The Father, Almighty

 

[Jesus said] “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:7-11 ESV).

 

Notice the modifier that the early fathers used of “the Father.” He is “Almighty.” Our reading today helps us understand the meaning of this second declaration of our belief. I wish that I could say  that when my children were small, I never disappointed them with a broken promise or a failure to deliver what they hoped for. That simply is not true. My desire was to give them everything they wanted and needed, but my ability simply couldn’t guarantee the fulfillment of their desires.

 

In fact, as they grew older and bigger, they realized that I have imperfections and limitations. I am painfully aware that I sometimes let them down, as all fathers have done at times to their children. But although our fathers may let us down, we can always depend on our heavenly Father. That is the meaning of this modifier in the creed. God is Almighty and therefore will never let us down. He fulfills every promise and grants us all we could ever need.

 

In the Old Testament, the people of Israel called God their “Father.” They also used many other titles and descriptions to identify God. For example, they called God their “rock,” their “fortress,” and their “shield.” In many passages he is also called “God Almighty” (El-Shaddai) in recognition of his awesome power and dependability. In the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes his relationship with God as his Father, and he teaches us to trust God as our Father in heaven. With the Apostles’ Creed, we rightly call God our “Father almighty.” Unlike our earthly fathers, our heavenly Father is perfect and unlimited in his power. Our earthly fathers may sometimes make promises they can’t keep. Our heavenly Father not only makes promises but also keeps them all—because of his almighty power and enduring love and faithfulness. God also hears and answers our prayers. Knowing what’s best for us, our Father will always provide what we need.