Father knows best
even when we don't think it's fair
Short Hiatus
Greetings! I didn't post last week due to Spring Break, during which we enjoyed quality time with our grandson Emmett during his break as well. We created cherished memories both at church and elsewhere.
Everlasting Father
Let's delve into the Discipleship lesson from March 17. Reflecting on the mystery of the Trinity, the writer conveys:
The doctrine of the Trinity is a profound mystery. No one can solve that mystery. Yet this is exactly what the Bible teaches. God is our heavenly Father. Jesus is God's Son and our Savior. The Holy Spirit is also Deity. These three divine Persons are distinct. Yet the three are one.
Attempting to articulate what our minds cannot fully grasp seems futile. Instead, let's consider some imagery...
While the concepts in this lesson are mysterious, the term "REVEALS" aptly captures the essence.
In his prophecy, Isaiah used descriptive names to depict the promised Messiah. One of those names is "Everlasting Father." Jesus, the Son of God and second Person of the Trinity fits that description perfectly. He came to reveal the heavenly rather and to demonstrate in His own Person that God is our heavenly Father. He is our everlasting Father because He makes the fatherhood of God real to us at every stage of our lives.
Imagine a curtain separating us from something beyond. Though we cannot directly perceive it, a parallel can be drawn to a whale in a tank of water. It can’t come to us, and we can’t go to it, but it can send someone that shares attributes with it - a blow hole, fins, the same language.
Now to be fair, this is still not a true description of how “the Son” reveals the “Father” because we know what a whale is. We can wrap our minds around it, so let’s use it as a narrative aid. Consider it a parable illustrating the revelation of the unknowable.
Father Figure
A baby's daily schedule is occupied by eating and sleeping. One of the first duties of a father for his infant child is to furnish these basic necessities. Jesus does more than that for us.
Continuing the analogy of a father figure, the writer illustrates Jesus' anticipation of our needs before they arise. Just as a human father prepares for a child's necessities, God's knowledge surpasses ours by far. If we know what’s best for our child, then the One that created EVERYTHING is by far a greater mind and much deeper in wisdom.
Matthew 6:7-8 NIV - And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Discipline
This topic often evokes discomfort. How many willingly ask for discipline? Yet, as children of God, we must trust in His wisdom.
God, as our Father, possesses supreme understanding. When we question His actions, remember the inherent wisdom in His role as Father.
God is the Father - we are the children. In that relationship, who knows best? Read that line again - slowly… Now remember it when you wonder why God does something didn’t think was fair.
Next time
Tomorrow, we'll explore the analogies of milk, solid food, and growth. Until then, feel free to share this with a friend!
Grace to you!
Great images and words!