Our Father:
the Father Heart of God

I was just watching a movie about a woman left to tend a huge farm with three small children while her husband was overseas fighting in a war. The mother and her children coped bravely, not only in taking care of the farm and poultry, but also in fending off a greedy neighbor who was doing all he could to force the woman to sell the farm to him. The neighbor even forged a telegraph saying her husband died in battle. He was hoping that the woman would be desperate enough to agree to the give-away price he was suggesting. 

The story ended with the scene of the husband walking towards home, where he was later greeted by his overjoyed and utterly surprised wife and children. That last poignant scene of the husband’s/father’s homecoming was so effective in conveying the message that everything from then on will be okay because he is home! His presence conveyed protection and security. 

In our time, not many mothers and children are so fortunate. According to the 2009 census, there are approximately 13.7 million single parents in the United States who are raising 21.8 million children. Out of these single parents, 84% are mothers. The 1997 census report determined that 6 out of 10 children living with only their mothers were near (or below) the poverty line.

There are so many children who are missing out on having a father to hang out with, and provide them with the sense of protection and security only a good, loving father can. Although, many mothers who care for children on their own are doing wonderful jobs given their situation, many more struggle between making a living and spending time raising their children. 

The Bible speaks of the fatherhood of God. When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He taught them to call God, “Our Father” (Luke 11:2). This father-children relationship with God is reserved for those who have believed and received Christ, “For as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His Name” (John 1:12). Furthermore, He promised, “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God” (I John 3:1).

We hear of how children brag about their fathers to their peers: “My Dad is better than your Dad…” Who could beat our Abba Father, who loves unconditionally and eternally (Romans 5:8; 8:35); to whom nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37); who has great plans for our future (Jer. 29:11); and provides for our needs (Matt. 6:26)?  

When our human father fails us, or is not around to help, protect and provide for us, God is available. He wants to have that father-child relationship with us, so He can be the Father He wants to be in our lives, whether we have our human fathers beside us or not. Think of it, “But as many as receive Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God even to those who believe in His Name” (John 1:12).

Abba Father, You have loved me, With a love like I've never known

Abba Father, You have saved me, From the depths that I'll never know

What a great Father You are, What a great Father You are. 

                                                                         - Daniel Doss Band

by Esmie Newman