By David Faust
John concludes his first epistle by writing, “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21, New International Version). The Ten Commandments begin in a similar fashion, instructing God’s people to honor only the true God (“have no other gods before me”) and refrain from worshiping “graven images.”
False gods constantly compete for our attention, and caricatures of the true God abound. That’s why the Lord’s Prayer starts by affirming God’s true identity and holiness.
Tough and Tender
Is the Lord a strict, petty, unmerciful, tyrannical judge? Or is he a mild-mannered, cuddly old gentleman who smiles on everyone with benign approval? Neither of these extremes fit the robust descriptions of God found in the Scriptures.
By telling us to address “our Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:9), Jesus used a title that combines respect and endearment, toughness and tenderness—mingling the power of a protecter with the gentleness of a provider. The psalmist wrote, “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him” (Psalm 103:13). The prophet Hosea compared God to parents who hug toddlers cheek-to-cheek and teach them to walk by holding their arms (Hosea 11:3-4).
The fatherhood of God was a prominent theme in Jesus’ teaching. He told his disciples, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). He described the Father as our unseen but always-present partner who sees what we do in secret and knows our needs even before we verbalize them (6:6-8). He compared God to a kind, attentive father who gives good gifts to his children (7:7-11).
The Lord’s Prayer reminds me to pray, “Thank you, Father, for men who have been my spiritual fathers and mentors over the years. Help me to be a faithful father and grandfather myself, leading the next generations wisely and well.”
Hallowed or Hollowed?
The statement, “hallowed be your name,” reflects another of the Ten Commandments: “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God” (Exodus 20:7). To hallow means to respect highly—to regard something or someone as holy. Sadly, today God’s name is often treated with hollow disdain instead of hallowed reverence.
It’s hollow to use God’s name as a curse or a cliché. If you catch yourself muttering “Oh God” as a mindless habit, don’t use the excuse, “I didn’t mean anything by it.” That’s just the point! If we say God’s name, we should mean something by it.
It’s hollow to twist God’s name into a tool for personal gain. It’s wrong when self-centered politicians misuse his name to attract votes or unethical church leaders manipulate followers and donors with misleading claims.
It’s hollow to praise God’s name in our prayers while dishonoring him with our actions. In Isaiah 52:5, the Lord laments, “All day long my name is constantly blasphemed.” The sinful behavior of God’s people brought his name into disrepute.
By saying, “Our Father in heaven,” we affirm our personal relationship with God, remind ourselves that heaven is a real place, and set our hearts and minds “on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:1-2). Let’s approach God’s throne of grace with reverence and confidence, for we are members of his royal family, crying out, “Abba, Father.”
Next Week: “Your Will Be Done.”
David Faust serves as contributing editor of Christian Standard and senior associate minister with East 91st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is the author of 1 & 2 Thessalonians: Unquenchable Faith.
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