God -- the Father

A few weeks ago, I was reading in Nehemiah, where I found an amazing and humbling truth.

God the Father is the best example of parenthood. The Bible is full of characteristics of our Heavenly Father, but in Nehemiah chapter nine I found a list of things which are indicative of God's parenting "style".

In this chapter we find Israel as a rebellious child and the Father's response to His children.


Verse 17 shows that God is:
1. Ready to pardon
2. Gracious and merciful
3. Slow to anger (ouch! that one hurt)
4. Of great kindness
5. Faithful -- He never forsakes His children

Verse 19  shows God:
6. Leads His children (notice it says lead, children follow our example more than our instruction)
7. Shows them light (I liken this to sharing the Light of God's Word)
8. Shows them the way wherein they should go (sound familiar? Proverbs 22:6)

Verse 20-25 says God:
9. Gave His Spirit to instruct (It should be our primary goal to see our children saved and living Holy Spirit-filled lives)
10. Provides for the physical needs of His children
11. Blesses His children

Verse 26, 27
12. God punishes rebellion

In this chapter you will also find that God the Father:
13. Seeks restoration when a child has rebelled
14. Provokes true repentence
15. Finally, God the Father forgives

What a challenge! Remember, "Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it." I Thessalonians 5:24