Going further with Father
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There are few more powerful, enabling forces than knowing, without doubt, that you are loved.
This week we celebrated and honoured fathers and the unique, God given role they play in shaping our world. We all need the love of a Father. Jesus needed it too.
Before he set off on His mission, Jesus Christ was baptised by John. As He came up out of the water, He heard these words form His Father:
‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased’ Mark 1:11
Jesus set out into the wilderness to be sorely tested by the Devil, with these words ringing in His mind and heart. He was able to go further, empowered by the love of His perfect Father. Why would these words have brought Jesus such comfort and hope as He faced His destiny?
- He was Accepted - ‘My Son...’: Jesus would be labelled by the world as a product of insanity or the Devil. But, though separated from His Father for the first time in eternity, Jesus was reminded of who He was and who’s He was. He was forever accepted as Son. Some will know the pain of being disowned by their fathers, either explicitly or by insinuation. This should never happen. And your Heavenly Father will never do this if you give Him your heart.
- He was Adored - ‘whom I love...’: Jesus would come to know hatred, betrayal and rejection in the world. But He always had the love and adoration of His Father. And this too is ours in God, even if we wander. The prodigal son found an adoring father waiting for him when he limped home. Whatever others say or do, God loves you.
- He was Approved - ‘with you I am well pleased...’: Jesus’s message was disparaged and ridiculed by many, His own creation rejecting Him. But He always knew he would find approval in His Father. His value did not come from the opinions of others. It came from the words of His Father. God does not always approve of what we do. But He always approves of us as a His children. He always values you. What a hope this gives us.
As Fathers, this is what we should aim for with our children. But we often fail. You may not have given this kind of love as a father. You may not have known this kind of love from your father. But you can find Acceptence, Adoration and Approval today form the one Father who does it perfectly. When you know this, if changes you, transforms you, and enables you to go further than you ever thought possible. It is liberating Love!