9. THE LOVE OF OUR FATHER

The Christmas Season is a good time to challenge misconceptions about our Heavenly Father. Many think of Him as more vindictive than a cruel human father. Yet would a normal loving father treat his child severely for wrongdoing? Could a child become too wicked for a father to forgive? Would any father sadistically punish his child forever and ever? No, a thousand times no.

There is a war between the Father and Satan which began when sin originated in Heaven over six thousand years ago. It revolves around the reputation of God’s character contrasted with the character of Satan. We often assume this battle is about who of the human family God will save and who will be lost. Yet that misses the reality that the real struggle is between God’s government of love and Satan’s government of fear and coercion.

Lucifer, the most brilliant angel God made, challenged his Creator and along with his angels was cast out. As Satan, he continued his diabolical work on this earth, causing many to have a picture of God as a severe, unforgiving deity more like Satan.

God had the power to easily destroy Satan and his angels, which He would have done if He was like what many claim. To the contrary though, He never forces anyone’s will because He only operates from love, mercy and truth. He allowed Satan to darken the truth for four thousand years spreading belief that God was cruel and vindictive. But then God made the ultimate sacrifice. He sent His Son to become a human to reveal the truth about His character of love.

In a miraculous birth through Mary, the Son of God became our Brother and lived thirty-three and a half years among humanity. Satan attacked Him from birth till death. He became the ultimate picture of the love and self-denial of His Father as He went to the cross to suffer and die at the hands of wicked people. He revealed the epitome of mercy as He prayed from the cross, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” His life embodied the Truth of the law, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” as He refused to save Himself in order to save His rebellious children.

He clearly exposed at Calvary the extent to which divine love will stoop to save others.  The Father’s secret power is love. Satan relies on force. At the cross, these two stood in sharp contrast. The whole universe observed the crucified Savior contrasted with His vicious foe. Satan had tempted the Son every step of His life using all the force he could, yet he failed. Love had overcome.

The major purpose of Calvary in light of heaven was to put on display the God of love. While Satan was assaulting Him with every temptation imaginable, the Savior viewed humanity as His prodigal family who He allowed to nail Him to the cross. There is no trace of condemnation, not even a fleeting thought of retribution, only sorrow and forgiveness. This forgiveness was the same as was given to the prodigal son. No penalty needed to be paid. The father freely forgave him, clothed him with the finest clothes and held a great celebration to welcome him home.

This is the message the Son of God brought us when He came two thousand years ago. “The Father is not a pagan deity who demands appeasement for our offenses. He is a Heavenly Father tenderly loving all His earthly children, freely forgiving them, bringing healing for their sin and offering each one new, abundant life.”

Calvary proclaims to the world, “IF I BE LIFTED UP, I WILL DRAW ALL MEN TO ME AND MAKE EACH ONE A NEW CREATION!”

RICE KRISPIE COOKIES
1/2 c natural crunchy peanut butter
1/2 c honey
1/4 c vegan milk powder
1 t vanilla
Mix together, then add:
1/4 c unsweetened coconut
1/4 c raisins
1/4 c pecans
2 c puffed rice
Roll into balls and place on wax paper.