For us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live. 1Corinthians 8:6

Perhaps the greatest but least appreciated privilege given to Christians is the opportunity to address God as "Father." Jesus Himself taught His disciples to address God with an intimacy and familiarity that was startling to the people of that day.

In one sense, God is our Father simply because He created us. But the basis for calling God "our Father" is that we are His children by faith in Christ.

We were prodigal sons and daughters who had squandered our inheritance, yet God called us back to Himself. He gave His Son, Jesus Christ, as ransom to buy us back from our slavery to sin. He has restored us to His family in Holy Baptism, and He continues to shower us with His gifts, and He promises that for Jesus' sake we will inherit everlasting life in the Father's heavenly mansions.

In the context of our redemption and of our adoption by Him, we call on our Father with confidence and boldness, sure in our relationship and certain of His blessings.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we give thanks that through Your Son we can call you "Father." Continue to show us Your favor and mercy. Amen.

(Devotions from "The Abundant Life" copyright 1998, CPH. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be printed, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of Concordia Publishing House. Permission is granted for one-time e-mailing of this link to a friend. For information on other devotional material, please contact CPH at 800-325-3040 or visit CPH at www.cph.org.)

Today's Bible Readings: Genesis 49-50    Matthew 23:23-29

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