Psalm 8:1, “Father, I Adore You! (Coelho-1972)

My Shepherd called me into my prayer closet this morning. I presented the sacrifices and prayed for my pastor friends, our leaders, the church prayer list, and all missionaries and evangelists on our missions card. His Spirit led with “Abba, Father” as my soul began, “Our Father, which art in Heaven.”

It’s Father’s Day. Abraham came to mind! Who are his sons? John the Baptist chastised the unbelieving Jews: “Think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham” (Matthew 3:9). He did! For “They which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham” (Galatians 3:7). God justified the heathen through faith in Abraham (Galatians 3:8). He made us “lively stones” and set us in His building, Jew and Gentile, sons of God by faith (1 Peter 2:5).

Romans would sound like a letter to Jews, except it’s addressed to “all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints” (Romans 1:7). Romans 1:14-16 sounds like he is addressing Gentiles. Romans 3 sounds like he is talking to Jews (Romans 3:1). Romans was written in Corinth, before he departed to Jerusalem, where he was arrested and taken to Rome (Acts 20). Acts 28 concludes with a statement that is profoundly impactful upon Jews and Gentiles: “Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves” (Acts 28:28-29). In Romans 10-11, Paul explains that only believing Jews would remain in the kingdom of God represented by the good Olive tree, together with the grafted-in believing Gentiles (Romans 11:17-24).

Father Abraham had many sons. Many sons had father Abraham. I am one of them, and so are you. So let’s all praise the Lord. — Anon.

In the valley, kneeling in the shadow of His Cross, I thought of Isaac’s question to his father, Abraham: “Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” (Genesis 22:7). I heard the words of John the Baptist: “Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29; see 1 John 2:1-2). And I saw standing beside the Cross “a Lamb as it had been slain” (Revelation 5:6), as the Spirit, like a Dove, lighted upon Him and spoke to my heart, here is “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” (Revelation 17:8). As I pondered the Lamb I understood that I was looking at and into the very heart of GOD, our Father, which art in Heaven.

At His table, my Shepherd anointed my head with His oil and filled my cup with His grace. We commiserated a while before He led me into His harvest, goodness and mercy following close behind.

Praying for revival! 🙏

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