I Have Always Been The Father And Will Always Be The Father
April 19
Ephesians 3:14-15 “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name.”
As a child, there was little allowance for me to question my parents’ discipline. Basically, it was understood that when I messed up and my parents knew of it, there would be a punishment or consequence for my actions. My parents gave the consequence with little or no explanation to why they were doing it. I knew I made a mistake and that a consequence was coming. On those rare times when I had the courage to protest or question their decision, it was often met with “Because I’m the parent (father), and I said so. I’m doing this for your good.” Case closed. No further discussion.
In Exodus, after the Israelites experience God’s miraculous deliverance out of Egypt and slavery, God brings them into covenant with Him reminding them that they are His chosen people. God gives them the Ten Commandments which show them how they are to live in this covenant. The Israelites agree, but in no time, they forget what they agreed to and return to their rebellious and sinful ways. This happens repeatedly, and it is understandable why God would be angry with His people (Exodus 32). In verse 10 of chapter 32, God instructs Moses to “leave him alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them.” Moses - as he did so often - intervenes and pleads on behalf of the people reminding God of His promise and the deliverance of the Israelites. Then in chapter 34, God passes by Moses and describes who He is. God says He is, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.” This is Who God was to the Israelites, and this is Who God still is today.
God, the Father, Who led the Israelites out of slavery, brought them into covenant with Him, provided and protected them for forty years in the wilderness is the same God, the Father, today. God, the Father, who desired the Israelites to follow and obey Him so that it would go well with them, is the same God, the Father, today. God, the Father, who became angry at their disobedience, is the same God, the Father, today. God, the Father, who accepted burnt offerings and sacrifices from the Israelites for the atonement of their sins is the same God, the Father, today. However, God’s anger and wrath toward my sins and disobedience, has been satisfied once and for all through the sacrifice of His Son on the cross. This is not because of anything I have done or that I am worthy of it. It is only because of His mercy and unchanging character. It is because God has been Father and will always be Father. He who is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love and faithfulness is still God, the Father. His wisdom is amazing. His grace is overflowing in abundance. His love has no boundaries or end. He saves. He delivers. He transforms. His words are always true. His love was shown on the cross - and in the empty tomb. It’s as though God, the Father, says to me, “I have done all of this: My discipline, your deliverance from slavery into freedom, and My Son’s sacrifice because I love you. You matter and are of great value to me. I am gracious and compassionate. I am abounding in love and faithfulness and have forgiven you.” Case closed. No further discussion.
Heavenly Father - Thank You for Your love and care in our lives. Thank You for Your goodness. Forgive us when we fail to recognize Your loving protection and provision. You love us so much that You sent Your Son, Jesus, to the cross for our sins. Thank You for this gift. Tomorrow we will celebrate His victory over death and the grave! You are so good to us. May we live our lives in gratitude for all that You have done. Amen.