The Lord’s Prayer (Part 3)-Bliss & Fire Network Weekly Digest - Success Scripture December 15, 2009

The Lord's Prayer (Part 3)

"The Fatherhood Of God"

 "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." - Matthew 6:9

EXPLORATION

Prayer involves devotion, trust, respect and a sense of dependence on the One to whom prayer is directed. The Lord's Prayer opens with a reverent address which says "Our Father which art in heaven" (Matthew 6:9). This indicates a relationship between the one who prays and the ONE to whom prayer is directed. It is like a father-child relationship, which is one of the factors that enhance prayer. Are you a child of God? In praying, do you address God as a humble child will address a beloved father? If this is not the case, you can start a relationship of this type with God today. The bible says "As many as received him (Jesus) to them gave he power to become the sons of God." - John 1:12.  "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his."- Romans 8:9

The word FATHER is used to describe a man who through natural reproduction begets children. Apart from this, the word has a number of other meanings:

A FOUNDER: that is the first ancestor of a tribe or nation (Genesis 15:15, Genesis17:4-5)

AN AUTHOR (Beginner) OR INVENTOR of any art or profession as in (Genesis 4:20 - 21) and thus Abraham was the Father of all them that believes God (Galatians 3:6-7, John 8:39 - 44).

It as well represents the MAKER of anything especially a CREATOR. In this sense God is called the FATHER of men and angels (Isaiah 63:16, 64:8, Ephesians 3:14 - 15, James 1:17, Hebrews 12:9, Acts 17:2, 26, 29).

The Greek equivalent of father is PATER, which literally means NOURISHER, PROTECTOR: a person who is acknowledged as exercising the most authority within a family, household, or group. Every father has the vital duty of providing good, clothing, shelter, comfort and protection for his household (2 Corinthians 12:14, 1 Timothy 5:8).

INSPIRATION

The position and authority of a father is that of the head of the family. (Genesis 3:16, 2 Corinthians 11:3). Among the ancient Jews, children and even the grand children continued under the roof of the father and grandfather. They labored on his account and were most submissive of his servants. The property of the soil, the power of judgment, civil rights belonged to him only, and his sons were merely his instruments and assistants. The father's blessings were regarded as conferring special benefit, but his curse special injury (Genesis 9:25, 18 - 27, 48:15 - 16, Genesis 20:49)

God's care and concern is greater than that of our earthly parents, besides he can do all things we desire of HIM.

"...If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?" - Luke 11:9 - 13 (Matthew 7:7 - 11, Mark 11:24). A realization of God's unlimited ability to provide our needs should make us honor, adore and respect HIM as we make our requests known unto HIM.

The father as the Head of the household has the obligation, incumbent on him, of bringing up his children in the fear of God, making them well acquainted with the precepts of the law and generally acting as their instructor and guide. (Exodus 12:26-27, Deuteronomy 6:5 - 7, 4:9, 11:18 - 19, 31:12 - 13). He had to train, nurture and control the children (Proverbs 22:6, Isaiah 38:19, Proverbs 13:24, 19:18, Proverbs 22:15; 23:13). In the same token God has greater duty and right of controlling, directing and guiding us through HIS word as it is written "All scripture is given by the inspiration of God and it is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction if righteousness." -2 Timothy 3:16-17 (Psalm 119:9-11; Joshua1:8).

It was strictly required of children to obey their fathers and be subject to them. (Exodus 20:12, Leviticus19:3-32; Deuteronomy 27:16, Proverbs 30:17, Isaiah 45:10, Matthew15:4, Proverbs1:8; 6:20; 7:1; 23:22; 1 Timothy 5:1-2). Disobedience and rebellion were forbidden (Hebrews 12:15-19).

This week: Know that God, as a father, loves you and HE sees all you are going through. HE opens HIS hand to help you, to assist you, and to be a "FATHER" onto you. Consider the story of the prodigal son. (Luke 15:11-32). He can do the same for you this week. If only you return onto HIM. Beloved, as you connect to the Father this week I want to rejoice with you, "You're in good hand!".

Remember this as you navigate this week: "If ye being evil know how to give good gifts unto your children how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask of him." Matthew. 7:11

You are blessed, we love you!

Pastor Wales Goriola

Bliss & Fire Network Team

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