A Father Like No Other

When you read a verse like this, what do you see?

‘…And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord…’ (Eph. 6:4)

At a first glance, what we read is that fathers should be careful in the way they apply ‘discipline’ to react to their children’s misdeeds. They should not use harshness or brutality in training their children. But can I invite you to take a second glance at the verse again?

‘…And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: BUT bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord…’ (Eph. 6:4)

The text does not end at saying fathers should not exasperate or frustrate their children with brutal disciplining. It continued by proposing a BETTER way to get this training done. The text continues by saying fathers should bring their children up in the ‘nurture and admonition’ of the Lord. Now what does this tell you?

Simple: GOD DOES NOT USE HARSHNESS or BRUTALITY in disciplining his children for their misdeeds. Stop expecting judgment for your shortcomings. God has a better way to train you up.

‘…If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is FORGIVENESS with thee, that thou mayest be feared…’ (Psalm 130:3-4)

Now listen carefully: God is the only Father who uses FORGIVENESS to make His Children fear Him! Hallelujah.How will you be a believer in Christ and be expecting fiery judgment from God for your shortcomings?That should only be the worry of those who consciously reject the Gospel of Grace!

‘…a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the ADVERSARIES…’ (Heb. 10:27)

If you are a believer in Jesus, you are NOT an adversary. Expecting devourer, poverty, disappointments or sicknesses from God as a RESULT of your shortcomings is as a result of the “spirit of SLAVERY” (also known as the spirit of bondage)!

“…For ye have NOT received the spirit of bondage again to fear…” (Romans 8:15)

God never uses harshness to discipline His Children! God does not provoke his Children to anger. God does not exasperate His Children. God is the only Father who uses FORGIVENESS to make His Children fear Him! No wonder He is called ‘Abba Father’.

‘…For ye have NOT received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father…’ (Romans 8:15)

Oh glory to Jesus. Take a moment to sip this truth into your spirit man and comeback with a ‘Thank You Father’ for who You are to me.

Amen.