Our Holy Father
Last week, we discussed talking with God and seeing Him as the perfect father. This week, we want to zoom in and think about what “hallowed be your name” means (Luke 11:3). The jewish people saw God as the creator and sustainer of all things. Christ was no different! As He teaches the disciples to pray, He reminds them to address their creator and sustainer in an intimate relational way that doesn’t forget who God is.
During our formative years, it was natural to view God solely through the lens of His holiness. We often heard discussions about appropriate attire and respectful behavior on Sunday mornings. While these actions may not truly reflect our own holiness (what we bring to worship), they did, at the very least, demonstrate an earnest attempt to honor the holiness of God. God, the creator and sustainer, crafted us in His image. We are called to mirror His attributes, yet we continually grapple with the pull of our own will and desires.
Unlike many earthly leaders who decide rules for others and then live outside them, God has created an order and remains true to that order. Amazingly, God has created and pursued His creation without changing His character or holiness.
Yet, unlike the know-it-all or goody two shoes in our lives, God desires a relationship with us. However, He desires an uncompromising relationship that requires His son’s life, death, and resurrection. Christ stands in the gap where we continually fail. Christ makes us holy because we can’t.
Christ teaches the disciples that praying is intimate and fully aware of God’s holiness. We are also called to this holiness, which Christ and the Holy Spirit make possible. Our faith in Christ opens the door to meaningful prayer, talking with our perfect, holy Father.
What gets in the way of seeing God as our perfect, holy father?
Lord, Help us experience the beauty of talking with our holy father. Amen
To explore the implications of holiness, consider reading 1 Peter chapter one, focusing on verses 13-25.