Who is our Father?

Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself, but He sent Me. “Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. (John 8:42-44 NKJV)

What is the Definition of a Father?

He can be an ancestor in the Bible, for example Father Abraham.  He usually produces offspring.  But those offspring can be his natural children or they might be people who have been adopted into his family.  A father can also be one who carries out the duties of a father whether he is a biological father or not.  For example see:  “I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:18 NKJV)  In this case separation from the world allows God to “Father” believers.

Relationship between Fathers and Sons–this is not exhaustive:

The Lord’s relationship with HIs Father sets the tone for our relationships.  

1. The Son was always submissive–“And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” (John 8:29 NKJV)

2. The Son spent time with His Father–Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. (Luke 6:12 NKJV)

3. The Father was proud of His Son–And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17 NKJV)

4. The Father loves His Son and the Son knows it–“Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. (John 10:17 NKJV)

5. Not all sons appreciate their fathers.  The best father in the world has rebellious sons.  See Isaiah 1: Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth! For the LORD has spoken: “I have nourished and brought up children, And they have rebelled against Me; (Isaiah 1:2 NKJV)

Things earthly Fathers should do:

1. They develop the child’s understanding  of who God is–I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, (Deuteronomy 5:9 NKJV)  The lifestyle of a father often becomes the personality and lifestyle of his offspring (through four generations).  Thus, a Father should not lie to his children

2. They discipline, they should not punish–our punishment has been born by the Lord, For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” (Hebrews 12:6 NKJV) Discipline is training, punishment is retribution.

3. They should not be unreasonable–provoking their children to wrath.Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. (Colossians 3:21 NKJV)

4. They should be providers and protectors–But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (1 Timothy 5:8 NKJV)

The Father’s House

1. It has an open door policy for rebellious children– But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. ‘And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; (Luke 15:22-23 NKJV)

2. It has a place that is specially prepared for believers–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 14:2 NKJV)

3. It should not become a place where the Gospel is “merchandised”– And He said to those who sold doves, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!” (John 2:16 NKJV)

Honor

We are told in the old and new testament to honor our Father and Mother.  It is easy to honor them when they are model parents.  I trust that we all have the right Father.

Bruce Collins

Meditation for the week of June 15 and 22, 2025

If you would like further conversation about the issues in these meditations, contact me at collinsbd@yahoo.com and I will try to accommodate you with a virtual Bible Study.