Our Good Father

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God:” I John 3:1

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, he started out with the words, “Our Father, who art in Heaven.” As I was praying earlier this week, I began to think of what it means to have Jesus as our Father, not just someone far off in heaven, but dwelling with us, listening to our prayers, and guiding us each day.

I found this definition of a true father: “protector, teacher, and encourager; a person who picks you up when you fall, brushes you off, and lets you try again; admired and much loved.”

We may not all have earthly fathers who met all these criteria, but we can depend on the Lord to meet them all.

• Protector: Hebrews 13:5 “for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

 

• Teacher: John 16:13 “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”

 

• Encourager: John 14:1-3 “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” 

 

 

• One who picks you up when you fall, brushes you off, and lets you try again: I John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

 

• Admired: II Thessalonians 1:10 “When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe.”

 

• Much loved: I John 4:19 “We love him, because he first loved us.”

 

What does it mean to be a child of God? Our Heavenly Father has all the riches of the world at His disposal. As His child, we have the right to all the privileges and blessings He has promised in His Word. We do not have to beg or plead; we simply must ask. Do you know Him as your Father today? It is your choice. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” John 1:12.

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we are so thankful that we know you. We thank you for all the privileges we enjoy, and the extra blessings that you bestow upon us. You are certainly a Good Father to us all.

Devotion by Anne Johnston