Our Father Who Art in Heaven
What do you think of when someone speaks of a kingdom? A king? A castle? Queens and princesses? Pomp and finery?
What if the kingdom in question is the kingdom of God? Do your thoughts change to sovereignty, power, rule, and authority? The King of kings and Lord of lords?
After Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He chose disciples, then went “about in all Galilee, . . . proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom” (Mt. 4:22). The good news that Jesus shared was about the kingdom of God.
We’ve thought that the significance of preaching the kingdom of God was that God is sovereign. He is the Creator, and He is supreme in power and authority. Consequently, as Christians, we are to submit to Him, the Almighty, the one true God.
That’s true—but it’s partial truth. We all know that God is more than all powerful. However, if we focus only on that one characteristic of God, it can lead to a warped view of Him. If we think in those terms, we’re likely to approach Him as a stern judge, or as the CEO of a powerful institution. It makes Him seem unapproachable.
Jesus gives a different picture. As He went about proclaiming the kingdom of heaven, He didn’t talk about the power or rule of God. Instead, He spoke of His Father. Furthermore, He personalized the name by using possessive terms. He spoke of “My Father,” “our Father,” and “your Father.” Father God is mentioned around 40 times just in Matthew.
Fatherhood, as designed and demonstrated by God, represents a caring, loving, and intimate relationship. A father provides for and protects his children. He draws them to himself, instructs them in the ways of life, and disciplines them when they go astray. He is sensitive to the needs of His children and sacrifices for their benefit.
A righteous king can exhibit many of those things for his people, but he can never have the intimate relationship with each of his subjects that a father does with his children.
Jesus wanted us to know that He loves us and desires that we relate to Him from a position of love.
Our Father is sovereign, almighty, omnipotent, and eternal. He is greater, grander, and more powerful than we can imagine.
But He is also the perfect Father, and He wants to be family with you.
His love is unconditional and never fails. You can share anything with Him and run to Him with your needs. He is supreme over all creation, but He will never leave you or forsake you, for He loves and cares for you.
How have you experienced God as a Father to you?
You can leave a comment by clicking here.