The Relationship That Matters
Ever wonder why God is referred to as a father in the Bible? It has become more clear to me with each passing day just how important that reference is. We live in a very precarious world right now. The god of this world has opened fire on all aspects of our lives and those attacks are out in the open and not under cover of darkness. Many are fearful of what is to come.
FEAR NOT!
On my walk this morning my Father and I were talking about this very subject. He reminded me of the many verses in scripture where Jesus spoke about the Father's great love for us. How we shouldn't worry about clothes, food, shelter because God cares for the birds and we are much more valuable to Him than birds. He spoke of how earthly fathers who are imperfect wouldn't give bad gifts to their children, why would a perfect heavenly Father give bad gifts to His children? In fact Jesus was always talking about the Father. At one point Philip asks him to show them the Father and He says, "Don't you know me Philip?" He even says in John 10:30 "I and the Father are one."
Some biblical mysteries are way over our heads. When Jesus said he and the Father were one, for the disciples this meant he was claiming to be God and He was. This was blasphemy in His day. I imagine it stopped them all in their tracks. However, they didn't question it, because he backed it up with his actions. He wasn't all talk. They saw the proof right before their eyes in every miracle, every word spoken in truth, and each compassionate look of love.
I started considering the role of a father in today's world and how it has been replaced with single parent households. We have children growing up without fathers, and it has had a profound effect on society as a whole. No matter how great a mother is, she can never be a father. We are just made differently. Fathers are protectors, providers, role models, teachers, character builders, authority figures, coaches, guides, our greatest fan. Just to name a few. Their role has been undermined by society, which has elevated single mothers who no longer need the help of fathers. Some have no choice, but they fall short in their fathering skills. There is just something that God has put into man, which doesn't exist in women, no matter how hard they try.
We only need to look to scripture to see just how important a father-child relationship is. God has always called us His children. We are created in His image. We look like Him. Just like earthly children resemble their earthly father. You can see in a child not only the physical resemblances but the spiritual and emotional traits as well. A child who has a solid foundational relationship with their earthly father will be far different than a child who has never had an earthly father. The child who has an honorable father will be honorable. Likewise, the child who has a wicked father will display similar traits.
The same is evident with those who have a personal relationship with their heavenly Father. This is why Jesus could say, "Don't you know me Philip?" He was so close to the Father that they were indistinguishable. Jesus was the physical representation of God the Father. Never was there anyone who walked the earth who loved so deeply, taught so earnestly, and gave so selflessly than Jesus. Christians who walk daily with their heavenly Father have these same traits.
I was blessed by God to have a father who loved God and walked with God. He wasn't perfect, but I knew my earthly father loved me, even though he rarely said it. He was a wealth of knowledge, didn't take any sass and despite his many faults he was proud of each of his progeny. I can't imagine my life without him. I did want a deeper relationship with him than I had. The older I got, the deeper the relationship, and I cherish it. Funny how it took me decades to realize that my heavenly Father could offer me a far deeper relationship than my earthly father.
Imagine Jesus when we are are fearful quietly whispering, "Fear not, I'm right here." Imagine Jesus taking us by the hand during difficult times, and holding on so tight that we can't even wriggle free. Imagine Jesus looking at us with pride and saying to all the angels in heaven, "That's my boy," or "isn't she just so beautiful?" Imagine Jesus cheering us on as we take up a challenge and move out of our comfort zone to achieve something great for Him. Imagine Jesus throwing a shield above us as we are attacked by the enemy and our hearts are heavy with grief or worry.
My father had 7 children. Each of us have different memories of him. Each relationship was based on who we were as people. He made a lot of mistakes, but as we grew so did he. It was easier to have a relationship with some of us, than it was with others because he was also an individual with faults. Imagine Jesus having millions of relationships with millions of His children, and each one feeling special, loved, cherished and adored. The only thing that makes a relationship with a heavenly Father far superior is that God is perfect in every way. He doesn't need to grow.
The love of God is incomprehensible. It reaches down to us when we are unlovable. God sees our hearts. He knows us inside and out. He knows why He created each of us. He knows what our struggles will be. He knows where we will fail. He knows where we will rise to the occasion. He knows everything about us. He even knows who will reject Him and who will embrace Him, yet His love never fails. Our earthly fathers can only imagine our potential and try to cultivate it. God knows our potential. It is only when we reach up to Him and put our faith in Him alone, that we can see and realize our potential. It is without a doubt the most important relationship we could ever have, and the only one that carries us into the next life.
I am so grateful for this relationship. Sometimes I throw my arms in the air like a two year old wanting to be held. God responds every time. The Spirit of God that lives in me confirms just how much I am loved. I don't need to wonder. I just need to have faith even in the darkest times when life gets me down. I can run to the father. I can fall into grace. I don't need to hide and I don't need to fear. He will never leave me or forsake me and He is all I need ever day. When you have this relationship, there is nothing that shakes you.
Imagine standing in the middle of a battle. You have on armor and there is one standing beside you holding a shield big enough to cover you. He has one arm around your waist and one arm raised high above you stopping the arrows. The ground around you starts to crumble. Fire comes up from ground all around, but the spot on which you are standing is solid and cannot be shaken. This is God's foundation of faith. He's got you. While everything else maybe crumbling around you, He will remain true. Reach up to your Father every day. He will pick you up, give you the biggest hug and show you what He sees is the way forward. Without faith it is impossible to please God.
You may not have had the greatest earthly father, but you can have an incredible heavenly Father.
Isaiah 41:13 "For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."
1 John 1:3b "our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ."
1 John 5:1-5 "Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."
