One of the most exciting times of the year for my children is their birthday. The excitement of this occasion starts at least a month before and continues until it culminates in a revealing of that which they have asked for and sought out with great expectation for several weeks or even longer. I know they receive great joy in receiving the gift that they can now enjoy for as long as their hearts desire. It is nothing to be compared, however, to the pleasure it gives me as a father to provide the gift. What brings them joy and happiness absolutely does the same for me on these special occasions.
We oftentimes separate our natural experiences from spiritual truths, but the Bible tells us that the natural experiences actually help us better understand these truths.
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
Romans 1:20 – NIV
As stated, we can understand God’s invisible qualities by watching things that are made or already in existence. For example, I have taken on many “roles” in my lifetime and every one has come with a new title and function. However, one role that I take much pleasure in is being a father. It is more than just a title that goes on a resume temporarily. It is a role and function that I will hold forever to my children.
In the same way, God has many titles that He is known by such as: Provider, Healer, Shepherd, and Counselor. Although He is able to function as all of these things for us, He was first revealed as our Father. Before we needed provision, healing, shepherding, or counseling we had to simply be born. Everything else we receive from God flows out of His primary function as a Father. Jesus confirms this when he teaches his disciples to pray saying,
“When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.”
Luke 11:2 – NKJV
Before my children could speak, I would always play with them and try to get them to say “Dada” as I’m sure many other fathers have done. It gave me much joy to hear them call me “Dada” for the first time. I do not believe God is too different in His feelings about being called Father by His children. As a matter of fact, Jesus actually tells us the following,
“Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.”
Matthew 23:9 – NKJV
While I don’t believe Jesus was saying we can’t address our earthly father as such, I do believe this demonstrates just how serious God is about his role as our only heavenly (spiritual) Father.
“Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?”
Hebrews 12:9 – NLT
I believe I have convinced you of the fact that God loves being a Father. He deals with His children as such and we benefit by simply being in the family of God. Just as we desire to bless our children, love spending time with them and watching them grow, I believe God also enjoys these things. The Bible teaches that because of sin, we were separated from God. It also teaches that Jesus came to bring us back to God our Father.
“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God“
John 1:12 – NIV
God our Father wants each and every one of us to have the right to become His children and enjoy the full benefits of such an amazing relationship. He says we simply have to receive His son Jesus and believe in His name, because that is the way to receive forgiveness of the sin that separates us from Him.
If you have never received Jesus, I encourage you to join the family, the Father is waiting. If you are in fellowship with the Father already, may all of this remind you of what you truly have and encourage you to share it with others.
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