Eternal Approach

It’s strange what we think sometimes. And it’s hard to know where these misconceptions come from.

For example, consider how we view God, the Father.

In the past, I often thought of Him with a bit of suspicion. And, by that, I mean that He may have been harboring a bit of resentment toward me, and everyone else, because of the death of His Son.

Now, I know that sounds a bit crazy. But bear with me for a few moments as I go down this rabbit hole of bad theology. And, eventually come out another way into the glorious sunshine of truth.

A Ticked-Off Dad

For some reason, I have often thought that the Father did not have the same view of me as His Son had. And that this was especially true whenever I would come to the Father with requests.

Where, in line with my suspicions, I would be on the short side of the stick.

This thinking would be like asking somebody’s Dad for a favor after I just punched his son in the nose. Where his Dad would reasonably respond, “Who are you to ask me for anything? You’ll get nothing and like it!”

At the very least, a normal father would not cut me any slack. And would have a long memory of how I treated his son.

So, without realizing it, I have often had a handicap in my relationship with the Father. I assumed something that just wasn’t true.

Which may be a common problem we each have in our understanding of spiritual things. Especially about the character of God.

A Light to the Simple

What helped me to see the light was this verse from the Gospel of John. “I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” (John 17:23)

Wow! I found this verse as if it had been secretly tucked away within this prayer Jesus was making to the Father.

Like a priceless Spanish doubloon secretly buried in a forgotten pirate’s cave.

So, the Father loves us as much as He loves Jesus. What an amazing statement!

Maybe this is no surprise to you. But it was to me.

Maybe I should have remembered the following verse that is so rarely heard.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Bottom line: The Father was as much a part of that decision as the Son. And the Holy Spirit was just as much a part of that decision as the Son and the Father. There was perfect agreement within the Godhead when the Lord Jesus suffered for the sins of men.

And check this out as well. “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32)

Here is a perfect example of how the scriptures can correct stupid or bad ideas. Such as with my own bonehead thinking.

Which reminds me of something Charles Spurgeon said. “It is amazing how much light that the scriptures shed on the commentaries.”

Right on!

I’m going to love seeing Charles Spurgeon in heaven. We’re gonna have a lot to talk about!