I have my first confession to make for 2009. I do not like reading popular Christian books. There, I said it! It is out in the open. My heart feels lighter already.
Please understand, I don’t mind discovering a book and encouraging everyone else to read it. I have even been guilty of buying several copies of a book I have especially enjoyed and giving them away to people (and therefore obligating them to at least make the attempt at reading it). However, when people tell me about a popular book “that I just have to read” there is a part of my soul that reacts negatively. Case in point, it took me three years to read Yancey’s What’s So Amazing About Grace just because well-meaning friends told me I would love it.
By the way, when I did finally read it, I really enjoyed it. If you haven’t picked up a copy, you should. If you’re at all like me there is no need to worry; it is not on any “Top Ten” reading lists for 2008.
Recently several people have been encouraging me to read The Shack by William P. Young. I understand there is a certain amount of controversy about the subject matter in the book concerning its representation of God. Still, there are apparently nine million copies in print. With this level of popularity, it could take me a while to investigate the scandal for myself.
Still, thinking of “our Heavenly Father” has encouraged me look at a few Scriptures which describe this characteristic of God in the Bible. The Greek word patēr is where we get our English words such as paternity and paternal. In Greek philosophy it referred to the patriarchal head of the family. It seems to me that the Jews of the OT saw five basic characteristics concerning God’s Fatherhood and how that impacted their lives.
First, they saw God’s Fatherhood in terms of His beginning or engendering. 1 Chronicles 29:10 gives Him a title, “Lord God of Israel our Father,” and views Him as the One Who created the nation and would continue to be its father.
Second, OT Jews saw God’s Fatherhood in terms of His nearness to them. They saw that, as a Father, He is closer than any relative or friend. In Psalm 68, God is viewed riding through the clouds with His 20,000 chariots and angels. But then the psalmist pulls back from this incredible picture to view the very personal — “father of the fatherless and defender of widows.” (Psalm 68:5) What a contrast! Still, talk about a father with REAL power. Who wouldn’t want that?
Third, OT Jews saw God’s Fatherhood in terms of His loving grace… and that it REALLY was amazing. They saw God’s Fatherhood as something forgiving, tenderhearted, merciful, and gracious. “As a father has compassion for his children, so the LORD has compassion for those who fear him.” (Psalm 103:13).
Fourth, the Jewish people saw God’s Fatherhood in terms of His guidance. Jeremiah wrote, “They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel” (Jeremiah 31:9).
These first four views may seem to romanticize God. The final view I share shows that this was not the case.
The Hebrew people understood God’s Fatherhood in terms of their obedience to Him. Here is the view that “unsentimentalizes” the others. After rebelling against Him, Moses said to Israel: “Is this how you repay the LORD, you foolish and silly people? Isn't he your Father and Owner, who made you and formed you? (Deuteronomy 32:6). Talk about a Father who asks for our complete obedience!
Someday, probably when there are twenty million copies in print, but the book can be found on the remainders table, I will have to pick up a copy of The Shack. Who knows? I may even read it. However, until that day (and long after) God the Father will still be God Almighty and I will be His more-than-occasionally-rebellious son in need of confession.
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