One of the things that we are sort of used to thinking about is God as Holy Trinity. We rightly, boldly, and humbly confess that God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The doctrine of the Trinity is what distinguishes Christians from heretical churches like the Latter Day Saints, JWs, and Islam, to name a few. But there’s a question that, in my experience, doesn’t often get asked.
In the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13), why does Jesus tell them to prayer, “Our Father”? We know that the Father has a Son, the Lord Jesus. But what right do we have referring to him as our Father?
I was surprised to find an answer in Deuteronomy 5. There, Moses is telling the new generation the story of their rescue from slavery in Egypt, including the giving of God’s law.
Moses explains to them that the LORD made a covenant with them (Deut. 5:2-3). He promised to be their God. The LORD spoke to the people (Deut. 5:23). He spoke to them out of the midst of the fire, the cloud, and the thick darkness. And the LORD heard the cries of the people (Deut. 5:28). He had heard their cries of fear at hearing God’s voice.
And because of all of this, the people are called to obey the Lord that they may live long in the land (Deut. 5:33). What is remarkable, though, is that this is the second time in this chapter that promises of land and long life are linked to obedience. For the first time this is mentioned in the chapter is the fifth commandment, to honour your father and mother (Deut. 5:16). Moses is telling the people that God is their Father.
Almost from the beginning, God is showing that he is the sort of Father who makes promises to his children, speaks to his children, and hears his children. This is the Father who sent his Word to us to save us This is the Father we can pray to and know our prayers will be heard. This is the Father we can know will bring us into the land that we shall possess forever
When you pray to your Father in heaven, may you do so remembering that you too were rescued from slavery by the mighty hand of God. May you seek to walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, for he has showered you with grace upon grace in Christ.
Notices
Tuesday Night Prayer is back on at 7:30pm. Join us for an opportunity to slow down, consider God’s word and pray to him together.
This Thursday, 23 April, there will be an Election Hustings event happening at the Lyle Kirk on Union Street. Doors open at 6:30pm for a 7pm start. This is a great opportunity to ask questions of those who are standing in the election and to think and pray carefully about how you will vote in the upcoming election. This event is being run in partnership with Inverclyde Christian Initiative.
Discipleship Explored starts on Sunday night, 26 April, at 7pm. We’ve got enough books for five more people to join.