There is one unique feature in the Christian faith that sets it apart from all others. Jesus taught his disciples to pray in a manner unaccustomed to their former training. Jesus placed our faith experience in the context of an actual relationship with God; in particularly, God as our Heavenly Father!
The Lord's prayer begins with "Our Father in Heaven, ...". No one dared to presume such an intimate relationship with God as that of a family man. Yet, it shouldn't come as a surprise. Just as Jesus was born of Mary (his earthly mother) and also by divine inception (his heavenly status), so we read in Col.2:9 that in Christ the fullness of the deity dwelt bodily. In the Nicean Creed we confess that Jesus is fully man and fully God. In Phil 2:5-11 we read about how God became part of his creation, just as John 1:1-4, 14 claims ... the 'word became flesh.'
So this Father's Day, for us as Christians, we might like to remember that we belong to a huge family; the family of God. And thanks to Christ we now have access to God like it is in a family setting. My kids have access to me, benefit from my provision and love, have the right to come into our home at any time, indeed they have their very own room in our house. A stranger has none of these privileges - a stranger stays outstide at the front door. But through Jesus we are no longer strangers to God, we are family! We have a place in his kingdom; we have a room in his house; we have a seat at his table! And isn't it around the dinning room table where families celebrate all kinds of events with a huge meal for all to share in ... happy Father's Day!
In Christ, we belong to God ... Amen to that!
Rev.'D
