You’ve heard the saying before… “Like father – like son.” I don’t know how many times I’ve heard people who were looking at the pictures of small children remark, “Why he looks just like his daddy!” And they sometimes recognize family resemblance even in infants! (Figure that out! I have to admit that sometimes I think they’re just “attributing family resemblance” to babies. But they’re probably correct, it’s even there!) Sometimes, believe it or not, family resemblance is even noted by other people in adopted children! Now that one blows me away! Perhaps where it exists, it is somehow the result of family influence and character traits that are embraced and internalized.
One day Jesus was having a rather animated conversation with a group of individuals who happened to be Hebrews… They claimed in no uncertain terms, “’Abraham is our father.’ Jesus said to them, ‘If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God! This is not what Abraham would have done. You are doing the works your father did.’ They said to him, ‘We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God!’ […they were casting doubt on the legitimacy of Jesus’ birth!] But Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but He sent me… You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies! But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me… Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.’” (John 8:39–47 ESV)
So back to the adage… “Like father – like son!” The probing question is, “Who is your daddy?” Gotta tell you, I want my life to clearly exhibit the character and resemblance of my Heavenly Father! Lord, please help me never to behave “out of character!” It begins with “new birth” – a Spiritual rebirth – a transforming beginning! (John 3:1-8) And then the Holy Spirit goes to work, forming the character of Christ in our lives! (Galatians 5:22-23) Oh may we cooperate with what He is trying to do within us! I call him “Father God” – and that is what He is in my life! May I always I give clear evidence that God is my Father! Isn’t that what you want?
Imagine a cosmic game show like “Let’s Make a Deal.” The contestant is offered a prize of inestimable worth behind one of four doors. The question is, which door is of greatest worth … Door #1 – Wisdom; Door #2 – Long life; Door #3 – Riches; and Door #4 – Victory over all adversaries? The countdown begins – the music plays – the tension builds… Which door should the contestant choose – which door will the contestant choose?
