For this reason I kneel before the Father. (Eph. 3:14)
Expanded Passage: Ephesians 3:14-15
When I was a young child, I did not know how fortunate I was to have such a special earthly father. I thought everyone’s father must be wonderful. But as I grew into a teenager, I noticed that he was younger than most of my friends’ fathers, certainly more handsome. He was a successful businessman and devoted Christian. I also heard from my friends, “I wish your dad was my dad.” I was proud to carry his last name.
Paul felt this way about his heavenly Father. He knelt before God with pride and adoration. It was from his heavenly Father that Paul received discipline, provision, guidance, and training. It was through God that Paul found forgiveness for his sins. This one whom Paul called “Father” was the only living God in a world of clay and metal false gods. He was in such awe of God that he bowed down before him, the Father of everyone who is regenerated—those who have received salvation. In a spiritual sense, those of us who call God “Father” are children of his family.
It is through acknowledgment of who God is, a repentant heart, and a willingness to grow in Christ that we enjoy the privilege of sonship in God. We become members of the family of God. We can proudly carry God’s name.
Worship the heavenly Father with pride.
Pamela J. Kuhn’s favorite word is joy, and her favorite place is anywhere that holds books and sells tea. Her husband, RB, is a professor at Indiana Wesleyan University.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
