“Our
Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” (Matthew 6:9, KJV)
The
prayer is short but profound. It is well
known and spoken repeatedly. The opening stanza is often speedily rattled off
as if it is some sort of an informal introduction or an obligatory phrase instead
of the mighty recognition it is in reality.
The words “Our Father” sometimes even become a casual name for the
prayer that the Lord gave us as a model.
That we as created beings have an Eternal Father who redeems and loves
us should humble us in ultimate respect and liberate us in joyous worship.
The
powerful significance of having a Father in heaven is immensely fortunate and indescribable
for us as flawed sinners because His grace is immeasurably abundant upon us as
His children. For “Our Father” is not a father beyond approach,
nor is a father unmoved by His children. He is not a father who forgets our
needs, nor is He a father who is unforgiving. He is not a father who turns away, nor is He a
father who is too busy. He is not a
father who withholds, nor is He a father who rejects us when we fail. He has never been a father who falters when
things are difficult, nor is He a father who grows weary in generous or
appropriate provision. He is not a
father casual in his love, nor is a father unwilling to sacrifice.
To
utter the words “Our Father” is not to speak of our Father in heaven but to
come into presence of the Almighty God as His child. To say “Our Father” is recognize the reality
of having a Father in heaven. Our Father
is a father who always welcomes the contrite and humble, forgiving every single
sin and cleansing them in completer mercy. Our Father is moved by needs and
never turns away for an instant. Our Father is always available and gives more
than we can ever imagine. Our Father never becomes weary or faint to in coming to
us in love. Our Father is unfathomable in His passion for us as He has
sacrifices His only Son to reconcile and redeem us forever.
All
other fathers may fail us but “Our Father” cannot fail. He never has failed and He never will
fail. Let us all slow down when we say “Our
Father” and be ever thankful our Father in heaven is “Our Father.”
“Surely
you are still our Father! Even if Abraham and Jacob would disown us, LORD, you
would still be our Father. You are our Redeemer from ages past.” (Isaiah 63:16,
NLT)
Suggested
Bible Reading … Matthew 6 & Isaiah 63
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