The house was ablaze and John, having escaped, searched for his young daughter in the dark street. When he could not find her he raced back into the building.
He never came out. She had been outside, but he had not seen her. I was told this story by John’s neighbors. His heartbroken daughter mourned for her courageous dad. But she knew without a doubt one thing many daughters and sons never know – her dad loved her so much he would die for her.
Years ago I worked in an inner city neighborhood and would help out at the local children’s ministry. When I started volunteering I was asked not to tell the children God was their father. Their environment was filled with absent or abusive fathers. Why would any child want to know a God like that?
What is your picture of a father?
It doesn’t matter if you grew up with a great dad, bad dad or absent dad, your heart still wants the care and protection of a loving father.
It doesn’t matter how old you are, either, does it? You still want to know the dad you want wants you. You want to know your father would run into a flaming deathtrap to rescue you.
Amazingly God did just that. God came to us as Jesus, who told his puzzled disciples, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” Twelve hours later he was dying on a Roman cross to save your life.
If you want to know what God the Father is like, look at Jesus.
If you want to know what the Father does, watch Jesus.
If you want to know if you are loved enough to die for, ask Jesus.
Paul tells it this way:
He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, …..
For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,
and through him to reconcile to himself all things,
whether on earth or in heaven,
making peace by the blood of his cross.
It may be difficult to understand God loves us so passionately. But look at Jesus. You will see the God who wants a loving relationship with you. You will see the God who dies for you.
If you haven’t read my last blog, it may help you, so check it out now and do the little exercise. Please follow me so we can meet again next week.
Scripture reference: Colossians 1:15,19-20
Hope Walking 