His Name Shall Be CalledSample

EVERLASTING FATHER

We know that humans must have some basic emotional needs met in order to thrive. These include our need for belonging, significance, and security- all encompassed in our need to be loved.

All of these needs are met by our loving Savior, Jesus Christ.

The third name given to describe the coming Messiah is the Everlasting Father. If there was ever something we would desire or long for in a Savior, it would be a loving father, full of tender compassion.

For some, this could be a difficult concept, especially if your experience with your earthly father has been painful. Your Everlasting Father is perfect in all His ways, He is never absent or neglectful, never abusive or domineering, and never impossible to please. Rather, “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (Psalm 103:9).

If you find yourself longing to be cherished by someone, if you wish you could be seen, loved, and valued for who you are, Isaiah reminds us, that as His child you have purpose, you are protected, provided for, and loved immensely. The One who made you, who knit you together, and shaped your life, left a God-shaped imprint on your soul that only He can fill. His love will satisfy the deepest longings within your heart.

At the time Isaiah wrote these words to describe the coming King, he did so in an Ancient Near East culture. Fathers were meant to be the primary source of protection, provision, and purpose for their families. They were the first line of defense, they were generally the sole source of provision as far as food, water, and shelter, and they were the ones who imparted both purpose and identity. The family trade was passed down from father to son who was expected to follow in his father's footsteps.

More than having our physical needs met, the longing for identity and purpose strikes a chord at the heart of every human being.

Do you have the desire to feel a sense of significance, to have a place where you truly belong, and to experience deep, unconditional love?

Do you feel tired and weary from all the striving, worrying about what others might think of you or say about you? Are you exhausted from trying to keep up with the Joneses, making a name for yourself, climbing the ladder of success, working to get more “stuff”, and looking to the praise of others?

The Everlasting Father did not make a mistake when He created you. He made you uniquely to reflect his image so that he could uniquely display his glorious splendor through you!

All his intentions toward you are good, and His love for you is an unstoppable force. So much so, that He did not spare His own Son so that all who would believe in Him would be saved and spend eternity in His presence. The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus secured our status as sons and daughters, and as such, we are eternally cared for by our Everlasting Father.

Prayer

Thank you, Jesus, that you are my loving and Everlasting Father. Thank you that you provide for me, take care of my needs, and that my value and worth come from being your child. Help me walk confidently in your truth. Amen.