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Held by the Father
A Father's Day Message from Deuteronomy
One of my favorite experiences from when I was a child is when my dad picked me up and seated me on his shoulders. I must confess, sometimes I would pretend I was tired, not because I really was, but just so my father would carry me.
From on top of my dad’s shoulders I could see the world in a new way. My legs would swing and I would giggle with excitement. Even though I was just a little boy, when my father carried me I was strong, secure, and loved.
While the Fatherhood of God is revealed distinctly in the New Testament, the theme is developed throughout the Old Testament. In fact, Jesus’ favorite book* opens and closes with references to God as Father.
“The LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son.” - Deuteronomy 1:31
A MESSAGE FOR A NEW GENERATION
Deuteronomy is a book of worship and of re-telling. In the opening pages of Deuteronomy, a new generation stands on the brink of God’s promises. While their parents had experienced God’s deliverance, presence and work among them, most of them have since died. The new generation needs to be reminded of who God is and what it means to live for and with Him. The book of Deuteronomy celebrates how God rescues His people, and how He enters into a relationship with them to live a life of faithfulness under His protection, blessing, and care.
“Ask your father, and he will tell you. . .” -Deuteronomy 32:7
The testimony of parents is meant to be passed down to their children. This really is the motivation behind Keeping The Faith. The elders of Israel shared with their children and grandchildren the amazing story of how God brought His people out of slavery in Egypt and led them through the wilderness to the promised land. They also shared God’s commands (6:7). Deuteronomy provides a guidebook for a community set apart. Here we discover what it looks like to worship and obey God while living well in the land. The law of the Lord is summarized as “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” (6:5) As a loving father teaches his children, so the LORD expresses his love and teaches the people of Israel.
“Is he not your Father, your Creator who made you and formed you?” – Deuteronomy 32:6
Throughout the book of Deuteronomy, we hear five times about God’s special protection, care, and concern for the fatherless. The LORD reveals that He is the One who defends the cause of the fatherless (10:18). Likewise, God calls His people to care for the physical needs of those who are orphaned or vulnerable. The LORD tells us about His affection and love for His people (10:14), and in the closing chapters of Deuteronomy, Moses sings a song about the Father. He is the One who rescues His children. He protects, cares for, and nourishes them with every good thing. They are his delight and the “apple of his eye.” (32:10).
This Father’s Day may you delight to know and tell of the love of our heavenly Father. Happy Father’s Day!
Notes:
*Jesus quoted from the book of Deuteronomy more than any other book in the Old Testament.
Dave Chaves
Dave Chaves, Technology and Product Development Manager, has worked in nonprofit, Christian communications for over 10 years, including most recently with Five Talents USA. He holds a master’s degree from Georgetown University and an MDiv from Africa International University. He’s been involved in cross-cultural missions in East Africa for over 10 years and is an Associate Missionary with the Society of Anglican Missionaries and Senders. Dave met his lovely wife Lucy in Kenya and they have four children. He is excited to be part of the CSLI team and to support communications and technology to further the ministry of discipleship.
COPYRIGHT: This publication is published by C.S. Lewis Institute; 8001 Braddock Road, Suite 301; Springfield, VA 22151. Portions of the publication may be reproduced for noncommercial, local church or ministry use without prior permission. Electronic copies of the PDF files may be duplicated and transmitted via e-mail for personal and church use. Articles may not be modified without prior written permission of the Institute. For questions, contact the Institute: 703.914.5602 or email us.
The Keeping the Faith program has been developed to equip parents, grandparents and other caring adults for intentional discipleship of their children. The program develops and provides videos, articles, recommended resources, a monthly newsletter, and we regularly post on Facebook and Instagram.
In addition, the program uses Aslan Academy groups. Aslan Academy Small Groups are centered around the Keeping the Faith guidebook. The guidebook addresses eight key themes for effective discipleship including: Mission, Biblical Parenting, Back to Basics, Application of Biblical Truths, Heart Change, Character, Spiritual Disciplines and Evangelism.
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