JMD Devotional 249 Ephesians 3:14,15 Father Model

For this reason [seeing the greatness of this plan by which you are built together in Christ], I bow my knees before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for Whom every family in heaven and on earth is named [that Father from Whom all fatherhood takes its title and derives its name].

When I was a kid, I envied Will Robinson of the “Lost-in-Space” show. He lived in a spaceship, he had a great robot friend and he had a laser pistol. But most of all I thought his dad was the greatest. When young Will messed up, his dad took him aside to protect his dignity, he talked with him about the offense to help him understand what he did wrong, and he ended the session of discipline by hugging his son to affirm that their relationship was as strong as ever. He was firm but fair. I love my dad; but he was human. I got backhanded, derided and scolded in public, smacked on impulse without explanation. I spent most of my childhood afraid of the man; our friendship did not begin until I was in High school. I have caught myself many times repeating his errors and using his same criticisms. It is easy to recognize fatherhood gone wrong; because our Father’s thumbprint is on His creation; God is the ultimate father. In recovery, almost every addicted person I met shared a common dysfunction called ,”the Father Wound.” Forgiving Dad for being as human and as fallible as I was hard, but necessary for my healing. I now appreciate my dad for the elements of fatherhood that he got right, for his sacrifice and dedication to our family. I have tried many times to connect on a deeper level with him; but I had to accept that there are some things he just will not ever get. Nevertheless, I am weaned from needing anything further from Him in favor of finding my solace on the lap of my Heavenly Father.

Dear God,
You are my Dad indeed! Forgive me for hiding from You in fear of harsh reprisals. My actions implied that You were less than a good dad; a reflection of this sin-cursed world rather than the model and source of all that is true and good and noble. Thank You for being patient with me, and for gently teaching me how to live and think and how to be. Abba Father, I NEED YOU. Remind me that I am not an orphan, nor abandoned. You are not distant and aloof; You are not critical and harsh. God is gracious and abundant in mercy, the Protector of the weak and humble, the Friend of sinners. My soul cries out to You. Father me!
Amen

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