16. Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring-- not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 18. Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be.
The term “father” means “originator or author of something”. We have George Washington who is called the “Father of our country”. He didn’t give birth to it, but he was the first to head it and provide its leadership.
Philippians 2:22 “But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.” The apostle Paul calls himself the spiritual father to Timothy and also to Onesimus . He refers to these young men as his sons. Peter refers to Mark as his son. They were the ones God used to bring these men to faith in Christ. They were the primary founders in their spiritual life.
In addition to being born again and Jesus being our spiritual Father, He is the founding Father of a new nation, a godly kingdom. He models for us a close relation as a loving father to a son. Often Jesus calls His close followers “my little children.”
The primary founder of the nation of Israel was Father Abraham. He was the first one to whom the promise was given. It was by faith that he received this promise which passed from him to Isaac then to Jacob and his offspring. They call Abraham their Father. The Jewish people were his descendants but as we look in Romans it was by faith that Abraham was justified, Paul tells us that he was the primary founder for justification by faith according to the plan set up by God.
I know it is Christ who has given us the ability to have eternal life. In this sense He is truly the Father of Eternity. It is through His sacrifice that I will be able to live forever. He is the leader and the head of the church.
Application: Do you know that is your experience? Do you know for sure if you were to die today that you would be forever in heaven with Christ?
As head of the church, Jesus is the primary founder and the one who still is in charge of His kingdom people. He has the family, or as Peter says, a nation, a body, a building, and a bridge.
As the primary founder Jesus fulfills the name Everlasting Father.
Prayer: Father, thank you that once we become Your child, we are Yours forever. Thank you that you Word tells us that nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from Your love. Not even death itself. Indeed, it will only draw us nearer! Come, Lord Jesus.
