To the Glory of the Father
Posted: Friday, May 15, 2009
by Jean Purcell
OpineBooks.com
What glorifies God? Honoring His Name. And that means honor and glory to His Son, Jesus Christ.
When I began to try to express God the Father's eternal relationship with His Son, I knew that His love for Him and also for us, His creation, was far beyond my deepest love for my daughters. His love is perfect, and human love is flawed-overly concerned, worrying, unaware, and other distortions of love or distractions that every loving parent knows.
In truth, God will not wink at the mighty work of His Son on that cruel cross of shame. Faith in Jesus as the Son of God, the Way to the Father through the cross is essential for salvation. There lives every believer's peace with God.
In trying to express this even in human terms, I imagine an early conversation with a stranger or acquaintance that might become my friend.
I would mention my two daughters, and this person would say, "I've heard of those girls, and I don't believe they are your daughters. I've heard they are nice, but I don't accept them as yours. They're your brother's daughters. Right?"
I would try to convince her of the truth, but she would not acknowledge them as mine. She would refuse to believe me.
Soon, this acquaintance, in this imaginary scene, would say, "Never mind. Would you and your husband like to come over next Saturday for a cook-out?"
What do you think I would say to that?
"Or," she would continue, "we could come over here, and bring the steaks and dessert."
What do you think I would say to that?
This is a human example based on human love. Yet, can't anyone see that anyone who cannot accept my daughters as my daughters is not someone who will become close to me or welcome into my home? Until this matter would be settled, then there would remain a huge hindrance. I would never deny my daughters' relationship to me or mine to them.
I might become deranged due to illness; I might fall into dementia; but in my right mind I would never deny my daughters. Our relationship is in them and me.
God, being perfect and all-knowing, knows that denial of relations does happen among men and women and even in families. Yet, Jesus says, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." That is what God the Father says to His own, who believe in Him and relate to Him through His Son. God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Can't we see how and why God requires such acknowledgment and acceptance of His Son? It is not a matter to argue about or to debate. It is a straightforward truth.
Some, hearing this, think it is cruel. "God is not like that!" they exclaim. "He would never be so cruel!"
It is not a matter of kindness or of cruelty. It is a matter of truth and true relationship. It is the kindness of God, the love of God, and the faithfulness of God that makes this requirement clear. God, being perfect and holy, will never deny Himself; His Son, conceived by Mary of the Holy Spirit of God, is His Son forever.
The Son speaks for the Father. This is the stumbling block that Jesus knew and spoke about. He is the stumbling block, not as a prophet or great teacher, which many will accept; but as the true and only begotten Son of God and only Savior, only Substitute for sin. God is love and in Christ He shows forth His love, having come to live and dwell among human beings on earth. Having come to die to set them free from sin's power!
Oh, may many this day hear this truth of God and believe. God is opening the eyes of straying children at every hour, around the world. Jesus is seen as the One who seeks and saves the lost sheep, as we once were in our unbelief, confusion, and denial. He is finding them and bringing them in.
In Christ, there is peace with God, for He loves this fallen world and is preparing that Great Day when all will be set right forever. In many ways and places in His Word, God has spoken of His Son's relation to Him. Amen.
"In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways,
"but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.
"The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
"So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.
"For to which of the angels did God ever say,
"You are my Son; today I have become your Father?
"Or again,
"I will be his Father, and he will be my Son?
"And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says,
"Let all God's angels worship him.
"In speaking of the angels he says,
"He makes his angels winds, his servants flames of fire.
"But about the Son he says,
"Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the sceptre of your kingdom.
"You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy (Hebrews 1: 1-9 New International Version of the Bible [NIV]-UK).
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