Thomas Watson was an English preacher and author in the 17th century. One of his many published works is a series of thoughts on the Lord's Prayer. Watson has a typically long-winded puritan approach, but he makes some wonderful observations.
One of his questions concerning the 'preface to the Lord's Prayer' - our Father who is in Heaven - asks why we can think of God as the 'best Father.' He offers a number of answers, five of which are included below.
One of his questions concerning the 'preface to the Lord's Prayer' - our Father who is in Heaven - asks why we can think of God as the 'best Father.' He offers a number of answers, five of which are included below.
God is the best Father because He is Perfect
"Your Father which is in heaven is perfect." - Matthew 5:48
Even the best of our earthly fathers fail and are prone to make mistakes. But that is not the case with God. God is perfectly good. He never makes mistakes; He never lashes out uncontrollably; He never fails.
God is the best Father in Respect of Wisdom
"The only wise God." - 1 Timothy 1:17
God always know the perfect path and way to accomplish what needs to be accomplished. This is not just a matter of Him knowing how to accomplish His plans, but His wisdom means that His plans are perfect.
"An earthly parent knows not, in some intricate cases, how to advise his child, or what may be best for him to do; but God is a most wise Father; he knows what is best for us; He knows what comfort is best for us."
"An earthly parent knows not, in some intricate cases, how to advise his child, or what may be best for him to do; but God is a most wise Father; he knows what is best for us; He knows what comfort is best for us."
God is the best Father because He is most Loving
"God is love." - 1 John 4:16
"The affections in parents are but marble...in comparison of God's love to His children. If you are His child you can not love your own soul so entirely as He loves you."
God is the best Father for His riches
"The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the Lord of hosts." - Haggai 2:8
"...that you may know...what are the riches of His glorious inheritance...." - Ephesians 1:18
"God has treasurers that cannot be exhausted, gates of pearl, pleasures that cannot be ended. If earthly fathers should be ever giving, they would have nothing left to give; but God is ever giving to His children, and yet has not the less.
His riches are imparted not impaired.
He cannot be poor who is infinite. Thus He is the best Father; He gives more to His children than any father or prince can bestow."
His riches are imparted not impaired.
He cannot be poor who is infinite. Thus He is the best Father; He gives more to His children than any father or prince can bestow."
God is the best Father because He never dies
"...who alone has immortality." - 1 Timothy 6:16
"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end." - Revelation 1:8
Even the best of our earthly fathers are limited by mortality. No matter how good of a father, their presence and input is restricted to the span of their lives.
"Earthly fathers die...but God lives for ever."
God is immortal; God never dies. We need never fear that God will leave us.
"Earthly fathers die...but God lives for ever."
God is immortal; God never dies. We need never fear that God will leave us.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
- Which of Watson's answers most grips your heart and mind?
- How might that specific idea of God as the perfect Father impact your approach to Him?
- How might that particular concept of God as the perfect Father lead you to pray?