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November 13 - LD 46, Day 2: Our Father Who is in heaven

Read: Psalm 115

The name "Father" is appropriate to the petitions made. The name "Father" reminds us of the parent-child relationships we enjoy. Earthly fathers are expected to make adequate provision for their children. Fathers provide food, clothing, and shelter for them. They also provide protection against storms and dangers from people who might want to harm their children. Most children will quickly turn to their fathers for provision and protection.

That earthly relationship is but a picture of the relationship of the child of God to his "Father Which art in heaven." Jesus teaches us to use this address to show us what we ought to ask of our heavenly Father. Children may not ask for anything or everything, but only for the proper things as Scripture presents them.

Scripture uses "Father" in either one of two ways. "Father" sometimes has reference to the First Person of the Trinity. There are the three Persons in one Being. The First Person of the Trinity eternally generates the Second Person, Jesus, Who entered human flesh to provide the way of salvation by paying for our sins. Jesus, however, does not teach us to pray exclusively to the First Person of the Trinity.

Our Father in heaven is the Triune God. We address Him not through individual Persons of the Trinity, but to the Three (Persons) in One (Being). The Triune God must answer our petitions. We pray to the Father, through the Son, and by the work of the Holy Spirit.

As is true throughout the prayer, the Christian is conscious that he prays in the communion of the saints: “OUR Father”. He prays with the whole church of God. He asks not all of these petitions simply for himself, but for the whole body of Christ. It is very important that we remember this as we pray.

The address of the prayer is a beautiful way of emphasizing our close relationship to God. It is almost inconceivable that one so small, and such a rebel, is able to address the Infinite God as "Father." But it is true, because of the perfect work of Christ on the cross whereby He satisfied the justice of God for the sins of His people. Then the Triune God can and does receive us unto Himself. Deut 33:27 speaks of the eternal God as a refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. We have a Father who is both able and willing to provide for His children with every necessary good.

Van Baren, Gise J.

Rev. G. Van Baren (Wife: Clara)

Ordained: October, 1956

Pastorates: Doon, IA - 1956; Randolph, WI - 1962; First, Grand Rapids, MI - 1965; Hudsonville, MI - 1977; Loveland, CO - 1994

Emeritus: 1999

Website: www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?speakeronly=true&currsection=sermonsspeaker&keyword=Rev._Gise_Van_Baren

Contact Details

  • Address
    4683 Crescent Dr.
  • City
    Hudsonville
  • State or Province
    Michigan
  • Zip Code
    49426
  • Country
    United States
  • Telephone
    616-662-9389