[448 words]
In giving the “model” prayer Jesus said, “In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9). God is called Father by Jesus no fewer than one-hundred and sixty times. The expression “Our Father in Heaven” is one of the greatest Bible statements. Jehovah is truly our Father in heaven.
God has the heart of a father. “As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him” (Psalm 103:13). God pities His children and will do far more for them than any earthly father ever could or would do for us. God’s mercy shines when He is seen as a Father with His children whom He pities.
God has the house of a father. Jesus said, “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you” (John l4:2). Christians have an eternal abiding place or a mansion in the “Father’s House.” The blessings waiting in the Father’s House are beyond our ability to grasp, but through the eye of faith we see! (Galatians 3:11).
God has the love of a father. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). The love of God for sinners caused the giving of the greatest gift ever given. God’s Son was given as a sacrifice for our sins. God’s love touches every moment of our life. His love is that of our Father in Heaven.
God has the tenderness of a father. “Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord–that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful” (James 5:11). God is pictured as full of pity and tender mercies. “Through the tender mercy of our God, With which the Day-spring from on high has visited us” (Luke 1:78).
Because God is Father and has great love for mankind, He has provided forgiveness of sins through Christ’s death. “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. According to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians l:7). God is your Father if you are His child through humble obedience. To be saved from sin, hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (Mark 16:16), repent of sins (Luke l3:5), confess Jesus as Lord (Matthew 10:32), and be baptized into Christ (Romans 6:3-4). God has the heart of a Father, the house of a Father, the love of a Father and the tendemess of a Father. Can you truthfully say, “Our Father in Heaven”?
Charles Box
Walnut St. church of Christ
Greenville, AL