Jesus taught his disciples to address God as Father when they prayed (Matthew 6:9). He spoke affectionately of God as he told people that Father God hears, sees, forgives, and provides for the needs of his children (Matthew 6:25-33). Conveniently, people will say, “we are all God’s children”. However, this is not a Biblical statement. God is the Maker of all, yes, (Proverbs 14:31) but there is a difference between “Maker” and “Father”.
Jesus made this plain when he answered Jews who were arguing with him. They spoke of their lineage but did not recognize that a father is more than just a maker. “Abraham is our father” said the Jews (John 8:39). But, as true as it was that they were biological descendants of Abraham, Jesus told them that if they were really children of Abraham, they would “do the deeds of Abraham” (John 8:39). The deeds of Abraham were simply expressions of His faith in God. It was Abraham that believed “God is able” (Hebrews 11:19) and he passed the test of faith.
Jesus went on to say, “but as it is you are seeking to kill Me, a man who has told you the truth, which I heard from God; this Abraham did not do. You are doing the deeds of your father” (John 8:39, 40). The Jews did not like this because they knew what he was saying. They were defensive in their answer to him, “we were not born of fornication; we have one Father; God” (John 8:41).
What a scene! It was getting pretty hot, but Jesus did not let them off the hook. “If God were your Father, you would love Me… You are of your father the devil and you want to do the desires of your father” (John 8:42-44).
Being children of God means that we will be like our Father. “If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him. See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are” (1 John 2:29-3:1).
Thus, God is described as “righteous” as a father. He always does what is right. How else does he manifest his fatherhood? He places us in a family which bears his name. He is loving, compassionate, and forgiving. He is our provider and protector. He is our guide, comforter, and encourager. He takes delight in us. He is our teacher, trainer, and disciplinarian. In all these things, he is good and he is trustworthy.
Isn’t it wonderful to know that we can have a relationship of safety and security with him and call him “papa”, “daddy”, “Father” (Romans 8:15)? We appreciate your Comments