Father’s Day is a good time to think about our heavenly “Father”. In one sense God is the father of all mankind since He created all things. But we should be clear that God being the Father of all things does not automatically mean we are forgiven and on our way to heaven. That is another subject.
God as a heavenly Father is good and gracious to a lost world through what we call “common grace.” In other words God brings good and gracious blessings of all kinds on all men without distinction. It is undeserved and sovereignly bestowed by God. He blesses us with food, water, natural beauty, health and so on. Jesus made this clear when He said, “…for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous (Mt. 5:45b).
On the other hand God is a father in a very special way to those who have come to repent and put their faith in Christ. The name “Abba Father” is important name of God in understanding God as our heavenly Father in this way. Abba is an Aramaic word that means “daddy.” It expresses affection, confidence and trust in a childlike way that a child might put in their father. In the garden Jesus prayed “Abba Father” (Mk. 14:36). We also note that Romans 8:15 uses this name when the Holy Spirit adopts them into God’s family. During this adoption process Galatians 4:6 says the Spirit cries out, “Abba, Father.” What a wonderful picture of the new birth using human birth as an example. The right to call God “Abba Father” is something that only born-again Christians have (Jn. 1:12-13).
God being seen as a “Father” sets the standard for us. Jesus said, "Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Mat. 5:48). Since even believers sin sometimes it is only through Christ we can be made perfect since He died for our sin and gave us His righteousness.
Jesus even taught us to pray starting with, “Our Father who is in Heaven" (Mat. 6:9). He also taught us to baptize new believers “into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Mat. 28:19).
So why do we call God the “Father”? Someone suggested it is because He has a deep voice. Really! At least He did in The Ten Commandments movie. Listen to Dennis Prager’s ideas on this.
Thoughts From A New Grandfather, is also a short video my son Caleb did on becoming the first of my eight kids to become a grandfather this year. And…yes, that makes me a great grandfather.
Whatever you do don’t forget to honor your Heavenly Father and your earthly one too.
-Pastor Mark
DON’T FORGET…
Saturday 6/15 from 8-9:30AM we will have a special Father’s Day emphasis on our Men’s Discipleship breakfast. Guys bring your dads and sons. Breakfast is free and what dad’s like.
Sunday 6/17 at 9:30AM there will be an informal all church Father’s Day Fellowship on the patio. Sunday School is cancelled. So bring Dad’s favorite his favorite finger foods. Then during the 10:30AM worship we’ll have a Baby Dedication just before Enriko Stigter will preach.