FROM THE FATHER

Gary Bergel

A gust of wind carrying the scent of rain and wet tree bark caught the young boy's senses as he stooped and gathered some lengths of wood into a bundle. Straightening up, he glanced at the window and could tell from the slant of the afternoon shadows that sunset was a little over two hours away. Quickening his work pace, he soon finished cleaning and re-ordering his dad's workshop. After sweeping the floor, he was released and quickly made his way out into the beckoning countryside which cradled his village - hills and limestone outcroppings which often provided him with recreation, delight, and lessons from the world around him.

The rain-washed ivory bluffs, steeped in the golden light of late afternoon, were carpeted with spring grasses and wildflowers. Fiery red anemones were completing their bloom and were quickly being replaced by tissue-thin poppies. The third and final spring wash of crimson splendor was sweeping across the terraced hills.

Settling in under what appeared to be an ancient and certainly gnarled olive tree, the boy leaned back, breathed deeply, and delighted himself with the nectar of the rain-washed air, so full of wild flower scents and spring greening. A beetle crawled upon his sandaled foot and caught his eye. Bending close, he studied the bug's emerald green back mirroring puffs of passing clouds. Now and again, it flashed brilliantly, reflecting the long, shafting rays of the setting sun.

The boy's heart quickened as he marvelled at the simple but grand majesty of creation. The iridescent emerald green of the beetle's shell reminded him of another time, another place, which he searched his memories to bring to clear remembrance. The golden flashes of sunlight triggered an almost aching desire to recall. His spirit seemed to snap as a voice suddenly spoke and echoed deep within his soul. Heaven seemed to open before him as the words entered his heart:

"My Son, fear not; I am well pleased with you. Know that while we must suffer being apart for a season, I am ever with you, and I have made a provision for this time of physical separation. You may call upon Me and I will listen. You may inquire of me and I will answer. You may seek Me and know me in your heart. You may ask and I will favor your every request and meet your every need. You may come and find rest and comfort, even when you are in agony and travail. I will never refuse nor reject you. I will make wisdom, truth, strength and courage abound to you as you draw apart, commune with Me and walk in obedience. Though we suffer being apart, yet we are One. My Spirit, my breath, my life, my wisdom, my all are yours.

Know also, that as your life will one day literally be offered unto Me, on that day I will multiply and make this same grace and favor abound to the multitudes who receive, walk with and obey you-even unto the end of time."

As dusk was giving way to evening darkness, the boy rose, gave thanks, returned to his village and walked in the ways in which his Father had instructed him. "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." (Luke 3:52)

Often, He would be seen looking heavenward and his followers would hear him

say, Father I thank you that you have heard me."

A RELATIONAL PRIVILEGE OF GRACE

That Jesus of Nazareth, Messiah, Son of God, enjoyed unbroken communion with His Father, except for the brief and necessary alienation during His death on the cross, is an assumed fact which few, if any, believers would dispute. Christ's faithful response to the grace extended was the very breath which enabled, energized and sustained His relationship with His Father as a child, as a carpenter, later as He walked in public ministry, and as He was crucified and gave up His spirit in perfect obedience.

Christ's last words on the cross were a prayer for our forgiveness. Then the damp darkness of separation and alienation clutched Him, His spirit was yielded up, and He paid the total and final price, so that all who would come to God through Him would never again need to experience alienation, rejection and the terrible, final, separating grasp of death. His torn body opened the way so that we "being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Hirn all our days." (Luke 1:74,75)

The very same privilege which the Father extended to His only begotten Son, He now extends to all "completed"Jews and to all ransomed adopted gentile sons and daughters who live by faith. Now, through Christ, all legitimate children of His are free to come near and cry "Abba." Without fear, we can freely express our hearts, be heard and receive succor and provision anytime, day or night.

Jesus, our elder brother, "ever lives to make intercession" for us-for those who have come back to God through Him. (Hebrews 7:25) We are sustained as we relate and respond in faith.

Prayer is first then, an ability and relational privilege of grace. Prayer is an extension of God's redeeming love and desire. God, our Father, did not have to allow rebels, disobedient men and women, to approach and address Him ever again, much less respond to them but He chose to.

Prayer is this living mystery of our Father's great love. Prayer is the breath of His kiss and His words of endearment to His ransomed humanity.

Prayer is first of all of Father and His family.

ST. CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA

"Prayer is conversation with God."

WILLIAM GURNALL

"Prayer, it is the very natural breath of faith."

THOMAS WATSON

"Prayer is the soul's breathing itself into the bosom of its heavenly Father."

J.l. PACKER

"Those who know God have areas energy for God."

CHARLES FINNEY

"I found I could not live without enjoying the presence of God; and if at any time a cloud came over me, I could not rest, I could not study, I could not attend to anything with the least satisfaction or benefit, until the medium was again cleared between my soul and God."

FRANCOIS FENELON

"Talk to him in prayer of all your wants, your troubles, even of the weariness you feel in serving him. You cannot speak too freely, too trustfully, to him."

WILLIAM J.C. WHITE

"Prayer should be fundamental, not supplemental."

JOHN TRAPP

"Bernard never went from God without God."

RICHARD C. HALVERSON

"True prayer is simply to know God!"

ISSAC WATTS

"Abandon the secret chamber and spiritual life will decay."

"The real secret of prayer is secret prayer."

--Anonymous