Week 25: Grace Upon Grace

---

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

…

For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

John 1:12-14, 16 (ESV)

---

If you are to spend Father’s Day this year without your father present, for whatever reason, know that you are seen, that you are heard, and that you are loved. Even in a season of people celebrating their physically-present parents, know that you are not alone. After all, we are already recipients of the greatest grace there is: that of being children of God.

This sentiment should not merely be an abstract one. To be a child of God should not just be a sappy phrase you could write on a T-shirt and call a day. No, we are truly redeemed to live as we should be: children of a loving Father.

Of course, this may not always numb the pain of losing your father to physical distance, to emotional conflict, or even to death – that accursed enemy of love,  but it is my prayer that you, gentle reader, whether you have your father with you or not, would be able to seek comfort in the Perfect Father’s embrace.

After all, in the care of an earthly father there truly is comfort, but in the care of the Heavenly Father there is salvation. Salvation does not only mean legal innocence regarding sin, but also a true unity with God Himself! The very point of Jesus becoming incarnate and saving us is not merely to give us a clean slate, but to bring us to see the glory of the Father, just as Jesus Himself can see it. In the Father’s glory, there is love. In the Father’s glory, there is peace. In the Father’s glory, there is a home for you and me.

Our adoption by the Father is not a one-time thing. No, we continue to live as recipients of His grace: not just one favor or a few, but grace upon grace. We receive this grace constantly on this side of eternity and the next. Our Father, who has been the Father of the Son since eternity, is truly defined as an eternal Father. He has no shortage of practice; in fact, His essential identity has always been that of a Father! This God who has fashioned the universe and suspended each star in the sky knows you by name, and loves you.

Young or old, healthy or frail, accompanied or alone, know this one thing: you are loved by your Father. His love leaves no room for failure or darkness.

Father of the fatherless and protector of widows

is God in his holy habitation.

God settles the solitary in a home;

he leads out the prisoners to prosperity,

but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.

Psalm 68:5-7 (ESV)