Images of God

Scripture Passage: Matthew 23: 9

"And do not call anyone on earth `father," for you have one Father, and he is in heaven."

     I mentioned in my introduction that the word "Father" is used to describe God; and it plays a major part in formulating our perception of God.  Of course, everyone has an earthly father on earth. However, our earthly fathers are just stewards on earth. God is the "Father of fathers" and a "Father to the fatherless." (c.f. Psalms 68:5)

Many view "God the Father" this way:

  Just as our earthly fathers are the head of the house, we ought to submit to God in our lives (c.f. Ephesians 5:23); Just as our earthly fathers provides for his family, God the father provides   for His people (c.f. Matthew 6:25; 1 Corinthians 11:13); And just as our earthly fathers disciplines his children, God the father disciplines those He loves (c.f. Proverbs 3:11-12).

When God said in His Word that He is our "Father," He is not  inviting us to base our image on earthly fathers known to us, some who may be authoritarian or tyrannical, indulgent or neglectful, cruel or over-protective.  Perhaps these thoughts of God are too human for us to comprehend.

Via the story of the "prodigal son" (Luke 15:11-31), God underlines the other side of His character; He is all-loving, compassionate, gentle, kind, patient, forgiving, willing to suffer rejection and abandonment, always eager for reconciliation whenever there is a rift in relationship and always finding ways in demonstrating His unending love to those who earnestly seek Him.

While Jesus enjoyed intimacy with his Father, he never lost sight of His splendor and magnificence.  Hence, let's enter into the full depths of the Father's love; remembering that our Heavenly Father is majestic, kingly and magnificent.

God is inviting us to enjoy an intimate, emotional relationship with Him--where we can look up to Him at any time and at any place and rest assured that "God the Father," is taking full responsibility for our well-being.

For reflection:

1. How is your relationship with your earthly father?

2. Does it portray the kind of relationship with your heavenly father?

Grace and peace,
Elaine