285. DEU 32:6. THE PATERNAL CHARACTER OF GOD

Deu_32:6. The Paternal Character of God

"Is he not thy father?"’97Deu_32:6.

The text is a part of that celebrated and truly interesting song of Moses; a song wherein the wonderful acts of God’s goodness to the children of Israel are celebrated It also contains a sad record of the defections of Israel towards God. The text is a pointed interrogation respecting the return they had made to God for his goodness: "Do ye thus requite the Lord, O foolish people, and unwise? Is he not thy Father?" &c.

Let us contemplate,

I. God as the Father of his People.

And, then, notice,

II. The Claims which he has upon his Children.

Notice,

I. God as the Father of his People.

In one sense God is the Father of all mankind, for we are all his offspring, and in him we live, and move, and have our being. But God is especially the Father of believers. Unconverted sinners are alienated from God. His image they do not bear; in his family they do not dwell; his authority they do not acknowledge.

As the Father of his people,

1. God is the Author of their spiritual existence.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again, &c. 1Pe_1:3. Now, spiritual life is imparted by God. His spirit quickens and regenerates the soul, and makes them new creatures in Christ Jesus.

2. He makes paternal provision for his children.

His children do not want any good thing. "He gives grace and glory," &c. "If your parents being evil," &c. "My God shall supply all your need," &c. Now, this provision includes not only spiritual food, but suitable raiment. The best robe, the garment of salvation.

3. He affords parental protection to his children.

He watches over them every moment. Holds them in his hands. Covers them with his feathers. Hides them in his pavilion. Preserves them as the apple of his eye. Gives his angels charge concerning them, &c.

4. He imparts paternal instruction.

All his children are taught of the Lord. By his word, and ministers, and Spirit, they are instructed in all his will, led into all truth, and made wise unto eternal sal-ration.

5. He takes paternal delight in his children.

He views them with complacency and delight. His ears are ever open to their cries. He bottles all their tears. Delivers them from all their troubles, and spares them as a father spareth his only son, &c. See also Isa_66:13.

6. He administers paternal correction to his children.

Children need it, and will suffer without it. Hence the Lord chastises, not because he taketh pleasure in it, but for their advantage, &c. See Jer_30:11; Heb_12:6, &c.

As a father,

7. He lays up a paternal provision for his children.

"O how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee." He will give glory, immortality, &c. Receive his children to himself, &c. 2Co_12:14. "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard," &c.

Notice,

II. The Claims which he has upon his Children.

1. He ought to receive from us the highest reverence.

We should cultivate his fear. Be in it all the day long. Set his fear always before us. Hallow his name. Revere him, &c.

2. He ought to have our supreme affections.

"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God," &c.

3. He should possess our unwavering confidence.

Trust in him at all times, &c. Commit all we have to him. Acknowledge him in all things, &c.

4. He should have our cheerful obedience.

Be ye followers of God as dear children, &c.

5. He should receive from us our most exalted praises.

Bless the Lord at all times, &c. Praise him for evermore, &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS