The Faithful Father

 

Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me! You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.” Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation! For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in. Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence. I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27:7-14 ESV).

 

The phrase "God is a faithful father" reflects a core tenet of our belief as Christians. The Scripture describes God as a loving, trustworthy, and dependable parent who is consistent in His character and promises. This concept highlights God's unwavering support, kindness, and justice, offering believers a secure foundation and hope. Just as many earthly fathers provide, God is seen as guiding, caring for, and fulfilling His word for His children, making Him a source of profound solace and strength.

 

I am aware that, unfortunately, not everyone has had a positive experience with their father. Some have experienced abandonment from fathers who have walked out on their families, offering only neglect instead of care. Some children have never met their fathers. Or, worse, some wish they had never met them. Sadly, our world is plagued with poor examples of fathers, men who abandon, neglect, or abuse their families. If this is your experience, it may make it difficult to accept God as a faithful Father.

 

But God’s faithfulness far exceeds that of even the best parents. Even if our father and mother forsake us, the Lord will not. Our Father God is the perfect Father. He fills a painful vacuum of love for all whose earthly fathers have forsaken them. God’s intention in calling himself Father is to reveal his heart’s desire to have a real relationship with you, his child. He loves you in a way that no human has ever loved you, with ferocity and faithfulness that no human love can match.

 

It also gives all of us who have children an incredible example of how we should relate to them. I cannot imagine a greater gift than family. It is my personal treasure and while I have not been as perfect as I would have wanted to be, that doesn’t change the truth of my desire to be. It also doesn’t change the perfection I have experienced from my heavenly Father! As the psalmist writes… I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (v. 14).

 

In His Hands

 

[The Lord says] “Behold, all who are incensed against you shall be put to shame and confounded; those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish. You shall seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them; those who war against you shall be as nothing at all. For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” (Isaiah 41:11-13 ESV).

 

I am always a bit surprised when we find ourselves anxious about the future. Our reading today is so clear in the declaration that we have nothing to fear because God holds us in His hand. Perhaps it is a result of the ever-present rebellion that we have toward anyone “holding” us. Our sin nature certainly rises up with an independent spirit when we perceive that we need anyone or anything to help us until we have reached a point where there are no other options. I know in my life that I have found it much easier to be at peace when I recognize I never need to do anything alone simply because my heavenly Father is holding my hand all the way.

 

Some of my favorite memories are from those times when I was walking with my boys holding their hand strolling along. I recall one experience long ago when Kyle was a young child walking with him in the mall while Mary went ahead to shop a bit. David and Aaron had not been born yet, so it was just the three of us. We were walking along and a lady walking behind us said, “I bet you wished you had a nickel for every question he asks you.” Well, it is true that he has always been a very curious person, seeking answers to any question that might pop into his mind, but this was a bit of a surprise that someone else would notice it! I turned and just smiled. Today I recall those times with all my children and grandchildren with great fondness. They represent my opportunity to protect and satisfy their needs. Isn’t that what a father/grandfather should do?

 

In the Bible God reveals himself as our Father. I am a child of God. Every believer is His child. God wants us to know him more personally, more intimately. The Bible is God’s long love letter that shares his heart for his children. Salvation in the Bible is so much more than just escaping the punishment for our sin. Salvation is adoption into a family, a homecoming to an extravagant celebration, an inheritance of all the riches of the Father’s lavish love. Rest easy as you face the future… you are in His hands!

 

God Is Our Father!

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, the gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:1-14 ESV).

 

Like many theologians I have caught myself using big words and elaborate concepts to explain God and our relationship with him. The truth is that the Bible more often uses simple images that are easy to understand. My favorite is that God is our Father and we are his children. It’s really that simple. I have been a father for over fifty years, and I have enjoyed a healthy relationship with my own father. Based on my experience of being both a son and a father, I have a pretty good idea of what a father is supposed to be. I am not laying claim to perfection; however, God’s revealing himself as our Father is a concept on which I can hang my faith.

 

Usually a father is someone older, wiser, and stronger. He is someone with a deep interest in your well-being. He cares about you and provides for you. He knows your name. He is interested in the things that interest you. A good father is available, especially when you really need him.

 

Our reading today declares that all who believe in Jesus are given the right to become God’s children. Faith in Jesus opens the door of belonging to the family of God. In a world where it is easy to get lost in the crowd and feel anonymous and insignificant, there is a Father who loves you. There is a Father calling you home. There is a Father who wants you to know that you are his child. Rest in that truth today!

  

A Help or a Hinderance?

 

[Jesus said] “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seat in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. Woe to you! For you are like unmarked graves, and people walk over them without knowing it.” One of the lawyers answered him, “Teacher, in saying these things you insult us also.” And he said, “Woe to you lawyers also! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers. Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets whom your fathers killed.” (Luke 11:42-47 ESV).

 

The question of whether the church is a help or a hindrance depends on perspective, as some view it as outdated and irrelevant due to its struggles with cultural issues like sexuality and justice, while others see its challenges as signs of growth and connection with modern seekers. Many people become disillusioned with organized religion due to hypocrisy or outdated methods, leading to declining attendance and a growing perception of the church as judgmental and outdated. However, some argue that these problems are opportunities for transformation and re-engagement with faith, suggesting the church isn't inherently a hindrance but faces significant hurdles in adapting to a changing world.

 

It was a similar situation in Jesus’ day. He spoke pointedly and critically against the leaders of God’s people in that day. Instead of helping people draw near to God and enjoy his blessings, those leaders put up barriers through their legalistic, self-serving practices.

 

Sadly, throughout history, some churches and church leaders have blocked access to spiritual life for people and have even abused people. We often hear of such cases in the news today. Corrupt leaders put barriers instead of bridges in front of people. As God’s people who make up the church today, we must repent of these sins, be sure we have measures in place to prevent them from happening again and be agents of healing to people who have been hurt.

 

Have you been hurt by the church or its leaders? If so, you may be hesitant to participate in the life of a church. That’s understandable. Let me make a few suggestions

 

§  Keep your focus on Jesus himself, especially through prayer and Bible reading. We cannot realistically expect perfection from the Church or its members. All are sinners and in need of the Savior. Focus on Jesus alone.

 

§  Ask God to provide a few caring Christians with whom you can fellowship and grow spiritually; they can be a helpful bridge. There are those within the Church that are genuinely following Christ to the best of their present strength and ability. Align yourself with those people.

 

§  If your personal experience has caused trauma that you are struggling to understand and process, seek a Christian counselor. Work with them in seeking healing and the strength to forgive.

 

§  Remain open to a time when you can fully participate in a healthy church again. Don’t eliminate a genuine relationship with a community of believers. Seek those who are like-minded and desire a true fellowship with the Holy Spirit.

 

Don’t hesitate to contact me individually if you need further information or help in this essential part of the journey you have experienced.

 

 

The Beauty of Our Dwelling Place

 

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:1-4 ESV).

 

The John Oliver Cabin, which is set back from Cades Cove Loop Road, is the first historical structure you will come to. The parking area for this cabin is immediately past Sparks Lane. John and Lucretia Oliver, the original owners of the cabin, were the first permanent white settlers in Cades Cove. When they moved to Cades Cove in the 1820s, the only road into the cove was a primitive trail and there was not a working grist mill. In the absence of a grist mill, the Olivers had to beat corn into cornmeal using only a mortar and pestle. During the early years, Lucretia feared she would starve to death. Now, the Oliver cabin is one of the most visited historical structures in the National Park. The cabin is held together by gravity and notched corners; it does not need pegs or nails to hold it together. It must have been one of the most prominent homes in the Cove. Although the National Park Service eventually took control of the structure, it was one of the last historical structures to be vacated. The cabin remained in the Oliver family for over 100 years!

 

As I come to an end of the Smoky Mountain inspired series of “God’s Beauty,” I thought it would be good to look at the end god has promised for all believers. Our reading today gives us some description of what that new life will be like. While God doesn’t tell us exactly when this will take place, He does give us some pictures to help us look forward in hope. The Olivers may have stayed in their dwelling for over 100 years, however, that is but a blink of the eye compared to eternity with God. And, we won’t need to worry about accommodations!

 

Look at the Apostle John’s description of this vision of the new heaven and new earth. He sees the city of Jerusalem coming down out of heaven. In the world as John knew it, the people could go to the temple in Jerusalem to be with God. But in this vision, the city comes down out of heaven to be with the people. John describes the city as “a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.” The city was radiant, looking beautiful for the sake of celebration and love.

 

All of this sounds nice, but the best news comes when John hears what this means. A voice tells him that the coming of this beautiful city means that God will now live with his people. Because of the presence of God, in the new heaven and earth there will be “no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” God will restore his creation to complete wholeness and peace. When you face death or mourning or crying or pain in your life today, take courage. Though these things are very difficult, they are not forever. God will make all things new.

 

We don’t need to plead for “a little cabin in the corner of glory-land” … He is preparing a wonderful place beyond our imagination for us! That’s God’s great beauty working through His grace!

 

Independent, but not Isolated

 

Seeing the crowds, he [Jesus] went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” (Matthew 5:1-12 ESV).

 

The picture today is the Missionary Baptist Church near Rich Mountain Road. This road  provided the first settlers access into Cades Cove. Originally a path used by the Cherokee, this route was eventually widened into a wagon road. By the mid-1800s, five roads led into and out of the Cove - Crib Gap Road, Rich Mountain Road, Cooper Road, Rabbit Creek Road, Parsons Branch Road - compared to only one or (seasonally) two routes open to two-way traffic today. These roads provided the families of the Cove opportunities for commerce, as well as social and political interaction. It is no wonder that the informational marker outside the church begins with the phrase “Independent, but not Isolated.”

 

The Cades Cove Missionary Baptist Church was established in 1841 after a split from the original Cades Cove Baptist Church over disagreements concerning missionary work, temperance societies, and Sunday schools. This division, known as the Anti-Division Split, led to the formation of the Missionary Baptist Church by Pastor John Adams and other congregants who advocated for missionary efforts. Both of these church buildings still stand in their original location. They are also still used for weddings and other periodic church gatherings. Baptists have never been accused of not being independent!

 

Perhaps a better word to achieve as a description would be the word “blessed.” People often say that they are “blessed” when they are enjoying good things in life: a beautiful sunset, time with their loved ones, a comfortable place to live, exciting travels. But when we hear what Jesus taught about being “blessed,” we get a different picture. Jesus describes a number of people who seem to be the opposite of blessed. The list includes people who are broken down, struggling, or even persecuted. How could Jesus call them blessed?

 

Through his life and teaching, Jesus introduced a new kind of world. It was a new way of understanding what a beautiful community looks like. Jesus called this beautiful new community “the kingdom of God” or “the kingdom of heaven.” And in God’s kingdom, the typical priorities of our world (wealth, pride, winning at all costs) are turned upside down.

 

In God’s kingdom, Jesus says all people are welcome, not just those who are rich or respectable. In God’s kingdom, a beautiful life of mercy and peace is possible by God’s grace. We may feel disoriented at first when we follow Jesus, because his values are not the values of the world. But the right-side-up kingdom of God is good news for us and for the whole world, because it is the most beautiful kingdom possible!

 

The Beauty of God's Surprises

 

Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer! O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him. Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord. (Psalm 40:1-5 ESV).

 

God’s grace is always a bit surprising to me. I was reminded of that recently when we were traveling through Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Mary and I were driving along the 11 mile loop and hopeful we might see some bears or a few deer along the way. We almost always see some wildlife, though seeing big bucks up close is a bit rare. We had gone through a relatively open area and seen a bear, but nothing else yet. Coming through a more wooded part of the loop, Mary said, “There’s a buck!” pointing out the driver’s side window. I looked and there they were just inside the tree line. As you can see these two were big! There were actually five in all, though the others were a bit more shy about having their picture taken. What a pleasant surprise!

 

Just as there was nothing I could or did do to make this happen, so it is with the grace of God. Sometimes we act as if we can fix the problem of sin in our lives. We imagine that if we improve ourselves, we can be free of sin and guilt. We think that if we just work hard enough, our lives will become better. And if our friends and family would just listen to us, our relationships would become better too.

 

But the problem is too big for us. We cannot save ourselves from the problem of our separation from God. We cannot even stop ourselves from sinning. Only God can do that. Our reading today sings praise to the God who saves us. It sings praise to the God who is strong enough to conquer sin and is gracious enough to do that for us. It sings praise to the God who chose not to stay separated from us but came to save us and restore us to himself. It sings of a salvation so great that only God could accomplish it. God has loved us in so many ways.

 

The psalmist says to God, “Were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.” The many wonders God has done to save us are beautiful. Our abundant and beautiful salvation comes from God, the only one who can save us. That is such a marvelous “surprise”! God’s beauty is often such a surprise.