“Dat’s Ma Boy!” My dad died when I was two, just before my brother’s birth. This precious photo demonstrates my dad’s delight in me. Sadly, I never really knew my earthly father. I’m blessed to have inspirational male role models who inspire(d) me and am ever in AWE of my MAW! But this photo speaks to me of Father God’s amazing, gracious love for us.
It’s heartwarming to see social media lit up with dad’s being complimented and I’ve had some lovely messages from my own grownup kids. This in a day and age of fatherless children, neglect and abuse.
How blessed we are to know Almighty God as our Heavenly Dad, described in Tomlin’s song:
“I’ve heard a thousand stories of what they think you’re like
But I’ve heard the tender whispers of love in the dead of night
And you tell me that you’re pleased
And that I’m never alone
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
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
Because you are perfect in all of your ways
You are perfect in all of your ways
You are perfect in all of your ways to us
You are…”
On the threshold of Jesus ministry, as he rises from the waters of baptism, Father God’s pleasure is broadcast, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” Again, on a Galilean peak, shortly before his cruel death, Father God’s brimming joy in Jesus overflows to the inner circle of disciples, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.” Jesus baptism finds its fulfillment in his ‘death & resurrection’, dying for our selfishness & sin, such that (for all who have ears to hear, hearts to believe, and daily lives to receive) we can bathe in the beaming smile of Father God, “You are my daughter, my son, in whom I delight!”
Whatever your experience of an earthly father and mother, Creator God’s love, personal pleasure & purpose for you is beyond comparison. I pray you will experience and know the sheer life-transforming joy & delight God has for YOU ‘in Jesus Christ’. Beloved Child of God! “Dat’s ma girl!” “Dat’s ma boy!”
