Like Father Like Son! (part 1 of 4)

Since today is marked on the calendar as “Father’s Day”, I have been doing some reflection this past week on fathers and especially on the Heavenly Father. I am thankful I had a good relationship with my Dad. I never questioned his love or his ability to provide what I needed. He disciplined as he saw fit and I am a better person for it. He was also a great encourager and supporter when it came to the activities of my life. And of course that included spiritual things. Since he passed away about a year and a half ago, I do miss sharing time and conversation with him. However, his influence in my life lives on.

There are traits of my father that are very much alive in my life. My wife will frequently remark, “You’re just like your Dad.” or “You did that just like your Dad would have done.” or “You sounded just like your Dad.” Besides the sharing of some of my father’s mannerisms, I also share some of his physical characteristics. In especially the last couple years before his departure from this realm, there were times people would see me and think I was him. When someone would comment regarding how much we looked alike, my Dad would remark that he was my son because he had more hair. “Like father, like son” -- my father’s work ethic became a part of my life, as well as his focus on the importance of spiritual things and involvement with the church. I thank God for the gift my father was to me and the part of his ESSENCE that lives on in my own life.

As Jesus walked on the face of this earth, He provided glimpses of the ESSENCE OF THE HEAVENLY FATHER. The consistency of Jesus’ life and teachings revealed the reality of “like Father, like Son.” Jesus even declared, “I AND THE FATHER ARE ONE.” ( John 10:30 ESV) So much was the ESSENCE OF THE FATHER shared by the Son that when Philip asked that they be shown the Father, we have the following response of Jesus.

We read…
“(9) Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? WHOEVER HAS SEEN ME HAS SEEN THE FATHER. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? (10) Do you not believe that I AM IN THE FATHER AND THE FATHER IS IN ME? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works.” ( John 14:9-10 ESV)

The Heavenly Father was glorified in the life of the Son. Jesus revealed how it is possible for one to live in this realm and be pleasing to the Father. As children of God, the ESSENCE of the Father is to be evident in our own life as well. Is He being seen? As we grow spiritually, is His likeness being exhibited more and more in our actions and words? If we are truly His, there should be something in our life that clearly declares it. May we seek to make it so!

Have a great day ALLOWING GODLY CHARACTER TO PERMEATE OUR LIFE!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Godliness