They say familiarity breeds contempt. Which is a way to warn us that we can get used to things and take them for granted. If you were asked to quote Matthew 6:9-13 you might pause for a moment. Perhaps even wonder what these verses might be. However, you could most likely quote them with just a little prompting. "Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name." Sound familiar? Perhaps you know a more modern translation like "Our Father who is in heaven, holy is Your name." There is a strong possibility you are familiar with the passage, you just usually do not quote the chapter and verse. The Lord's prayer, or perhaps the disciple's prayer, is one of the most commonly known passages in all of Christendom. No matter if you are Catholic, Orthodox or some flavor of Protestant, this is a passage we can quote together. The words were provided by Rabbi Yeshua to His disciples when they asked Him how to pray. It was not an unusual request. Jewish rabbis often taught their disciples prayers to recite and model prayers to follow. It is a good prayer. But, has it become so common that we do not really take the time to consider what the Lord was teaching?
Referring to God as Father was not a new concept for the Jews. In Psalm 86:5 David writes, "A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, Is God in His holy habitation." Speaking of Solomon, God tells David, "I will be his Father, and he shall be My son" (2 Samuel 7:14). God has been the One who has repeatedly rescued Israel; He is their tender Father. He also disciplined them as a loving father. Hebrews 12:7 reminds us of that truth, "It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?" The Apostle Paul proclaims that we can see God as our intimate father, calling Him Abba Father, a most familiar name not unlike our word "daddy". God is our tender and compassionate father who is there to care for us, encourage us, correct us and to love us unconditionally.
Knowing humanity as well as He does, Messiah Jesus, gives us more than a reminder of God's tenderness as a father. Jesus also gives us a reminder of God's majesty. This is the God of the Heavenlies. He is the God who is above all and oversees all. He is not the god of a nation, He is the God of the universe and beyond. The worlds cannot contain Him. This truth cuts both ways, He is that God and Father who has the power and presence to care for us like no other. He is not the god of the Romans, or the Philistines made of wood or stone. No, He is the God of creation Who is also our loving Father. It should give us great confidence in prayer and security as we move through each day. However, Jesus reminds us that even though God is our Father, He is not to be taken lightly or for granted. The God of the heavens is also holy.
The Greek word is, hagios, the companion Hebrew word is, qodesh, they both mean to separate or to be set aside. To be sacred, set apart from what is common. God is not to be treated profanely. He is not to be seen as common or ordinary. He is not to be viewed as just another being. This father is unique in His majesty and glory. In Isaiah 43:15, God reminds Israel of Who He is, for Israel has forgotten and treated the Lord with contempt. "I am the LORD, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King." The disciples would be well familiar with Exodus 20:7, the third commandment, "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that takes His name in vain." God's name is to be exalted above all names. His name is not to be used profanely. Saying,"Oh my God, the traffic was terrible" is not a prayer. I am not sure replacing "God" with "gosh" is that much better. The disciples had great respect for God's name. It was holy, set apart, from all other names. It was never even spoken so to be sure not to use it in a common fashion. It should be held in reverence by us as well. We can take comfort in God as our Father, however, we should never get used to Him, in the sense that He is just another being we occasionally pray to. He is both tender and Holy. His name is to be held in high honor. When was the last time we let the wonder of all God is touch the depth of our souls at the mere mention of His name?
The danger we may face is treating our heavenly Father as we might treat our earthly fathers. Letting some distance build up and communication break down. As an earthly father, time with my children is precious. Communication is treasured. Unlike the days when our Lord gave His disciples this prayer our families are scattered. Our days are overflowing. Our schedules overloaded and our "to do" lists unending. Relationships suffer. It has become a part of life. It may leave us with times when, as full as life is, people seem distant. Generations no longer surround the family farm. Regular "family time" becomes an event rather than the routine. Our culture and society has made texting and an occasional e-mail a substitute for family intimacy. We may schedule a moment or two for touching base now and then, but it is difficult to experience that real communication the old close community had to offer. It is not by intent or design. It is just how life has evolved in much of the world.
The same can become true with our Heavenly Father. Schedules get tight and, as a father, God understands and is forgiving, treasuring the time we have for Him. However, taking the time to truly fellowship with the Holy One of Israel may be more than we can fit in. God is so much more than just your tender, forgiving, heavenly dad. He is to be held in awe and worshiped in humility. The simple mention of His name should fill us with a little sense of wonder. If you feel that the God of Heavens is a bit distant. it unlikely that He is the one who moved away. Messiah Jesus knew that His followers needed the balance of a Heavenly Father and a Holy God if they were to grow in grace and holiness themselves. He is your tender Father; do not allow Him to become your distant God.
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