“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good--except God alone.” Mark 10:18
The books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke all attest to this statement by Jesus, “God alone is good.” We also know through scripture that Jesus referred to God as Father. So I think it is safe to understand that God is a Good Father.
What exactly does a good Father look like? If one has ever watched the late 50’s to early 60’s sitcom called Leave It To Beaver, one can get somewhat of an idea of what a good father resembles. Ward Cleaver is the father to two boys, Wally and Theodore (who goes by the nickname the Beaver), and husband to a wife named June. Every day Ward goes to work to provide for his family and gets home in time for the family dinner. He spends time with his wife and children in conversation, relationship, fun, and discipline. He uses his words wisely, and even when he is stern to his boys, he is always fair, loving, compassionate and kind.
I tell of this fictitious father because many earthly fathers do not emulate Ward Cleaver in the least. If we were to juxtapose some fathers against Ward, we would see a striking difference. Many fathers are absent, uncaring, rude, uninvolved, and addicted to alcohol, pills, or drugs. Some fathers make us feel as if they wished we had never been born, and others are so harsh that there is little room for compassion. Yet even if we have what we think is the worst father in the world, we have an idea or picture of what one should or should not do to qualify as a good father.
I was blessed to have a great dad who loved his children unconditionally. He was stern and harsh at times, but we always felt safe and loved in his care. However, as admirable as my father was, he had his human flaws. If I were to juxtapose my father next to our Heavenly Father, he would look subpar.
So whether we had an amazing dad or horrible dad, we are told there is really only one Good Father. He is so much better than any biological father. He has every hair on our heads numbered. He has compassion on us and desires for us the very best. He craves our fellowship and wants to lavish His generous gifts of grace upon us. He loves us unconditionally and proved Himself through Jesus Christ.
Leave all of the disappointments, grief, hateful words, and even abuse your earthly father gave you at the feet of Jesus. He will wipe away the tears given by your biological father. He will take away the self-pity, hate, and resentment that your earthly father planted in your heart. He will replace your broken heart with a heart of love and forgiveness. He will help you to trust because He will never leave or forsake you. He is most assuredly a Good, Good Father!
Thank you Good Father for loving me so much! Through Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
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