A Father's Love!

A Father's Love!

As a father loves and pities his children, so the Lord loves and pities those who fear Him [with reverence, worship, and awe].

Psalm 103:13 AMPC

The Context and Focus:

This is another psalm by David, the man after God's heart. It has to always be emphasised how David walked with God on a regular basis. Of course, he didn't always get it right, and there were times he did some pretty terrible things, but one thing about God that he makes clear in the records of his dealings with man is his infinite capacity to love. This attribute is the reason why we are alive today, and it is the reason why I have to be grateful that God is not like man. Today's verse makes it clear what an earthly father's love looks like. Jesus also took time to explain this love when he taught about his father giving the Holy Spirit to all who ask him. There is no earthly father, properly so called, who will give his child stone, instead of bread. There is also no earthly father, unless there is something foundationally wrong with the person, who will give his child a snake, instead of fish. An earthly father is naturally built to take care of, protect and nurture his child, even though sin has tampered with the template. Even with the influence of sin, there are fathers who will go above and beyond the norm to be the best version of fatherhood they know. 

The Message:

Think of the above for a moment: even with sin, a father still knows how to take care of and provide for his family. Now picture the equivalent of a father who is not affected, touched or impacted by sin. Long before sin ever became an issue, God has always had an infinite and limitless capacity to love, because it is His name and nature. Of course, only a man who is made by God is even capable of knowing and showing the love that is of God. We were made in God's likeness, and created to reflect his glory. We were created with the capacity and capability to look and love like God. God then gave man the ability to be fruitful and to multiply after his kind, and as he reproduces after his nature, he is able to extend the nature of God in me through all generations. This is why God, in His wisdom, has placed both the father and mother in the context of family. As always, man's fall from grace has led to several issues with God's plan, but not even sin can lower God's divine standards. His love remains true to all generations, and as many as would surrender their lives to God, they will personally know and experience that love.

The Conclusion:

From personal experience, a father's love is like no other. In homes where the father is silent or absent, the impact is felt, even if it is for a little while. We have God as the perfect example of a father; someone who has been at the job since creation, and continues to provide means and opportunity for us to learn from me what the acceptable practices are. I note the expression: 'those who fear Him (with reverence, worship and awe). This expression or classification really matters. As God's creation, we are all recipients of grace, but there is a special supply for those who have surrendered their lives to the control and influence of Jesus. My fear of God is that I take his instructions as my daily guide. My worship of Him is constant, because I am in awe of His might, power, strength and wisdom. God knows we are human and weak, but then, that is why His grace is abundantly given and available to all who will ask for it, with humility and reverence. How would a father not love someone who holds him in high regard, and is quick to obey? Does that describe me? Does it describe you? God's time of favour is here.