We have looked at several names of God, that have revealed His multiple abilities to us, in order to affirm our trust in Him. However, I sense the Holy Spirit leading me to introduce one more name of God to you. It is one that I find so endearing, and every one of us is familiar with.
9. FATHER
Father is the name of God, revealed to us by Jesus Christ.
John 14:8-9 NLT
“[8] Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” [9] Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you?”
Matthew 11:27 NLT
“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.”
God is I AM, YHWH, Elohim, El-Shaddai, El-Gibbor and so much more! Yet, Jesus Christ introduced Him to us as “Father,” and taught us to approach Him in prayer, from that perspective!
Matthew 6:9 NKJV
“In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.”
What does God mean to us, as our Father and what can He do for us? Having God as our Father is both awesome and significant, because it further enhances our relation with Him and reveals what He is able to do for us.
- Father indicates origin and ownership and gives us a sense of belonging; that we are His children and belong to Him.
- Father also gives us an identity and a purpose
- Father is an expression of steadfast love.
- Father takes responsibility for our care and provision
- Father is strong and steadfast, which brings stability and security in our lives.
- Father protects and defends.
- Father disciplines and keeps us on the straight path.
- Father gives us access to what we have not laboured for – an inheritance. We are the Father’s heirs.
JESUS AND THE FATHER
Whilst on this earth, Jesus spoke a lot about the intimate relationship that He had with His Father. When talking personally about God, Jesus seldom referred to Him as “God;” He always referred to Him as “My Father!” Jesus had such an intimate knowledge of the Father that He could say, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father…” (John 14:9)
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO THE FATHER THAT WE DO NOT CONFUSE HIM WITH THE GODS OF THE HEATHEN (who are often very wicked and cruel)! HE IS OUR LOVING FATHER WHO CARES A LOT ABOUT US!
Psalm 103:13-14 NLT
“[13] The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. [14] For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust.”
Unfortunately, many of us are yet to know or experienced this kind of relationship with the Father. However, the Father wants us to know Him as more than “God.” He wants a deeper relationship and fellowship with us; He wants us to acknowledge and experience Him as our Father and Friend.
This is why we must earnestly pray and ask the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom, knowledge and understanding to grow in the knowledge of the Father. (Ephesians 1:16-17)
For Further Reading: Romans 8:15-16; John 3:35; John 5:19-20; John 16:26-27
Fulfilling Our Theme For 2024: “Building The Highway And Lifting The Banner”
“And in that day, there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him…. (therefore) Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples!” [Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 62:10]
Women In Tune | QUIVER | Cedars House Christian (International)