Everlasting Father

Kelli Baker

Advent Series 2023

Day Twenty-One

Did you have a role model growing up? I remember watching the Power Rangers as a kid. I wanted to be the yellow Power Ranger so badly. She exemplified courage and strength. In my childlike mind, she was the epitome of what it looked like to be a woman.

God gives us parents to model what it looks like to be a Father. Unfortunately, because of sin, his perfect model was broken, which is why Jesus’ presence on earth was necessary.

As Jesus took on the form of a man, he willingly stepped down from his place in heaven so he could show us what the Father looks like. His time on earth was spent loving the marginalized, getting down in the dirt with the outcasts, and touching the unclean. Jesus’ radical love turned all of mankind’s expectations upside down.

When Philip asked Jesus to show them the Father, Jesus told him that the Father dwells in him and does his works on earth. Jesus made the bold statement that he and the Father are one. The authority that has been given to Jesus is from the Father. As Jesus makes this claim, he is declaring that he is the Everlasting Father. He was sent to show the world the Father.

Jesus shows us the compassion, tender love, mercy, and care God has for his people. The good news is that Jesus doesn’t stop there. In his prayer a few chapters later, we read Jesus’ intent on bringing God’s glory to the world. It was not for his own good, but for ours. Jesus says he gives believers the glory that the Father has given him. Why, you ask? All so the world will know that the Father sent Jesus and loves the world as much as he loved Jesus.

Do you realize how deep God’s love is for you? Take a moment to let these words sink in.

Jesus came to earth to reveal the Father’s glory to the world and to give us his glory all so we will understand the depth of the love the Father has for us.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for sending Jesus to reveal your glory. Help us understand the depths of the love you have for us. Amen.