Oh, I’ve heard a thousand stories of what they think you’re like –
“Good Good Father” by Chris Tomlin
I know this is an odd title for an Advent article but bear with me. Haven’t we all heard the phrase “Sinners in the hand of an angry God”? Didn’t Jesus tell us the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) and the Master who punished the servant who buried his talent? And didn’t Jesus also tell us the parable of the wedding feast and how the king had a guest thrown out for not dressing in wedding clothes? We – believers and non-believers alike – often view God – and Jesus – as ready to “smite” us for any wrong we may do. And again, I believe we follow in the footsteps of those in Jesus’ day in having the wrong impression of God – that’s why those who were “seeking” Him missed all the signs of Him being in their midst.
Yes, there are consequences for our sins but I don’t believe that God just sits and waits for a chance to bop us on the head for our transgressions. Then anger and sternness shown in Jesus’s parables are understandable from a just and holy God and are not just the actions of malevolent Supreme Being. Jesus’ coming as a baby that first Christmas shows that God was not mad at us; no, as John says, “For God so loved the world, that He sent His son…” (John 3:16). Coming us a baby instead of the Warrior King (which He will appear as when He comes again) showed us that God want to win our hearts and not subdue us by His might. God has always wanted a relationship and it must be one of our choosing – as much as it pains God to see us reject His love.
This Advent season, this Christmas, can you accept God’s gift and place yourself in the arm of One who loves you?
Consider more of Chris Tomlin’s “Good Good Father”:
Oh, and I’ve seen many searching for answers far and wide
But I know we’re all searching
For answers only you provide
Cause you know just what we need
Before we say a word
You’re a Good, Good Father
It’s who you are, it’s who you are, it’s who you are
And I’m loved by you
It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am
Be well – you ARE loved,
Steve
