Light of the WorldSample

The moment of Jesus’ baptism marks the beginning of His earthly ministry, His start down a path that would eventually take Him to the cross. We see Jesus’ heart in the way that he submitted to God’s will by being baptized. We see the Father’s heart in how He affirms and approves of His Son.

Our relationship with our earthly fathers has a great impact on the way that we view and interact with the world. Some fathers set the standard for their children on what it means to be loved, whole, and healthy. Other fathers miss the mark. Father wounds can cut deep, and the pain that comes from them is real and valid.

No matter what your relationship is with your earthly father, you need to know how your Heavenly Father sees you. He is with you. He loves you. And he is proud of you. This can be difficult to accept if your lived experience gives you reason to think differently about God, but it is still true.

Read the scripture below paying attention to the ways the Father loves and protects you.

“Where can I go from your Spirit?

Where can I flee from your presence?

If I go up to the heavens, you are there;

if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

if I settle on the far side of the sea,

even there your hand will guide me,

your right hand will hold me fast.

If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me

and the light become night around me,”

even the darkness will not be dark to you;

the night will shine like the day,

for darkness is as light to you.” | Psalm 139:7-12 (NIV)

Question:
Do you feel like God is proud of you? In what ways has your view of your earthly father shaped your view of you Heavenly Father?

A note to fathers:
Model the love that God shows Jesus at his baptism. Be there for the big events in your child’s life. Tell them and show them that you love them. Make sure they know how proud of them you are. Your child, no matter their age, needs to know that you are there for them, you love them and you are proud of them.