16- I Will Be a FATHER unto You

I Will Be a FATHER unto You

"Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." 2 Corinthians 6:17-18 The gospel calls us to separate from the world, and unfits us to enjoy its follies and its pleasures. This often exposes us to its scoffs, and at times to severe privations. But when forsaken by relatives, and persecuted by strangers - the Lord promises to be our Father. He . . . watches over us for good, cares for us under all circumstances, and bids us cast all our cares on himself. As a Father, he superintends all our concerns, and takes interest in all that exercises our minds. His affections yearn over us with tenderest compassion and warmest love. "Like as a father pities his children - so the Lord pities those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust." He gives us every encouragement to trust his word, and expect every blessing at his hands.

He may correct our follies - but it is always done out of love to us. Every trouble flows from his love - and is intended to endear us to him, and glorify his grace. He will not allow us to be tried above that we are able - but will deliver us according to the greatness of his mercy. To whom should we look in trouble, from whom should we expect relief, or in whom should we trust for deliverance

- but to the Lord! He is a father unto us, and we are his sons and daughters. He has provided a good home for us, and will bring us safely to it. Surely we ought to . . . confide in his love, rejoice in his grace, and live at his throne.

He may not prevent trials - but he will sanctify them; and as a father is present with a sick child to administer to its needs - so will the Lord be present with us. He will support us under them - and then deliver us from them. He makes our salvation and spiritual good - the end of his providence; and our fitness for glory - the the object of his care. He abounds toward us in all wisdom and prudence; he will not give us food - when we need medicine; nor liberty - when he sees we should run into danger. He forgets the wrongs we do to him - but never forgets his promises to us. We cannot be too low for his promise to reach us; nor too poor for his grace to supply us. Better be in the arms of a father - than in the arms of a giant. But Jehovah has more than a Father’s love, and more than a giants strength! "And underneath are the everlasting arms!" Here is support, comfort and confidence.

O trust in God for the future - that you may enjoy your present mercies. If you doubt in reference to the future - your bread will be that of sorrow, and your drink the waters of Marah.

Pray for what you need, expect all you will need, and be contented with whatever God sends!

"Godliness with contentment is great gain." You cannot need anything - but your Father has it. You cannot need it at any time - but your Father sees you need it. Nor can you need anything at any time - but your Father has promised to bestow it. His resources cannot be exhausted; his mind cannot change; his promise cannot fail; nor can you be left destitute and wretched!

Why then are you distrustful? God says, "I will be a Father unto you." Let this silence your complaints, conquer your fears, and give you rest. He will be as good as his word - not "one jot or one tittle" shall ever fail. Only . . . separate from the world, devote yourself to his service, aim at his glory, walk by his holy word - and he will perform a father’s part! You will never be an orphan, or be left destitute of what is really necessary. Seek to honor him - and he will provide for your every need! Our Father sits on yonder throne, Amidst the hosts above;

He reigns throughout the world alone, He reins, the God of love!

He knew us - when we knew him not; Was with us - though unseen: His favor came to us - unsought; His love has wondrous been.

He keeps us now, securely keeps, Whatever foe assails, With vigilance that never sleeps; With power that never fails!

He gives us hope that we shall be, Before long with him above; The fullness of his glory see, And celebrate his love.

Then let us, while we dwell below Obey our Father’s voice; To all his dispensations bow, And in his name rejoice.

How sweet to hear him say at last!

You blessed children come: The days of banishment are past Your Father calls you home!