“Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Phm. 1:3).
What is it to address God as Father? Have you ever thought about the presumption behind calling God your Father?
To address ourselves to God as a Father; which relation includes in it something common to mankind in general; in which respect we are to adore him as our Creator, our Owner, and Benefactor, in whom we live and move, and have our being, (Acts 17:28). as the prophet says. “Have we not all one Father? Hath not one God created us?” (Mal. 2:10). And elsewhere it is said, “He formeth the spirit of man within him,” (Zech. 12:1), upon which account he is called, “the God of the spirits of all flesh,” (Numb. 16:22), and, “the Father of spirits,” (Heb. 12:9). Thomas Ridgley, The Works of Thomas Ridgley (Vol. 4).
Thomas Manton Said, “We may express our filial dependence on God in the Lord’s Prayer, that we have a sense that God is our Father, which is the ends for which prayer was appointed.”
Many people feel that God is “there” but most do not know Him as Father. How does this amazing truth affect you personally? Do you cry out, as the Apostle Paul instructs, “Abba Father?” Is God that intimate with you in your personal devotions?
Contemplation:
O exalted God, you are my Father. I do not understand the depth and height of this. Teach me what it means, from your word, that you are MY Father. You instruct your children. Deut 4:10, “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit.” Teach me to profit from your word, Lord. Teach me that you are mine and I am yours. Your word says, Psalm 71:17, that you are my Father and that “you will give us the teachings of your Spirit.”
I read so many truths in the Bible—but I cannot know them savingly until Your by Your Spirit shines on my soul. Do not just teach my mind or allow me to hear with my hear, but teach me into the depth of my heart. Incline my will to honor and adore you as my Father.
Order my life with discretion (Psalm 112:5) and show me how to live wisely. “David behaved himself wisely.” 1 Sam 18:5. Teach me what to answer when I am are brought before great men; You say you will put words into my mouth. “You shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake; but take no thought how or what you shall speak; for it is not you who speaks—but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.” (Matthew 10:18, 19, 20).
You, my Father, have a great LOVE towards me. You can never be defective in Your love for me. You are the Father of mercies. (2 Cor 1:3). Your love exceeds all dimensions; it is higher than heaven, it is broader than the sea! Help me to see and experience Your Fatherly love in my life. Teach me your word, that I might see and understand and experience your love to me in its vast array.
