Category Archives: Thoughts About God

Headlines, Questions & Identity

The news headlines in recent times have reminded us of the many complex, traumatic and horrendous circumstances facing the international community.  At the same time, news headlines here in Ireland repeatedly reveal similarly complex, traumatic and tragic circumstances facing us in our own towns and cities.

Ireland has not experienced a military invasion like Ukraine.  We are not directly experiencing a major conflict with national, regional and geopolitical ramifications like what is occurring in Gaza and Israel.  Nor has our country deteriorated into civil war as is happening in Sudan. 

But we are experiencing increasing instances of individual and group behaviour that a number of years ago would have been unimaginable.  A young woman murdered while taking a daytime walk along a small town’s civic amenity.  Small children lining up outside their Dublin school attacked by a man wielding a knife.  People who may have been born in another country, many who have become Irish citizens, viciously attacked on our streets. The street violence, burning publicly owned vehicles, vandalising property and looting retail shops which took place on 23rd November are further examples of how societal norms are under threat by those who seem to operate with a completely different worldview.

As a development and relief organisation, much of Tearfund Ireland’s work takes place in Ethiopia.  Two years ago a major internal conflict in the northern part of Ethiopia cost thousands of lives, displaced hundreds of thousands of people and added further strain on the efforts to build resilience and reduce poverty in the region.  Although that conflict has largely ceased, there are regions around the country in which ethnic tensions continue to boil over into disorder and violence.  I recently spoke to an Ethiopian friend who, living in his hometown, commented that he doesn’t always feel safe in his own city. 

The Tearfund Ireland office is located in a part of Dublin’s North Inner City which has been in the Irish headlines the last few months.  Although none of our staff have had negative experiences, we are extremely aware of the risks and concerns frequently faced by people living and working in this area.  Especially when a significant percentage of our team do not look or sound Irish born – because we’re not.  But we have made our home here and desire to contribute to the overall good of Irish society.

This is one reason I am perplexed by what seems to be a common reaction whenever a tragic wrong is perpetrated against another person.  Why does it seem that our first response is to attempt to blame someone in a position of authority?  Why is our loudest public outcry to question why the Gardaí weren’t able to stop the crime from happening?  At what point do we, as an Irish society, accept the fact that we need to begin having some difficult conversations? 

Tearfund Ireland is a Christian organisation and, because of our faith perspective, we hold a conviction that the problems facing societies around the world are not unsurmountable.  We believe all these problems are the result of an internal brokenness – a broken relationship between us and God, which affects all our relationships.  But we also believe these broken relationships can be restored. 

We work with people who are living in extreme poverty, suffering near-famine conditions, internally displaced and in conflict with their ethnically diverse neighbour.  We have seen countless people in these circumstances experience a holistic transformation, where relationships are restored, resilience is built and they interdependently face the challenges of life with increased hope and esteem. 

The similarities between our Irish headlines and that of our international neighbours reminds us that we truly are a global world.  The brokenness, frailties and criminality of humanity are experienced by all.  But these harmful outcomes of human brokenness do not have to be the final word of our collective story.  

I believe God created all people in His image. Creation implies design.  Design implies intent.  Intention implies purpose.  Therefore, since we have been created with a purpose, we have an opportunity, or responsibility, to co-create the society in which we live.

Let us search for creative solutions to the problems we face.  Let us maturely and wisely interrogate the basis of the distorted, broken thinking which plagues our societies.  Let us embrace our divine purpose and co-create a better future for ourselves and for the generations who come after us.   

We are better than what we’re seeing in the headlines.

We can do better.  We can become a better society.

Sean Copeland, 27 November 2023

Flight or Fight

Jesus had a remarkable ability to engage and captivate people from all walks of life.  The stories he told revealed the nature of God, provided guidance for how to live and correction to long-held religious assumptions.  

One of Jesus’ most well-known stories is the Good Samaritan (Lk 10.25-37).  The continued popularity of this story, even among those who are not followers of Jesus, is likely due to its universal application and relevance.  Jesus told the story to explain how to love one’s neighbour, but, like most of Jesus’ stories, the parable of the Good Samaritan is layered with multiple messages which we should be careful not to ignore.

In response to a question from someone asking, “…who is my neighbour?”, Jesus crafted a story about a man who was attacked, beaten, robbed and left injured on a roadside. Two people of religious status passed by the injured man, but a man who would have been considered an enemy is the one who stopped, gave first aid, transported the injured man to safety and then paid for additional care to be provided.

The actions of the characters in the story set up a drastic contrast which confronted the worldview of the listeners. The two people who, based on their vocation and status, would have been expected to stop and give assistance chose not to stop and help. The reasons for their inaction were not mentioned but could have been assumed based on their religious traditions.  Perhaps they were on religious business and did not want to become ‘unclean’…  Perhaps they feared for their own safety…

Even if the men in the story did not help because they feared doing so would put them in danger, difficulty or inconvenience; their perspective was flawed. By choosing not to help, when they had the opportunity to do so, these religious leaders failed to demonstrate love.  At the conclusion of the story Jesus’ answer to the question was clear, the neighbour was the one who demonstrated mercy to the injured man.      

In a different lesson, Jesus warned about another group of people at the opposite end of the spectrum; those who deliberately seek to do harm.  

In John 16.2 Jesus warned his followers of the harm that would likely come to them at the hands of others. He says, “…a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.”

Here Jesus warns about a group of people who are so committed God they are willing to kill another person and believe doing so is a service to God.  From their perspective, these people are convinced of their own righteousness which gives them permission to inflict harm on another person who has a different view, belief, or practice of devotion to God.

In the first story (Lk 10.31) the religious worldview chose to ignore someone who had been harmed, but in the second example (Jn 16.2) the religious worldview chose to inflict harm.   Both choices stemmed from a worldview that was based in some form of devotion to God and both groups, it was implied, felt they were justified in their decisions.  But Jesus made it clear that both were wrong.  In Luke 10.37 he said the people didn’t demonstrate love and in John 16.3 he said the people don’t know him or the Father.

While it may be easy to hear of these two negative examples and respond with something like, “Oh, those are two extremes, I’m not like either of those.”  It may be helpful to take time for critical reflection.

  • Have we ever chosen not to act when we could have done something to help another person who was in need?
  • Have we ever kept a distance from someone because they were from a different culture, ethnic or religious background?
  • Have we ever ‘cancelled’, spoken critically of, or distanced ourselves from someone because they disagreed with us?
  • Have we aligned ourselves with someone who justifies their abusive or violent behaviour against someone else?  

We’re familiar with the defence mechanisms of Fight or Flight.  In relationships we employ these through the manoeuvres of attack or withdraw.  It is important to remember that these mechanisms are based in fear.  When we make decisions based on fear, we are not making decisions from a posture of love.

The first group mentioned above operated in Flight.  They were, in some way, afraid of what would happen if they got involved so they withdrew from the person in need.  The second group operated in Fight.  They were afraid of someone expressing their love for God differently from their own and their means of dealing with this fear was to attack, harm or even kill.  Neither of these actions are borne out of love.  Neither action demonstrates concern or mercy for our neighbour.

At the risk of over-simplifying, our daily decisions lie somewhere along a spectrum between inaction or action, flight or fight.  Regardless of our background, culture, or perspective we each have opportunities to demonstrate mercy, compassion and love to someone in need.  That person may be a work colleague, someone who lives on our road or someone who is our global neighbour.  Right now, many of our global neighbours need us to demonstrate our compassion for them.  

Love does not ignore people in need.  Love does not harm (Rom 13:10).  Love does not fear because perfect love casts out fear(1 Jn 4:18).  

Let us continue learning from Our Father, seeking his grace to demonstrate love to others as he has loved us.

Sean Copeland, November 2023

Day 12, Day 6, Day 1

I’m at my keyboard 6 days after the people of Israel suffered a horrendous attack in which at least 1,200 civilians were brutally murdered.  The Israeli response has been swift and harsh with estimates of 1,300 inhabitants of Gaza killed.  By the time this article is posted those numbers will most certainly increase.

I’m sitting in a coffee shop.  At a nearby table sits a group of men deep in conversation.  Their conversation sounds intense.  Some are animated.  One is loud.  Another gesticulates with dramatic hand gestures while a younger man sits quietly and appears to have tears in his eyes.  I am drawn to them but attempt to mask my interest.  I recognise they are speaking Arabic, so I cannot understand what they are saying.  Given the context of the last 6 days, my imagination wanders…

Twelve days ago, in a country within the Middle East, I was sitting in a room with a group of different Arabic speaking men.  That room was full of people who were leading churches in parts of the world where their activity and message put their physical safety at risk.  Now, 12 days later, I recall the feelings of humility, respect and honour I felt simply to be able to meet these courageous men of passionate conviction.

Over the past six days I’ve found myself conflicted and confused at much of the public reaction to the heightened violence within the Middle East.  I’m surprised at the black and white positions put forward by many.  Perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised – our society is increasingly polarised.  But I cannot help but wonder at the lack of nuance in much of the public discussion, especially in relation to a region with such historical complexity. 

I am a Christian.  I think I am mature enough to understand that my ethnicity, nationality and economic position each play a role in my biases and perceptions.  But, hopefully, my identity as a child of God has a stronger influence in my worldview than any of these.  My aim as a believer is to continually pursue my ongoing transformation through renewing my mind, loving God and loving my neighbour. 

I am a humanitarian.  My expectation is that all people, all ethnicities, all nationalities can live side-by-side in peace and with mutual respect.  I do not want to see anyone suffer injustice, oppression or violence – full stop.  I am even more confused when I hear people invoke the name of God to justify actions which are far removed from the character, nature and personality of God he chose to reveal through the life of Jesus.

Six days. 2,500 people dead.  Where is this going?  When will it end?  Where are those who dare to act on Jesus’ words, “Blessed are the peace-makers…” (Mt 5:9), “…love your enemy…” (Mt 5:44), and “love your neighbour as yourself” (Mk 12:31).

Twelve days ago I heard personal stories from people who have committed themselves to a life of service for ‘the other’.  These people are choosing to break down the dividing walls within their culture and society in order to build a better future for the coming generations. In the coffee shop my fellow patrons are leaving their tables.  I stop trying to pretend.  I intentionally attempt to make eye-contact with them.  Most don’t see me.  But, as he slides in his chair, the animated one looks my way.  We lock eyes.  I nod a friendly acknowledgement.  He returns my gaze with a nod and an ever-so-subtle smile.  For a moment we have contact.  For a moment we share a common humanity.  It’s a small action.  It won’t stop the bombs falling.  But, is it possible, that societal change could begin with an action as small as eye contact and a smile?

Sean Copeland, October 2023

Lessons From a Cedar Tree

“The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon” (Psalm 92:12).

Trees are an amazing part of God’s creation.  I love to photograph trees – especially the ones that are old.  Recently I was in Lebanon visiting and attending meetings with Tearfund Ireland’s local partner.  At the end of a busy week our partners wanted to show us a place that is special to Lebanon.  The country has a long history of producing cedar trees and there are several protected cedar tree reserves.  The cedars of Lebanon are the trees which Solomon used for the construction of the temple in Jerusalem (see 1 Kings 5).

In the high mountainous regions, the cedar trees grow in conditions that can sometimes be harsh.  The winters in the mountains will often be covered with snow, but for several months of the year there is little rain and high temperatures, creating a dry, arid climate.  It is the dry, harsh conditions which create the environment for the tree to produce such a strong wood.  The dry soil forces the tree to send its roots deep into the soil to garner as much of the earth’s nutrients as possible.   Our guide told us, “Nature forces the tree to withstand the harsh climate which creates a resilience.”  

It did not take long for my imagination to explore the analogies with my own life.  How many times have I realised that the times of challenge, difficulty and hardship were the scenarios that produced in me the lessons, learnings and opportunities for growth? 

I recall a time I faced a particularly difficult set of circumstances.  It was painful, confusing and I had not yet comprehended the ‘lessons’ God may have wanted me to learn in that season.  During that time, in conversation with an experienced leader, I relayed how I felt I was at the bottom of my myself and the pain of my confusion felt overwhelming.  Before she said anything a look came over her face that I can only describe as compassion with a mixture of sternness.  “Sometimes you have to dig deeper before you can climb out of the hole.”  For me, at that time, in that circumstance, those words rang true.  That was not an easy sentence to hear; but it gave me a perspective that I needed. 

Walking along the path in the cedar reserves of Lebanon I reflected on how many times I, like the cedar tree, have found the only option is to dig deeper to search for the life sustaining nutrients in the midst of a harsh and difficult environment.

Unlike many other trees, the cedar can live for literally thousands of years.  The reserve we visited boasts several trees that have been dated to be at least 2,500 years old – a few are thought to be closer to 3,000 years old!   The fact that a single tree can survive for that length of time is staggering.

Our guide told us that when a cedar tree reaches about 500 years old, it stops growing taller.  Around this age, the top branches of the tree begin to bend downward and fan outward, creating a canopy protecting the trunk and allows the lower branches to thicken and grow.  That outward expansion, rather than upward reaching, is a mark of the cedar’s continued health and growth.  When the tree ceases to grow taller, the roots continue growing more deeply into the ground, providing durability as well as access to nutrients.

This reveals a fascinating characteristic of the cedar tree.  It has approximately 500 years of upward growth and then, potentially, another 2,000 years of outward and downward growth.

Again, the analogies flow. 

Once a person reaches a certain age, there are perspectives within society which cause us to limit, or question, our effectiveness, or relevance.  In addition, our culture is full of people who are confused about their own sense of meaning and purpose in life, often resorting to striving upward in our careers.  But the cedar tree provides an illustration of individual maturity.  Upon reaching a certain age, our role is not to rest or stop growing, which can cause us to wither.  But, like the cedar tree, continuing maturity requires a change to our growth trajectory.  As the tree redirects its growth, creating opportunities for increasing its own resilience, we too, become more mature as we redirect our goal from an ‘upward’ focus toward an outward focus, creating a canopy for others. 

Reflecting on my past relationships, I have been most impacted by people who have achieved a milestone in their career and are equally focused on their outward growth and their ability to create a canopy for others.  People who have worked hard to reach a stretch goal, as impressive as that achievement may be, are not always the people who are able to provide guidance, insight or wisdom to those who follow. 

I learned a long time ago that I can only give away something that I already have.  Whether that be wisdom, experience, skills, time or resources – if I don’t have it, I can’t offer it to anyone else.  Like the cedar tree, there comes a point where my striving for the heights of success must be redirected to create a canopy for outward influence.  At the same time, I must dig deep so I remain firmly rooted where I can access the necessary nutrients to sustain myself.  In this way, I will build my resilience and flourish through the challenges and have something to offer those who come around me.  Hopefully, for many years to come!

Sean Copeland, September 2023

Justice and Righteousness

We are living in times of significant upheaval and change. The societal and economic disruption brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, worsening weather-related disasters and numerous conflicts around the world have displaced millions, affected food supplies, and destabilised economies. The scale and magnitude of the problems can feel overwhelming at times. But we have confidence that God is good. 

‘God is good’ – this statement is not some trite platitude or merely a nice idea. Neither is it a flippant disregard for the challenges people face.

In Tearfund Ireland we have confidence in the nature and character of God. We believe Jesus is the Prince of Peace, the one who restores broken relationships and reconciles all things to God. We also believe He has invited us, His Church, to participate with Him in His mission.

However, when we see evidence of so much that is broken, wrong and unjust, it can be difficult to know where, or even, how to begin.

Jeremiah 9:24 gives us an insight.  God, speaking through the Prophet says, “…let the one who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on the earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord. 

In this verse God himself provides a very clear description about his nature.  Not only does He exercise kindness, justice and righteousness, but He delights in doing so.  He enjoys demonstrating His kindness.  He likes it when righteousness is established and, when things get off balance, He delights when justice is carried out.   

In this statement God not only reveals three things He values, but He also extends an invitation.  Inherent in the idea that those who know God will understand His ways, is a call to lean into Him, to observe and to learn.  The more we know the Lord, the more we will understand why He delights in justice and righteousness.  God is reminding His people of what He spoke through the author of Proverbs 28:5, “evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it fully”.

It is easy for us to understand that God delights in displaying kindness on the earth.  Many of us have frequently heard teaching about his Love, goodness and mercy so it follows that we would be comfortable with the idea that God desires to display His kindness. 

But it can often be a challenge to apply a similar level of comfort to God’s delight in exercising justice.  Perhaps our understanding of justice has been tainted by hearing others’ appeal for justice for a particular cause?  Perhaps we limit justice to a purely spiritual element of our faith?  Whatever the reason, justice is not often included the first words we use to describe God or how he interacts with the world.  

Yet Psalm 89:14 says, “Justice and righteousness are the foundations of your throne…”.   This passage adds some clarity to God’s delight in exercising justice and righteousness.  In doing so, He is demonstrating the fundamental principles on which His Kingdom is established.  Where the Kingdom of God is present and established, justice and righteousness should be evident.  

In Tearfund Ireland, we believe that God is good.  The display of His kindness is a demonstration of His goodness and love.  We also believe that God established a standard of righteousness when he created all things, and, when that standard is not upheld, justice is required to restore what was broken.  For these reasons, we articulate one aspect of our work as a demonstration of God’s goodness, love and justice to the marginalised and vulnerable around the world.  Through this work people are lifting themselves out of poverty, refugees are being welcomed, children are growing up in families rather than orphanages and those who have been silenced are now being heard.

In the face of global uncertainty, we can say with confidence that God is good.  In the midst of conflict, wrongdoing and poverty we can say with confidence that God delights when justice is done on the earth.  Because we believe these truths about God and His nature, we strive to demonstrate His goodness, love and justice to those most marginalised.  Will you join us?  

Visit www.tearfund.ie for more.

Originally posted on www.tearfund.ie in May 2023

Basic Principles of the World

The Greek word for Believer comes from the same word which means ‘faith’ or ‘trust’ and is translated largely based on its context.  The term ‘believer’ is only used a handful of times in the New Testament, but its use to describe a follower of Jesus has become quite common.

I like this word.  Believer.  It carries the definition of who we are as Christians.  We believe therefore we are believers.  Belief, trust and faith are the fundamental building blocks of our DNA.  This is why I find it so important to revisit belief.

Sometimes, we can lose the confidence of our belief.  Sometimes, our hearts become crowded with the day-to-day which can lead to a dilution of our relationship with Holy Spirit.  And, unfortunately, we can sometimes allow our thinking to be influenced by those who are not believers – even though we may not be aware of this happening.  As a result, we can become lulled into thought patterns and systems of belief that are not Christian.

Paul reminds us of the importance of protecting our hearts.  “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy that depends on human tradition and the basic principles of the world, rather than on Christ” (Col 2.8).

I am reminded of an old tree which has become hollowed. 

On the outside it is tall with a lot of limbs, branches and budding leaves.  It gives the impression of a sturdy tree with internal substance and strength.  But, a large gap is at its base and one can see straight through the tree.    Hollow and deceptive.  The deception is in the assumption the tree is strong, substantial and robust.  The reality is the inside is hollow – weak, of little substance and fragile.   Just like many of the philosophies that shape the culture in which we live.

For example, there is a world-view that demands open-mindedness – yet insists on silencing those who differ.  There is a pervading push toward inclusivity – but it labels those who disagree as having a phobia or being hateful.  There is an increasingly common world-view that says there is no such thing as ‘wrong’ – just don’t do wrong to me.

These, and many other philosophies, are based on purely human ways of thinking.  While there may be an appearance of wisdom or even an element of truth within the initial premise, the conclusions are inconsistent and the implications are unsustainable.  Most of these philosophies are based on human ways of thinking or on the basic principles of this world.  As such, the popular views of culture fall far short of the principles of heaven.  Yet, the believer can be influenced by the current trends of thought.

However, as we’ve been reading in Colossians, the Believer is in Christ.  We have been rescued from the dominion of darkness (Col 1.13) where we were once alienated but have now been reconciled (Col 1.21-22).  Jesus is the supreme authority and he is ‘in’ every Believer (Col 1.27).  As such, we have access to fullness of God in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority (Col 2.10).  Through this relationship with Jesus we have died to the basic principles of this world (Col 2.20) and they no longer have mastery over us.

 

 

Belief in the Fullness

I became a Christian in my teenage years.  I won’t tell you my age… but I now have teenagers of my own.  Even after all this time of being a ‘Believer’ there are a lot of things in the Bible that I find hard to believe.  It’s not that I have an active unbelief toward these things.  It’s more that I am simply unable to comprehend their magnitude.  As a result, they aren’t included among the first things when I describe things I believe.

Take, for instance, this statement from the Apostle Paul:  “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ…” (Colossians 2.9-10; NIV)

Even though my heart burns within me as I read this statement, the implication remains somewhat of a mystery.  It just sounds so BIG.   So unimaginable.   So unbelievable.

I am comfortable with – and even believe – the theological concept that God Himself dwells within Christ.  Hebrews 1.3 tells us that Jesus is the perfect representation of the Father.  And, in many other places, the Bible tells us that Jesus and the Father are One (see Jn 14.10).  Though I may find it difficult to explain, I have a reference point for this.

But, how could it be possible that I have fullness in Christ if, at the same time, God is fully manifesting Himself in Christ?  It feels a bit incongruous.  He’s perfectly pure and I’m…. not.  Some days when I read this scripture I find myself wanting to buy into it wholeheartedly.  But, other times, I sit uncomfortably on a train of thought that leads me to doubt.

Is this tension and lack of clarity a sign of unbelief?   I don’t think so.  Quite the opposite.  Using the analogy of the fence (see posts), I think I’m discovering a fence I didn’t realise was there.  Or, maybe more likely, I’m coming up on what I thought was a boundary only to discover it is an entry-point into a new horizon of faith.

The clue that gave it away was the fact that my heart continues to burn when I read and consider this passage.  That tells me Holy Spirit is highlighting a truth – even if it is hidden.    I have often held onto the truth that God has chosen to make known the mystery of Christ in us (Col 1.27).  But recently Holy Spirit has been highlighting that in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col 2.3).  My heart has been lit aflame with this idea and I have been seeking these treasures with zeal.  So, I will continue pursuing the hidden treasure of what it means for me to have been given fullness in Christ.

I cannot yet articulate all I’m sensing.  Nor do I know the extent of what lies on the other side of the fence I’m dismantling, but I’m praying that I will have sufficient courage to explore the fullness of these new realms.

He Gave the Right (pt 2)

I am an American.  I was born in the USA.  Graduated high school in the late 80’s and finished college and seminary in the early 90s.  Having lived in Ireland for 23 years, I’m married to a wonderful Irish woman and have 4 kids who find it amusing to be ‘half’ American.  A number of years ago I was granted Irish citizenship.  The exchange of citizenship was made official when I received my Irish passport.  But the benefits of citizenship would mean very little to me if I do not exercise the rights of citizenship.  When a right is bestowed on us, it is something we must embrace and choose to exercise.

“To all who receive him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God”

Understood in this way, it is interesting to note that the Greek word for ‘right’ is actually ‘exousia’.  This Greek word is translated as ‘authority’ in other passages.  For instance, when Jesus sent the Twelve to preach and heal the Bible says he gave them power (dunamis) and authority (exousia).  This wider context of the use of exousia sheds deeper meaning on the ‘right’ God extends to enable us to become His children.  Specifically, in the same way authority must be exercised to bring God’s truth into a situation, the rights of family must be exercised to experience the relationship of a child with a Father.

As we’ve seen (see post), the act of receiving Him is an integral component to becoming His child.  Believing in His name is the other crucial component.  We can only ‘receive’ the One in whom we believe.  Through being ‘receptive’ to believe, we are able to put our trust in Him.  And through trust we learn to exercise our right (authority) to BE a child of God.

Exercising the rights of a child more easily flow from a place of belief – where love, faith and trust are deeply rooted.  A child learns trust from infancy.  Since we are children of the perfect parent, we have the opportunity to learn to trust Him from the moment we receive and believe.  It is through love we obey Him.  The more we obey, the more we learn trust.  As we learn to trust him, we develop our understanding.  As we become more understanding of Who He is, we grow in wisdom (see post) and become more like our Father (see Col 2.3).

“To all who receive him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God”

 

 

He Gave the Right (pt 1)

When we talk about God or church in intimate, family terms it can sometimes be a little uncomfortable for people.  But, when discussing those who believe, the imagery and language of family is used throughout scripture.  The family of believers.  God as Father.  God as Daddy (see post).  The believer as a child of God.  Believers as brothers and sisters.  One verse that clearly articulates the reality of the believer as a child of God is John 1.12.

“To all who receive him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God”

The clarity of this statement carries significant meaning and promise.  It states that being a child of God is available to anyone – to all who receive him.  But, it also indicates that becoming a child of God requires a response from us.  He has cleared the way.  He has made it possible.  The invitation is open to all.  But in order for someone to become a child of God, they must first come to a place where the heart is open to receive and then ready to believe.

“To all who receive him, to those who believe in his name…

There are steps in the process toward belief.  Rarely do we simply arrive at belief.  The path toward belief is a journey.  Some people may traverse the path quickly.  Others seem to explore the path more cautiously; and some examine the path judicially.  But along the journey to belief, we go through the process of receiving him (see post).  In order to receive Him, we must first be receptive.  Open and willing to receive.  Then, once we’ve opened ourselves to receive Him, the path toward belief is made clearer.  Our hearts cannot be open to believe Him if they are not yet open to receive Him.

Believing and receiving introduces a Right. 

Then, once someone has arrived at belief, God extends to them the right to become a His child.  The RIGHT.  The idea of us having a Right to become His child adds a layer to what I’ve previously understood about how God brings us into His family.  Namely, that being identified as His child was an automatic part of believing & receiving.  The act of Justification (Jesus’ righteousness conferred on us) is a theological principal that defines a supernatural, spiritual reality.  We were crucified with Christ (Gal 2.20); re-born by the Spirit (Jn 3.5-6) so he old has gone, the new has come (2 Cor 5.17).  Becoming a child of God occurs within this new exchange.

Yet, this idea of us having a RIGHT to become children of God introduces another dimension.  At one level becoming a child is a spiritual reality that occurs as part of a miraculous supernatural process.  On another level, becoming a child is a right we must choose to exercise.

 

“Abba! Abba!”

As I walked through the narrow streets of historic Bethlehem I could hear the sound of a child crying.  It was the sort of cry you might hear if a child had fallen down or was in need of help.  Over the hustle & bustle of the noisy street I could hear, “Abba… Abba…”.  I remember stopping in my tracks, taking in the significance of what I’d just heard.

I was with group of college students who were on a study trip in Israel as part of a course in biblical history.  I knew the scripture verses in which Jesus and Paul used the word Abba to describe God as ‘Daddy’ but my understanding of the word Abba had always remained academic; in my head.  But at this moment, in the narrow streets of this ancient city where people still spoke Aramaic the reality that God is ‘Daddy’ landed home in my heart.  The cry of a child in need of help, calling out for her Daddy was an illustration I will never forget.

Abba.  It is a term of endearment reserved for the intimate relationship between a father and his child.  In today’s language we might say Dad, Daddy, Da, Papa or some other intimate variation.  But in middle eastern culture the pet name Abba continues to be used.

Jesus regularly spoke of God as ‘Father’ and, in doing so, tried to help people perceive God as personal, close and caring.  But on at least one occasion Jesus used the term Abba when he spoke to God (Mk 14.36).  This is evidence that Jesus knew God as his Daddy.  Paul, on two occasions spoke of how we, as children of God, are able to join our voice with Holy Spirit to call God our Abba – our Daddy (Rom 8.16; Gal 4.6).

It is very easy for me to know God as Almighty God, Creator God or even Heavenly Father.  But God wants us to know him as Daddy.  A Daddy who desires a Dad-type relationship with his children.  Up-close, personal, interested and involved.  Willing to give input and caring enough to intervene.  Powerful enough to bring change and wise enough to help us learn.  He wants only the absolute best for all His children and He desires to be Daddy to us all.