God as Father

Introduction to a Community Founded in Truth

Welcome to Founded in Truth, a fellowship that considers itself more than just a religious group; it’s a family united by truth and love, with a central focus on worshipping God, referred to as the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, and the Son of God. The speaker, Matthew Vander Els, expresses his excitement in sharing this teaching, even opening with lighthearted “dad jokes” to create a welcoming atmosphere. These jokes, he explains, remind him of his own father and the joy he brought, not necessarily through the quality of the humor, but through the genuine joy he exuded while telling them. This emphasis on the personal and joyful aspects of fatherhood sets the stage for a deeper exploration of God as Father.

The Genesis of Father’s Day

The discussion transitions to the origins of Father’s Day, crediting Serona Dodge Smart with the initial idea in 1910 after hearing a Mother’s Day sermon. She proposed a day to honor fathers, similar to how mothers were celebrated. After approaching her pastor, the idea took root, with the first services honoring fathers occurring on the third Sunday in June. While there were other contributing factors, Smart’s persistent promotion, even involving manufacturers who would benefit from such a day like those selling ties, tube socks, and tobacco pipes, played a significant role in establishing Father’s Day as we know it. This historical context provides a relatable entry point to discussing the concept of fatherhood.

Exploring God as Father: A Biblical Perspective

Building on the familiar idea of Father’s Day, the teaching pivots to the central theme: God as Father. The speaker recalls a previous message titled “God as Mother,” highlighting how the Bible uses metaphors to depict God with maternal qualities. This week’s focus shifts to the paternal depictions of God. It is acknowledged that the word “father” evokes diverse images and emotions in people, ranging from strong, loving figures to those associated with abuse, absence, or simple emptiness. The aim of this message is to explore the “unmolested unperverted whole definition of what a father is” by examining God’s fatherly characteristics. The hope is that this exploration will bring peace, healing, and a deeper understanding of God’s love as a father.

A Personal Reflection on Fatherhood

Matthew Vander Els shares his personal experience of becoming a father through adoption with only 23 hours’ notice. He recounts his initial nervousness and the overwhelming emotions he felt upon meeting his son, Benjamin. This experience provided him with a profound, indescribable feeling and a shift in his life’s priorities, where his child’s well-being became paramount. This personal anecdote serves to illustrate the deep, sacrificial love inherent in fatherhood and raises the question of whether this profound experience resonates with all fathers throughout history.

Connecting Earthly Fatherhood to God’s Nature

The speaker reflects on the idea that the title of “father,” held by imperfect humans, is used to depict God. This is not to imply any inadequacy in God, but rather to provide a relatable way for humanity to connect with the divine. The Bible, particularly through Jesus (Yeshua), encourages us to address God intimately as “dad.” In the first century, the concept of such an intimate relationship with God was unconventional, as God was often perceived as distant, holy, and unapproachable. Even mentioning God’s name was considered taboo. However, Jesus taught his followers to pray, “Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be your name”. The Hebrew word for father is “Ab,” and in Aramaic, the language Jesus spoke, it’s “Abba,” signifying a close, familial relationship. Jesus encouraged approaching God as children, fostering intimacy and recognizing God’s own desire for a relationship with humanity. Just as earthly fathers experience a range of emotions, knowing that God understands these experiences makes our walk with Him more intimate.

Metaphorical Depictions of God: Father Among Others

The Bible uses various similes and metaphors to describe God, such as a strong tower, a roaring lion, a shepherd, and a warrior. The image of God as Father is another powerful metaphor, revealing His desire to be understood despite His infinite nature. The vocations of husband and father are presented as immense responsibilities requiring strength, manhood, and a spirit of service. True fatherhood, like following God’s example, involves giving oneself for the benefit of others. Even those who are not biological fathers are called to serve others with their strength and leadership. This includes being helpful, supportive, and willing to apologize for the sake of reconciliation, embodying a solution-oriented mindset that the speaker believes is divinely instilled in men. This ability to lead, fix, and own mistakes is seen as imitating God, our ultimate Father.

God as the Father of the Fatherless and Protector of the Vulnerable

The Psalms describe God as the one who defends, brings justice, and fights for those who don’t have fathers, as well as a companion for those without husbands. Psalm 68:5 declares, “He is the father of the fatherless and protector of widows.” In ancient times, the loss of a father or husband left families vulnerable without social safety nets. God’s mission, as depicted in the scriptures, is to care for these neglected individuals, providing comfort, security, and provision.

Trusting in Our Heavenly Father: An Analogy

An analogy of a father rescuing his son who was clinging to a post underwater, believing his dad would find him, illustrates the profound trust we can have in our Heavenly Father. Just as that earthly father was there for his son, God, our perfect Father, desires the best for us, offering protection and love.

Understanding God’s Plans for Us: The Context of Jeremiah 29:11

The popular verse Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,” is often taken out of context. While God does have good plans for us, this specific verse was addressed to the people of Judah during their exile in Babylon, a time of immense hardship and discipline due to their own failures.

The Radical Revelation of God as “Our Father”

Although the Old Testament makes some references to God as Father, the predominant image in Judean culture was that of a mighty King and warrior. Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:9, part of what is known as the Lord’s Prayer, was therefore radical: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name”. By using the term “Our Father,” Jesus emphasized an intimate and personal relationship with God, contrasting with the fear and intimidation often associated with approaching a king.

Experiencing the Embrace of Our Heavenly Father

The teaching concludes with an invitation to experience God’s love as a Father. Drawing on the Roman institution of legal adoption, where adopted children were considered to have a new life with all past debts canceled and were fully accepted as heirs, the speaker illustrates our adoption into God’s family through Jesus.

Application for Everyday Life

• Cultivate an intimate prayer life: Approach God as your Father, not just a distant authority figure.
• Trust in God’s loving discipline: Recognize that challenges and difficulties in life can be a form of loving guidance.
• Extend fatherly love and service to others: Embody the qualities of God as Father by serving, protecting, and caring for those around you.

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References

• Matthew 6:9
• Psalm 68:5