Father’s Day: A day that brings joy and celebration for some of us, and pain, grief and disappointment for others. But this polarizing response doesn’t change its worth and value. And it doesn’t change the fact that we all share a father figure who gives ample reason to celebrate.
Some of us have experienced our Heavenly Father’s love, and some have yet to. For those who don’t know God the Father, He has given an opportunity to learn His character and heart.
First, consider God the Father’s relationship with Jesus, His Son.
First – He knows Jesus, his Son, fully.
“My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” – Matthew 11:27 NLT
Second – He loves His Son fully.
“For he is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit. The Father loves his Son and has put everything into his hands.” – John 3:34-35 NLT
Third – He trusts His Son fully.
“Look at my Servant, whom I have chosen. He is my Beloved, who pleases me. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations… Finally, he will cause justice to be victorious. And his name will be the hope of all the world.” – Matthew 12:18-20 NLT
I believe this Father/Son dynamic is the most excellent example for all father and child relationships (or all parent/child relationships, for that matter).
You see, God the Father fully knew, loved, and trusted His Son. He was willing to give His Son the most significant responsibility and highest mission… and that takes a lot of trust.
Jesus, the Son of God, knew, loved and trusted His Father; so much that He was willing to submit and follow the will of the Father, even when it required the ultimate sacrifice.
And the Bible shows us that God desires this relationship with each of us. He wants to call us His children (2 Corinthians 6:18) to know, love, and trust us fully. And we have the opportunity to follow the example of our big brother Jesus; to fully know, love, and trust our Father.
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Doug Baker is the Pastor of Listowel Pentecostal Church.
