…crying, ‘Abba! Father!’” This is also affirmed in Romans 8:14-17, John 1:12, 1 John 3:1, and 2 Corinthians 6:18.
So, it’s pretty clear that He is the heavenly Father to those who put their faith in Christ. But, what kind of a Father is he? There are many examples in Scripture that give us descriptions of what kind of Father God is to us. Also, while it is clear that God has declared Himself as Father, He sometimes describes Himself by using motherly characteristics in order to convey his tender care for us. In Isaiah 66:13 He tells Jerusalem, “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.” In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus shared the same sentiment when He said, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem…how often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings” (Matthew 23:37).
For me, one of the most amazing pictures of God as Father is found in Luke 15, where Jesus tells the parable about the prodigal son. It’s an epic story of a young son who took his inheritance and left his father to enjoy and squander it on empty and meaningless pursuits and temporary pleasures. Fast forward to the son realizing his wrong and deciding to return to his father, while thinking all along he would never accept him back. But, as the story goes, when the father saw his son returning, he ran to him, embraced him, and forgave him for all he had done. He even threw a party in celebration of his return. Jesus told this story to drive home the unfathomable love, compassion, and forgiveness of our heavenly Father toward His children. The psalmist said, “The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him” (Psalm 103:13).
I could go on about God’s “how-much-more” love and care for us that far exceeds that of sparrows and the lilies of the field that are always taken care of (Mt. 10:29-31), and His giving of good gifts to those who ask (Matthew 11:7). His love is on another level!
Oh, and what about this? Luke recorded Jesus’ benevolent words: “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). He has graciously given us (His adopted children) all things (Romans 8:32)! Our Father in heaven has given us every good and perfect gift (James 1:17)!
This is merely a snapshot of all that Scripture says on this topic, but let it comfort you today that if your faith is in Jesus Christ, you have been adopted into the family of Almighty God, the King of kings and Lord of lords. You have therefore been granted his kingdom and all the rights and benefits that come with it. Your Father knows you, loves you, and cares for you better and more than you’ll ever know. You can come to Him at any time and present your requests and be certain that He knows more than anyone else how to give good and perfect gifts. He’ll not abandon you. He’ll not allow you to stray without discipline. When you return to Him, He’ll welcome you back with merciful and gracious forgiveness and a warm and loving embrace.
Here’s a song titled Sons and Daughters, written by Brett Stanfill,** that beautifully describes the love of our heavenly Father toward us. It was originally recorded on the album “Hear,” by North Point Worship. I pray it encourages and blesses you.
God Bless,
Sean
** © 2015 Brett Stanfill Music (Admin by Music Services)
Sean's World Beat 