Day 01 Topic; The Fatherhood and Care of God Who Rules the Universe
As we enter the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, we come together as believers from different backgrounds, traditions, and denominations, united by our common faith in Christ. This week, we are invited to reflect deeply on the profound question posed by Jesus: “Do you believe this?” (John 11:26). Jesus asks this question to Martha, a grieving sister, when He reveals Himself as “the resurrection and the life.” But this question reaches beyond Martha’s personal grief and addresses each of us today. Do we believe in the full extent of God’s power, presence, and provision in our lives?
This year’s today’s theme, “The fatherhood and care of God who rules the universe,” invites us to meditate on the reality that God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, is not distant or detached. Rather, He is a loving Father who knows us intimately, cares for us profoundly, and rules over the entire universe with tender compassion. This understanding of God shapes our faith, our relationships with one another, and our hope for the future.
1. The Fatherhood of God – A Loving Father Who Cares
In our Scripture reading from Isaiah 63:15-17, we see a beautiful yet sobering reflection on the relationship between God and His people. The prophet Isaiah laments the apparent absence of God’s compassion and might, but he quickly affirms the truth that, despite the struggles, “You are our Father” (Isaiah 63:16). Even when God’s people wander or harden their hearts, God is still their Father. His love is unchanging, and His care is unwavering.
This is the heart of the fatherhood of God: He is not a distant ruler but a close and loving Father. In Psalm 139, David beautifully describes how intimately God knows us. “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me” (Psalm 139:1). God knows us better than we know ourselves—our thoughts, our actions, our fears, and even our deepest desires. He formed us in the womb, and He holds us in His care.
For many of us, the idea of a father can evoke different emotions—some positive, some painful. Some may have experienced the tenderness and provision of a good father, while others may have felt abandoned or hurt. But God’s fatherhood transcends all earthly limitations. He is the Father who will never abandon us, the Father who provides for our needs, comforts us in our sorrow, and leads us with wisdom.
Application: Do you believe that God is your Father? Do you believe that His care for you is as real and tangible as a loving father’s embrace? In times of hardship, remember that God’s fatherhood is a constant source of comfort and strength. He knows you completely, loves you unconditionally, and will never leave you.
2. The Care of God – Tender, Personal, and Eternal
The second aspect of God’s fatherhood is His deep and personal care for us. In Psalm 139:13-14, David speaks of God’s creative work in the womb: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” This image of God “knitting” us together is intimate and personal. God is not just a cosmic ruler; He is intricately involved in the details of our lives.
In 1 Corinthians 8:5-6, Paul reminds us that there is only one God, the Father, from whom all things come and for whom we live. This reaffirms the truth that God’s care extends over everything He has created. He provides not only for our physical needs but also for our spiritual well-being. Every moment of our lives is under His sovereign care, and we are to live for Him, through Him, and in Him.
God’s care is not just for our temporal needs, but it is eternal. Jesus’ words in John 11 remind us that He is the resurrection and the life, offering us eternal life through belief in Him. God’s care extends beyond this world—it secures for us a place in His eternal kingdom.
Application: Do you believe that God cares for you in every detail of your life? When we face challenges, it’s easy to feel overlooked or forgotten. But the truth is that God is deeply involved in our lives, and His care is constant. Whether you are in a season of plenty or a season of lack, God is faithful. He has promised to provide and sustain you.
3. God Who Rules the Universe with Compassion
The final element of God’s fatherhood is His sovereign rule over the universe. Isaiah 63:15-17 speaks of God’s reign, even when it feels like His presence is hidden. Though the world may appear chaotic or out of control, God is still the sovereign ruler. He holds the universe together, and His will is unfolding according to His perfect plan.
God’s reign is not like that of earthly rulers—His is a reign of love, justice, and mercy. He rules with compassion, calling us to be agents of His love and peace in the world. As believers, we are invited to trust in His sovereignty and to live in the confidence that He is in control, no matter what challenges we face.
Application: Do you believe that God rules over your life with compassion and wisdom? When life feels uncertain or overwhelming, we can take comfort in the truth that God is in control. His loving rule brings peace, even in the midst of storms. We can trust in His perfect timing and His ability to bring good out of every situation.
A Life of Belief and Trust in God’s Care
The ultimate question remains: “Do you believe this?” Do you believe in the fatherhood of God, His care for you, and His sovereignty over the universe? Jesus asks this question to us today, as He did to Martha. Our response to this question shapes our faith, our actions, and our hope. If we truly believe that God is our Father, that He cares for us intimately, and that He rules over all things with love, it will change the way we live. We will live with greater trust, confidence, and peace.
In this Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, let us come together as one family under the care of our loving Father. Let us recognize that, despite our differences, we are all His children, united by His love. As we pray for Christian unity, may we remember that God’s love and care are the foundation of our unity and our hope.
Prayer:
Father of compassion, We come before You in awe of Your greatness and tenderness. You are the Creator of the universe, yet You call us Your children. You know us intimately, care for us deeply, and rule over all with love and justice. We thank You for the privilege of being part of Your family and for the unshakable hope that comes from knowing You as our Father.
Help us, Lord, to trust in Your care for us, even when we face challenges and uncertainties. May we remember that You are with us, that You are in control, and that You will never leave us or forsake us. Teach us to live in the light of Your love, to trust in Your sovereignty, and to share Your compassion with others.
We pray for unity in the body of Christ, that we may come together as one family under Your care. May Your love bind us together, and may Your peace rule our hearts.
In the name of Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God, Amen.
As we reflect on the fatherhood and care of God, let us move into this new year with hearts filled with trust, hope, and unity. Do you believe this? If so, let us live out this belief in every area of our lives, knowing that we are held in the loving hands of our Father, the Creator and Ruler of the universe.