Abba in Adversity!

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"Whoever heard of a child who was never disciplined?" (Heb 12:7)


More than any other time the truth of the fatherhood of God is appreciated when we pass through periods of suffering. The Father God has one Son without sin but none without scars! In Hebrews 12, the Chapter on Chastisement, God is called the "Father of spirits" (v9). That means, He knows everything about everyone. "He knows our frame and He remembers that we are dust. As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. He will not always chide us" (Psa 103:14,13,9). As God takes us through trials and tribulation, let's stay submitted under Him with the confidence that he is the "Father of mercies" (2 Cor 1:3).

As children of the Father and joint-heirs with Christ His Son in the Father's house, if we share in Christ's suffering today we shall also share in His glory tomorrow (Rom 8:16-18). The Lord Jesus cheers us up today saying, "Let not your heart be troubled!" He states the reason why: "In My Father's house are many mansions... I go to prepare a place for you" (Jn 14:1-3). Reservation of rooms in the Father's mansions!

The good God is almighty, and the almighty God is good! Every thought of His is for our good, and all that He has planned for us in His wise counsel He will translate into reality in our lives and in His time. We need only remain quiet and content. Let us only keep on seeking His face and beseeching Him, "Abba, Father," for His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning! (Lam 3:22,23).

It is when we recognise God the Father's hand on us behind the trials of life that we can be assured of His "good purpose" according to which all things work together (Rom 8:28). The good purpose of the Father is that all His sons and daughters must become "conformed to the image of His Son" (v29). Here lies the answer to all the puzzles of life (Job 12:9,10; 9:24c).

Father-like, He tends and spares us,
Well our feeble frame He knows;
In His hands He gently bears us,
Rescues us from all our foes:
Alleluia! Widely yet His mercy flows!  (H.F. Lyte, 1793-1847)

(This hymn was the requested processional for the wedding of Queen Elizabeth II in 1947, exactly 100 years after the author's death!)

 

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