We are all alive for a reason. We all try to make a “living” every day. But what are we “living” for? Like every other child, we look to the example of our parents, and in our case, as a child of God, we look to Jesus. What does Jesus live for? What does our Heavenly Father live for?
At first, we may be inclined to give an answer similar to, “They live to be worshipped, praised, and glorified!” They are absolutely worthy of all praise, worship, and glory. There is no question about that, but is that what they truly “live” for?
I submit to you a different perspective. Being a father myself, I don’t live to be praised, worshipped, and glorified by my children. Although the adoration is great and it is a wonderful feeling to be appreciated, respected, and admired, that isn’t what drives me as a father. What I like most is being able to catch my daughter when she falls off a tree branch. I live to tend to the skinned knees when my children fall down. I live to hold my kids in my arms when they are sick and feeling like their body is failing. I live to reassure them that everything is going to be okay. I live to provide them with everything they could ever want or need, only to have it taken for granted. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the things I truly live for.
I believe our Father lives for the same things. While he enjoys, and is worthy of praise and worship, I believe that He truly lives to catch us when we fall. He lives to take away our pain. He wants to heal us when we are ill. He holds us close when we feel alone in the world, and trapped in a terminal cycle of sin and death. He lives to provide us with everything we could ever need in this life. He takes care of our bills when we mishandle our finances. He watches over us while we sleep, and keeps a close eye on our children when we aren’t watching. He lives for the moments when we need Him the most. He lives, so we too can live. What a watchful Father we have, and what a loving friend and brother we have in Jesus.
Psalm 119: 174-175
I long for thy salvation, O Lord, and thy law is my delight. Let me live, that I may praise thee, and let thy ordinances help me.
An excellent point…and one that many would disagree with you on. I’m not one of them. You’ve got it right….in my humble, but highly accurate opinion.
Thank you Jesse. I could feel your tender loving care as a father through your words and easily transfer that undertanding to God as our Father.
Peace and Joy to you