February 7, 2021
We talked last week about the love of the Father and about the way He goes after the ones who are lost and alone to rescue them. When He goes on this search, He is not angry, and He is not looking to punish the one who has strayed. He is heartbroken and wants nothing more than to restore the one who is hurting to the family circle. It is with the greatest love and care that He searches, finds, and invites us to return.
If you see God as an authoritarian parent who is waiting to punish you for your every mistake, may I say that you’ve been misinformed? If someone taught you that, or if you have believed this warped view of God, I want to invite you to rethink your position. I’m reminded of The Passion Translation (TPT) rendering of Psalm 103:13-14: “The same way a loving father feels toward his children—that’s but a sample of your tender feelings toward us, your beloved children, who live in awe of you. You know all about us, inside and out. You are mindful that we’re made from dust.”
This verse is Truth and I pray you’re able to receive this deeply into your soul. Those tender feelings of God toward us are described by the Hebrew word racham, which has a homonym that can be translated womb. The nurturing way a pregnant mother feels toward her baby is the same way our heavenly Father feels toward us.
When God says that He knows us inside and out and that He is aware of our fragile human nature, that means He considers that we are finite and limited. And that we must rely on Him for help, power, strength, love, and many other things. He is aware that we need Him, and He is always happy to come alongside us with love and support.
I want to end our time together by sharing the words from the beautiful song How Deep the Father’s Love. As I did last week, I want to invite you to listen to this song by finding your favorite version on YouTube! The first time I heard this song, I bawled like a baby because God’s love overtook my soul:
“How deep the Father’s love for us, how vast beyond all measure. That He should give His only Son to make a wretch His treasure. How great the pain of searing loss–the Father turns His face away. As wounds which mar the Chosen One bring many sons to glory.
Behold the man upon a cross, my sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life–I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything, no gifts, no power, no wisdom; but I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection. Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer; but this I know with all my heart – His wounds have paid my ransom.”
All I can say is, “Wow.” I pray you receive the Father’s deep love today.
I want to invite you to join us for a Zoom prayer call on Tuesday, February 22nd from 6:30-7:30. Stay tuned for details!
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