A Father’s Love

I don’t know him, but I love this guy. It may be cold outside, but it warms my heart to see him huddled and enjoying life with his little family while sharing his knowledge about what he values. He is a good Dad. He has even prepared a picnic and reminds me of our Heavenly Father, who wants to provide and care for us and to show us how to enjoy life.

George Strait sang a country ballad, “A Father’s Love,” which is a touching interaction between a young boy and his Dad. The lad had gotten into trouble and feared his Dad’s would discipline him but was surprised by a tender “secret” which his Dad had learned from his Dad. It was a lesson which the boy took with him throughout his life.

“He said, ‘Let me tell you a secret about a father’s love
A secret that my daddy said was just between us
He said, ‘Daddies don’t just love their children
Every now and then, It’s a love without end, amen
It’s a love without end, amen”

A good Dad knows his children are emotionally and physically fragile. God not only knows our physical and emotional vulnerabilities but also the spiritual weaknesses arising from our rebellious natures. Yet, He “delights in steadfast love.” (Micah 7:18) Strait’s song ends with some lyrics about God’s tender heart for His children. The Psalmist knew that heart and sang about God’s tenderness toward those who reverence Him: “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:13-14).

The Apostle John personally knew Jesus well and believed that God’s love was manifested in him as the crucified, risen Savior. He marveled at Jesus’ sacrifice to save humanity: “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” (1 John 3:1) The Apostle Paul wrote to the Roman Church that in His amazing grace and mercy, “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us…He who did not spare his only Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Romans5:8; 8:32) He further expounded on the immense magnitude of God’s affirming, loving goodness and grace to those who believe in Him: “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor the to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

The second verse and refrain of “A Good, Good Father,” sung by Chris Tomlin, conveys that message:

Oh, and I’ve seen many searching for answers far and wide
But I know we’re all searching for answers only You provide
‘Cause You know just what we need before we say a word

You’re a good, good Father
It’s who You are, it’s who You are, it’s who You are
And I’m loved by You
It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am

We live with broken natures in a broken world, and earthly Dad’s may fail miserably. But God does not and will not. He is the Father from whom all good is derived. His intentions are always to give us “ hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) He knows we need redemption, gives it when we seek Him, and

loves His children “without end, amen.”

Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! (Psalm 34:8 (NLT2)