“And I will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” – 2Corinthians 6:18
LIGHT FOR NOW: The Father’s greatest desire is not merely to bless His children, but to have a relationship with them.
Throughout Scripture, one truth repeatedly emerges: God’s ultimate goal has always been relationship. Many people approach God primarily for what He can give. They seek His provision; His protection; His healing; His blessings. While God certainly provides these things, His heart longs for something deeper; He desires fellowship, He desires family, and He desires relationship. Paul quotes the promise of God: “And I will be a Father unto you…” Notice that God does not merely promise gifts. He promises Himself. This is one of the most beautiful themes running through the entire Bible.
In Eden, God walked with Adam. In the tabernacle, God dwelt among Israel. In Christ, God came to dwell with humanity. Through the Holy Spirit, God now dwells within believers. And in the New Jerusalem, God will dwell forever with His redeemed people. From Genesis to Revelation, the Father’s desire remains the same: “I will be with them”. The greatest blessing of salvation is therefore not merely escaping judgment. The greatest blessing is restored relationship with God. Many believers spend their lives seeking God’s hand while neglecting His heart. They pursue what He can do while overlooking who He is. But mature believers eventually discover that the greatest treasure is God Himself.
David understood this. He wrote: “Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee”. David was not merely pursuing blessings; he was pursuing God. Paul possessed the same passion. Despite his revelations, miracles, and ministry accomplishments, he still declared: “That I may know him…” This is the cry of a heart captivated by relationship. The Father then says: “…and ye shall be my sons and daughters…” This is covenant language. It speaks of belonging. It speaks of identity. It speaks of intimacy.
The Father does not merely invite believers into a religion; He invites them into a family. One of the tragedies of modern Christianity is that many believers know God’s activities but not His presence. They know about Him, but they do not enjoy fellowship with Him. Yet eternal life itself is relational. Jesus said: “This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent”. Notice eternal life is not merely endless existence; it is knowing God. The word “know” here speaks of intimate relationship and personal fellowship. The Father’s love therefore calls believers beyond mere religious activity.
Prayer is not merely a duty; it is communion. Worship is not merely a routine; it is fellowship. Bible study is not merely acquiring information; it is encountering the Father’s heart. This is why Jesus often withdrew from crowds to spend time with the Father. Though He ministered to many, He never allowed activity to replace intimacy. Believers must learn the same lesson. It is possible to be busy for God and yet neglect fellowship with God. The Father desires more than service, He desires relationship; more than performance, He desires presence; more than activity, He desires intimacy. The greatest evidence that a believer understands the Father’s love is not merely that he works for God, but that he enjoys being with God. The Father who redeemed you through Christ now invites you into daily fellowship with Himself. And there is no greater privilege in all of life.
INSTRUCTION: Spend time today simply enjoying God’s presence. Do not rush through prayer. Take time to fellowship with Him as your loving Father.
CONFESSION/PRAYER: Father, thank You for calling me into relationship with You. Help me never to become so busy with spiritual activities that I neglect fellowship with Your heart. May my greatest delight always be found in knowing and walking with You. Amen.
For More light; get the message, ‘The Love of God’
QUOTE: The greatest gift of the Father’s love is not what He gives us, but that He gives us Himself.
DAILY READING: MORNING: 2CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 6; EVENING: PSALM CHAPTER 73
LIGHT FROM THE WORD 