MAJESTIC FATHER GOD
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:9b-10, ESV
Theme: We daily need to acknowledge and be in awe of a holy and majestic God.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
When Jesus was asked to teach His disciples how to pray, He started with this praise: “Hallowed be your Name.” “Sacred,” “holy,” and “separate” are all meanings for that word “hallowed.” God is above and beyond what we can comprehend. In fact, without Jesus, God would be unapproachable. We cannot lose our reverence and awe of our holy God, even though He draws us near and speaks to us through His Word and His Spirit. Because of that intimacy, we can become accustomed to God and too familiar, taking Him for granted. Maybe that is why Jesus starts His model prayer with a reminder of God’s hallowed Name and His kingdom.
KING OF KINGS AND FOREVER FRIEND
There is a sense of majesty about God that we Americans (not having a monarchy) cannot quite comprehend. When I wanted to dress casually for church (WAY back in the late 70’s), my mother reminded me that I would dress up if called to an audience with the Queen of England. I should therefore certainly dress up for the King of Heaven.
Bob Russell told us this story: When Kyle Idleman first spoke at Bob’s church (Southeast Christian in Louisville, KY), Bob was stunned when Kyle came out on stage with fashionably torn and ripped jeans. Bob used a similar argument: “Kyle, if you were going to see the President of the United States, wouldn’t you put on your best clothes?” Kyle’s reply: “Not if he was my father.” Drop the mic moment, right?
There is tension. First, there is the majesty and holiness of God, which we must never forget or become flippant in our reverence for Him. On the other hand, He is our Abba Father, our Daddy. Jesus is our brother and our friend, our Great High Priest, and our Intercessor. We are to call on Him anytime we like. We are invited into the throne room of heaven. We have access to heavenly places. “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are” (1 John 3:1a, ESV).
Make It Personal: Do you have a sense of the majesty and holiness of God? Do you have a sense of His presence and feel His call to meet with Him? If you are feeling “less than” worthy, remember that Jesus has given you access to God. You are now a prince or princess in the kingdom, co-heirs with Jesus Christ. Our Lord has bought our admission into His family with His very blood.
Pray: Dear Lord: I recognize Your holiness, Your majesty, and Your rule. Reign in my life; Your kingdom come, wherever I am and through whatever I say or do. Help me also remember Your nearness, Your willingness to intercede and help me, no matter what I have done. You are my God, but also my Forever Friend and Redeemer, and I worship You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Read: Ephesians 2:17-22; Romans 8:14-17; Galatians 4:6-7
Weekly Memory Verse: “Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.’” Exodus 20:20, NIV