This weekend as I have taken some time to honor and appreciate my earthly father, I find myself taking a moment to appreciate the fact that God refers to Himself as my “Father.”

In the Bible, God clearly acknowledges Himself as Creator, King, and Ruler over all. He could have stopped there. 

He could have called Himself our “Commander” or our “Chief.” He could have used the word “Emperor” or even “Dictator.” But the word that is used over 250 times throughout the Bible to refer to God is “FATHER!”

The word “father” holds so much more depth than any other term of authority. It shows a special closeness, an intimacy. When a father looks on his newborn child, it is way different than when a ruler looks upon his subject. With a father, there is something unique, something special. There is something so much more than just authority, protection, and provision. With a father, there is love.

What a blessing that God uses this earthly term that we can understand in order to express the way He relates to us. What a blessing that His relationship with us is not just one of domination and power, but also tenderness and love. 

1 John 3:1 says, “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” God created us, not to just be subjects below Him, bidding His will, but as dearly loved children.

When Jesus’s followers ask Him how they should pray, He teaches them by beginning His prayer not with “Dear God,” or “Oh Lord,” but by saying “Our Father.” How amazing that we can come before the Maker of the universe, the God of all creation, and say, “Hey, Dad!”

God, thank you so much that you are not just a cold, impersonal higher being, but an intimate, compassionate, and loving father. I am blessed to be called your child.