“As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear Him.” (Psalms 103:13)

The third title for the coming Christ given to the prophet Isaiah is Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus is the Everlasting Father. He has compassion for us as a father has compassion for his children. He listens with compassion to all our pain, fears, complaints, and prayers. Under His care, His protection, and His provision, we are safe and will be gratified for eternity.

His heart broke for those who were far from Him. As the father in the parable of the prodigal son waited for his son to return, Jesus is waiting for the lost ones to come back. The prodigal son departed from the father and lived a rather free life far away. There, he squandered his wealth in wild living. Not until he hit the bottom of his life did he come to his senses and set out to go back to his father. With compassion and joy, the father ran to him when he saw his lost son from a great distance. With mercy, the father received his lost son, embraced him with love, and gave him the best robe, a ring, sandals, and a fatted calf. Our heavenly Father is forgiving and full of compassion. He eagerly awaits our return and readily accepts us when we come back to Him. We return to Jesus to enjoy His blessings and grace.

“God has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities.” (Psalms 103:10)

When we return to God, He will forgive our sins; as the prodigal son returned and the merciful father accepted him without punishment. The Everlasting Father is willing to accept everyone, to forgive our sins and give us the Holy Spirit so we may live in peace and enjoy abundant grace.

When we approach the Lord Jesus in prayer, we can relate to Him in different ways. Sometimes we talk with Him as our Heavenly Father, which He is. God also gives us His Holy Spirit as a seal, testifying to this sonship. The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. We cry from our hearts, “Abba, Father,” and He responds (Romans 8:15, 16).

If we acknowledge Jesus as our Heavenly Father, He will lead us through our days on earth. We should plead with Him to dwell in our hearts so that He truly becomes the Father in our lives. The love of the Lord Jesus Christ will certainly make a great difference in our lives.