Shofar Stellenbosch | Our FatherSample

Devotional: The Blessing of Our Father

How should we approach God? (Matthew 19:14, Matthew 5:8). 

God wants to restore our childlike innocence and purity. Children just automatically believe and trust that their dads are the best. Let us come and adore Him as little children. In order to do that we must believe that He is a good Father (Psalm 34:8, Psalm 86:5). God is loving, kind, tender-hearted, meek, patient and longsuffering toward us. 

What will his goodness result in? (Romans 2:4). 

Many people fear God for the wrong reasons. This causes them to run away from God instead of towards Him when they have done wrong.

The definition of blessing: to be blessed means to be happy and envied or to cause to prosper (Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary). God promised Abraham that He will bless all the families of the earth through him. We are all children of Abraham and can access that blessing by faith (Genesis 12:2-3).

The Jewish Bar Mitzvah

Every Jewish boy achieves adulthood when he turns thirteen, and a girl when she turns twelve. The term Bar or Bar Mitzvah means “son or daughter of commandment”. This ceremony is typically celebrated with a service and a family meal.

A blessing is said at this occasion and a child is welcomed into adulthood. Certain rights and obligations are transferred to him or her. The celebrant is generally required to make a speech, which will begin with the words “Today I am a man”. The father will also make a speech where he will bless the child and affirm his (or her) manhood (or womanhood) with words like “this is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased”. It is amazing to see that God our Father used the same words when He blessed His Son, Jesus.

The frantic pace of modern life means that many parents do not give their children enough time and attention. One of the most valuable things for a child is when parents spend quality time with him or her. God has got all the time in the world for us.

Testimony:

I once dreamt of a very big house with many rooms. It was the size of a palace. There was a family living in this house, but there was one big problem: They only lived in one small room at the back of the whole house. They were trapped by their own perception. I realized that this is unfortunately how many Christians live today. They do not know how to access God’s blessings.

Reflective questions:

1. Do you feel that you were affirmed as a man or a woman?
2. Describe your sense of self-worth. Do you feel positive or negative about yourself?
3. Do you honestly think that God wants to bless you and that He has made you a blessing?
4. In what ways do you believe you can be a blessing to the world around you?