Imagine a child pondering the paternity results from an (otherwise) anonymous father. The child earnestly begs the question … “Are you my Dad?” The question, itself, is a jarring one. Filled with numerous expectations and uncertainties, the child’s circumstance is in limbo.
Traditionally and biblically, a child’s lineage is only as strong as its father’s bloodline. If someone does not have a living father (deceased), or they did not have the opportunity to have a known or legally responsible father, then they are rendered “fatherless.” Paternity establishes an inheritance for children. An inheritance creates stability and vitality within the household. Any separation from the father virtually severs the connection to the bloodline and wealth. Wealth is not only monetary, but it includes sage and wise counsel from a dad. When a child is unaware of, or is forced to ask about his or her paternal bloodline – society grieves. Proverbs 29:15 says, “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.” The family structure is fractured and weakened when the father’s position is in question.
As spiritual beings, children of God and earthly vessels – we may question our paternal lineage at times (openly or in private). God is our Father, which art in Heaven. Isn’t it good to know that He will never leave us nor forsake us? For those of us who feel “fatherless” on Earth, Psalm 68:5 says, “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.” Of all the ways our Heavenly Father could have chosen to relate to us, He chose the language of family. God could have described Himself as a benevolent ruler, kind supervisor, or patient landlord. But instead, He chose the word father.
Our Heavenly Father will never forsake us nor withhold any good thing from us. Our lineage, our inheritance, our wealth and our wisdom are intact. But most importantly, He lets us know daily that we are His and He is ours. So, the answer to the question “Are you my Dad?” is clear – God is our Father, our Jehovah Jireh, our Jehovah Rapha, our El Shaddai, and yes, He is our Dad!
“I will be your Father. You will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord who rules over all” (2 Corinthians 6:18).