The Father Factor

In the U.S. 15 million children in America (one out of three) live without their father. In an article published by The Washington Times Luke Rosiak explains, "The near-total absence of male role models has ripped a hole the size of half the population in urban areas."

After talking with hundreds of girls from all over the United States and internationally, I am convinced more than ever that young people lack a father's positive influence in their lives. Even the best of dads become busy and don't always spend sufficient time with their children. Many young people believe their dad loves them but doesn't understand them.  Once a girl shared with me, "I have a Christian dad who takes care of my needs but he has never asks me how I'm doing spiritually".

Jesus Prayed, "Our Father"

I find it interesting that the prayer Jesus taught  His disciples didn't start off with "confess your sins" so you can get into the presence of almighty God. Jesus didn't tell His disciples to start their prayers with introspection of their own souls. This prayer starts with "our Father".

For many of us, the idea of "father" is modeled in a negative light by our dads. To picture God as our Father conjures up the idea of a distant relationship that has no genuine depth. We are told in the church over and over again to fear God, to obey God and to serve God but when was the last time you heard a message about the fact that God almighty is your Father?

In the Old Testament, God was a force not to be reckoned with. The Israelites were afraid of God and asked Moses to deal with Him on their behalf. Even the temple was a stark reminder of God's holiness and man's sinfulness. Only the priest could enter the Holy of holies and offer sacrifice for God's people. This holy God, the mighty awesome Creator of Heaven and earth, sent His Son to die so that we could become His children. Those who put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ are adopted into the family of God.

When Jesus taught his disciples to pray He was telling them. My Father is now your Father. I imagine in that moment Jesus might have been thinking about the difficult task of the cross and the plan to redeem mankind. Our hearts long for a dad who will do anything for us, who will spend time with us, who loves us unconditionally. In the Lord's prayer, Jesus wants you to know that this God we are privileged to talk with is your Father. He is the one who will fill that father-size hole in your heart.