Day 2: Father
“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” -A.W. Tozer
What image comes to mind when you think about God? Is it a grumpy rule maker? An impatient boss? A distant artist? A vending machine or business partner? Take a moment to reflect on this.
The first thing Jesus told his disciples about how to talk to God was that the image they should have in their minds is that of a Father; a loving caregiver, invested and interested, good and wise. To the disciple and us, this is meant to be an image of intimacy and provision, protection and belonging.
Let's think about this for a minute. Imagine a deeply good and loving Father; able to intervene in your life with a heart that is for you; as my pastor in Hawaii used to say, "always in a good mood with you!"(That can be true because His love is not dependent on external factors...like the goodness of His children, or how lovable they are on any given day. Amazing right?) Imagine that loving, wise and good Father kindly invites you into obedience because He knows that for you it is the only way to the life that you were made for, the life that truly satisfies.
For some of us, this is not the image we think of when we first think of God. Often our picture of the Father has been (mis)shaped by our own experiences. We stand in our circumstances and out of hurt and pain make judgements about who God must be, rather than looking out at our circumstances while keeping our feet firmly planted in the truth of the character of God as revealed through His word. Sadly due to the brokenness of humanity, our idea of a Father is not always positive. We'll continue with that thought tomorrow, but for today, let's see for ourselves what Jesus had in mind when He said we should view God as our Father.
Look up the verses below in Matthew where Jesus refers to the "Father." Use your own Bible or the links for the full chapters below. Note/underline/circle/write down every insight each verse gives you into what it means for God to be Father. Remember, we are not trying to interpret the meaning of each of these verses out of context, we are just seeking to gain clarity around His view of the Father. I think there are significant details here that will help shape our understanding of that in particular.
Once you've read and made some observations, look at your "list" of insights. Pray through it. Declare to God what He has said about Himself and ask Him in His kindness to reveal anew to you what it means that He is your Father. Ask Him to show you your blindspots and fill you with a new and fuller understanding of this beautiful truth.
Go today in the knowledge you are loved by a good Father. See you tomorrow friends!
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