When God established families He patterned them after our relationship with Him. He used the father image to help show His love and care for us. Unfortunately many have had bad experiences with their father and often reflect that to God, but the truth is that He can make up for those things. He is the perfect Father we all need, even if we had a very good earthly father.
The Hebrew word for father, abba, literally means “daddy” and refers to God as our loving Father (Romans 8:15; Isaiah 63:16). Romans 8:15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Isaiah 63:16 But you are our Father, though Abraham does not know us or Israel acknowledge us; you, O LORD, are our Father, our Redeemer from of old is your name.
He cares, He provides, He guides, He does what is best for us, He disciplines, He restores and He forgives. Like the father of the prodigal son, He is always waiting for us to return when we drift. We pray to “Our Father Who is in heaven.” We enjoy His unconditional love and provision. He is the perfect Father we all need.
A somewhat similar family relationship we have with Him is as a husband to a wife. He is our perfect, loving, forgiving, faithful, providing and protecting husband. The story of Hosea and Gomer show God’s unconditional love through Hosea’s husband love for his unfaithful wife (Hosea 2:16). Hosea 2:16 “In that day,” declares the LORD, “you will call me ‘my husband’; you will no longer call me ‘my master.’ … 19 I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. 20 I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the LORD. Isa 54:5 For your Maker is your husband– the LORD Almighty is his name– the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth.
In this day and age when family relationships are often lacking, we have One who can and will be a perfect father or husband to us, God Himself. He wants that kind of an intimate, personal relationship with Him. Do you have it? It’s available if you want it.
APPLICATION ASSIGNMENT
Earthly fathers are imperfect and make mistakes, but our heavenly Father never does! Our heavenly Father always is with us and always understands. We all need a father to provide love, guidance and direction, someone who understands and cares. Go to your Abba Father as you would an earthly father and let Him meet your needs.
BIBLE STUDY ASSIGNMENT
‘Father’ is one of our most common names for God. In each of the verses below write who is calling God ‘Father.’ Also write why they are seeing Him as father at this particular time.
Romans 8:15 For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”
Who?
Why?
Mark 14:36; Luke 22:42 “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
Who?
Why?
Luke 11:2 He said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.
Who?
Why?
Luke 22:42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
Who?
Why?
John 20:17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'”
Who?
Why?
by Rev. Dr. Jerry Schmoyer, Christian Training Organization