God as father

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6

It is a sad fact but it is true,” writes John Nagle, “when people today hear of God being referred to as ‘father,’ it often creates more mental barriers than open hearts. For many the term Father causes individuals to think of someone who was absent, abusive, addicted or all the above.”

What does it mean when you address God as Father?

Calling God “Father” means there is a relationship with Him. That relationship is the result of either a DNA connection or adoption. Jesus Christ was the only one in history who had a “genetic” connection with the Father – the result of being conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.

From the days of Roman law to the present, courts recognize both as having equal force, but adoption brings with it beautiful pictures. It means that you were chosen. Paul said, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world.... ” (Ephesians 1:4).

Calling God “Father” brings an intimacy with Him, a connection whose links are chains of love and compassion. In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught not only that Father knows best, but He knows what you need even before you ask.

Calling God “Father” also means He will be there for you! He sent His Son as His personal representative to show you the way back home. Like the prodigal son, though, we have wandered far away from home, and the loving Father sent the Gentle Shepherd to pick us up, give us robes of righteousness and provide the means of finding a new relationship with God, the Father. Jesus said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Find out what it means to know God as Father, and call Him that with joy and gladness.

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Used with permission from Guidelines International Ministries. To learn more about Guidelines and the ministry, send an e-mail to [email protected]. You may also visit www.guidelines.org.