Jump Start # 1088

Matthew 6:9 “Pray, then in this way: ‘Our Father who is Heaven, hallowed be Your name.”

  As we look at different ways the Bible refers to children to illustrate and teach principles, we come to one passage that is often overlooked. Here in this prayer, the relationship of child and parent, illustrating the disciple and His God is used. The word “child” is not specifically found, but with reference to God as OUR Father, it is implied and understood.

This prayer is commonly called the “Lord’s Prayer.” This is an example of a prayer that Jesus taught His disciples. There is a line in this prayer that Jesus would not have said about Himself. The sinless Jesus would not have asked for His own forgiveness. He did nothing wrong. There was nothing to forgive in the life of Jesus. There is no record of Jesus actually saying this prayer. This is a template, an example or a model to follow.

It is interesting to note how simple and brief the prayer is. The words are not complicated. The prayer is very short. God is moved by the sincerity of heart not the volume of words. Flowery phrases may impress an audience, it doesn’t God. Be yourself in prayer, yet remember who you are talking to.

The prayer begins, as our verse today shows, by directing the thoughts to God. Jesus said, pray this way, ‘Our Father…’ Not Your Father. Nor, My Father, but Our Father. If you and I both have the same father, then we are related. See the connection to each other Jesus is making. Referring to God as “Father,” was very rare in the Old Testament. It happened, but not often. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to God most times by the expression “Father.” Upon the cross Jesus used both terms, God and Father. In agony He cried out, “My God, My God…” His last statement was, “Father, into Thy hands I commend My spirit.”

The word “Father” not only expresses relationship and connection, but it is a term of affection. We understand that with our physical families. We may use the word ‘Dad,’ or ‘Pop,’ but those words do more than identify, they are spoken with affection and endearment.

In 2 Cor 6 Paul wrote concerning God, “And I will be a Father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me,’ says the Lord Almighty.” God has more than one son. Those who are converted, those who follow, are considered God’s children. There are some special things that come with being a child of God.

First, there is the blessing of intimacy with God. I share things with my kids that I do not with others. We are family. There is a blessing to that. God promises to help His children. God answers the prayers of His children. Won’t He answer all prayers, some may ask? Not necessary. When my kids were young and they would play in the backyard with their friends, on occasion we’d invite their friends to eat dinner with us. We didn’t do that all the time. Nor did I take care of the neighbor kids like I did my own kids. My kids were under my care and in my fellowship. Those in God’s fellowship have a special relationship with their Father.

Second, being part of God’s family means that we are heirs of God. The blessings of God are for God’s family, God’s people. Paul referred to this concept often in his writings. To be included as an heir was special. An inheritance awaited those who were heirs. They benefited from the blessings. Forgiveness, grace and hope are daily blessings from God. Heaven is what awaits God’s family. Jesus has prepared a place for us. Heaven is real. Heaven is nicer than anything we have ever seen. We do not deserve Heaven. We do not deserve to even visit Heaven for a weekend. God will make Heaven our home forever.

Third, being part of God’s family means we need to cherish and protect the things of God. My kids rally around me whenever I’m sick. I had a tick bite the other day that was looking like it was turning into Lyme disease. I didn’t discover it until late on a Saturday night. I was ready for bed. I had to get up and preach the next day. My youngest, who is also a nurse, wouldn’t have any of theat. Off to the hospital we went until the wee hours of the morning. He was looking out for ole’ dad. We need to do the same. Shame on us when we laugh at things that mock God, profane His holy name, or ridicule the things He believes in. How can we sit by silently and allow others to trash God’s holy book or pervert it. The homosexual community has twisted and reshaped an image of God that allows and supports their sinful lifestyle. They are wrong. Evolutionists mock creation. They are wrong. God’s people need to do their homework. Bone up on facts. Know how to answer false charges. Young David had a fire in his belly when he heard the Philistine Goliath taunting the armies of the living God. He wouldn’t have any of that. We need more young people and old people who get that same fire in their bellies when they hear others taunting the church of the living God or the holy word of the living God. Paul was set for the defense of the Gospel. Being meek doesn’t mean toleration of blasphemous and erroneous statements about God. Lincoln once said, ‘To be silent, is to be a coward.’  This is our family. This is our Father. This is the kingdom that we are a part of. Stand behind it. Support it. Defend it.

Fourth, being a part of God’s family means we have hundreds and thousands of brothers and sisters world wide. It’s not a small world, it’s a huge family. God’s family comes in all sizes, colors and ages. They love the Lord and want the world to know Jesus. My travels take me to many places that I have never been before. In these new places, I find faces that love God and cherish the opportunity to worship and walk with the Lord. What a great family God has. Perfect? No. Dysfunctional? Sometimes. But they are the best people on the face of the earth. They’ll go out of their way to help one another. They pray for others in the family that they never met. They will donate time, money and resources to help those in the family. They rally around each other when there is pain and turmoil. They support each other. They forgive each other. They carry the characteristics of their Father.

Sly and the family Stone sang a song years ago, “We are family, all by brothers, sisters and me…” And so it is spiritually. We are family. We are God’s family. What a wonderful family it is. It is an honor to be in God’s family.

Our Father…what a powerful, delightful, warm and wonderful expression. Our Father –

Roger