'Go Ask Your Dad'

    It's a familiar response to my kids' requests. Such an oft spoken phrase that no one really pauses to process its meaning. There is a lot of information in those four words. For one thing, it implies that my kids have a father to go to. It also implies that he is a man of authority, because otherwise it would not be necessary to get his approval or permission.  And in saying that short sentence to my kids, it is made known that I recognize the position and authority of their dad. Sometimes the things we say with little thought hold great truth.

   The opening verse to the Lord’s prayer is a similar type of phrase. So familiar that we often don’t even stop to think about the meaning the words carry. But what a wealth of truth in these few words of glorious Scripture!  Matthew 6:9 (New International Version) “Our Father in heaven...”

   Let us consider who is speaking here, what He is saying, and who He is speaking to.  Of course, being one of the most famous passages of all time, most people know that this is the opening line of the Lord’s Prayer. The “Lord” being our Lord Jesus as He speaks and teaches His disciples and all who would someday read this passage, about a model of prayer that is pleasing to God. So Jesus is who is speaking here.

   Why is that important?  Usually we just scurry past this first line ...

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