Our Family 1 – Relationship with God

 God fills many roles. He knows that we all will relate to him at different times in different ways.  Sometimes we have need for a God who is our friend.  Other times, we have need to see God in less personal ways such as King or Judge.  These are all valid and important views of our Father because He is all these things. He presents Himself to us as Savior first.  He takes on personal roles such as Father, Brother, Friend, Provider.  He calls Himself by other names such as King, Judge

 Personal Roles

God reveals himself to us in some very personal assuring roles. 

Savior - Redeemer  Is 54:5 For thy Maker [is] thine husband; the LORD of hosts [is] his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

In this verse Isaiah the prophet calls him by several names.  He shows him as the redeemer who redeems us from our sins.  He sacrificed himself for us on the cross.  God actually laid his own life down.  Jesus was God.  Jesus died for us so we could have a relationship with Him.  When we understand the price he paid for us, we understand how much he loves us and desires to know us.

 Father   John 16:27 For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.

 A father who fulfills his duties properly is the delight of every child.  He strengthens and loves his family.  He is ready to sacrifice and lay his life down for his family.  He tends to their needs and provides for them.  He gives them direction and spends time with them.  Even though many of us have fathers that fell short or  even failed miserably, He takes on this role of the perfect father. One who is intimately concerned about our needs.

Friend    John 15:15  Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

He is a friend to those who have received Him as savior.  He is a constant companion and one who is with us every second of the day. He desires a consistent and constant relationship with Him.  Even if we are sometimes unfriendly towards Him, he remains our constant friend.

Impersonal Roles

Some other roles He plays are less personal but just as important. They give us a stronger perspective and often emphasize God’s strength and justice. 

King  John 1:49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

He is the King.  When you accepted Jesus as Lord, you came to grips with the fact that you are no longer your own person.  This is a role we adjust into.  It’s harder to see him as King than as Father.  As King he shows his authority.  It is that authority to which we must come under obedience.  He is a merciful King, but King none the less.  That is also a good presentation of God because we can take great joy in knowing that he is also king over our circumstances, our enemies and even Satan.  Yes, he is king and that is a wonderful thing!!!

Creator  Is 43:15  I [am] the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King.             

He is creator.  This at first seems a very impersonal title.  As we think about it and we consider his creation of which we are a part, we also have to consider his magnificence.  He isn’t a creator of the past, he IS Creator.  He continues to create our lives.  He creates through healing and through birth.  He creates by speaking His Word.  He also creates opportunity, provision .  This is a very important role in our lives. It is a very loving role!

 Judge   1Pe 4:5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.

 Nowadays, the term judge is not a popular one.  This however, is also a very important role.  God judges between right and wrong.  He judges our very thoughts and intents.  He will judge us now through our consciences. He will judge us one day as we take account for our lives. 

From this Judge, we can hide nothing.  We have nothing to fear from Him either. If you have accepted Him as Savior, then you will be found innocent at Judgment time.  You are judged innocent now through the blood of Jesus.  Jesus was found guilty because he chose to take on our sins.  We are found innocent even though we should be guilty!  This thought alone should bring shouts of joy!