“But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt” (Deuteronomy 7:8, KJV).

ABSTRACT

God’s declarations in Exodus 20 and Matthew 6 reveal His active, liberating, and personal love, inviting us into a trusting relationship that inspires spiritual freedom, daily transformation, and compassionate action toward others.

OUR FATHER: A CRY FROM THE HEART, A JOURNEY FROM BONDAGE TO BELOVED

This article examines the opening declarations in Exodus 20 and Matthew 6 to illuminate God’s profound love, His role as deliverer, and the invitation to intimate relationship, urging personal and communal application of these truths for spiritual freedom and compassionate action in the world. God demonstrates His boundless affection through sacrificial giving, as Scripture affirms, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, KJV), and this love initiates our response, “We love him, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19, KJV). In Patriarchs and Prophets we read, “‘God is love’ is written upon every opening bud, upon every spire of springing grass. The lovely birds making the air vocal with their happy songs, the delicately tinted flowers in their perfection perfuming the air, the lofty trees of the forest with their rich foliage of living green — all testify to the tender, fatherly care of our God and to His desire to make His children happy” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 33, 1890). Through inspired counsel we are told, “Nature and revelation alike testify of God’s love. Our Father in heaven is the source of life, of wisdom, and of joy. Look at the wonderful and beautiful things of nature. Think of their marvelous adaptation to the needs and happiness, not only of man, but of all living creatures. The sunshine and the rain, that gladden and refresh the earth, the hills and seas and plains, all speak to us of the Creator’s love” (The Desire of Ages, p. 19, 1898). These foundational truths call us to embrace God’s love actively in our daily lives. But how do these passages resonate across diverse backgrounds?

HOW DO PASSAGES IGNITE OUR FAITH?

This exploration of Matthew 6:9 and Exodus 20:1-2 is designed to resonate with individuals across diverse faith backgrounds. We will delve into these passages through a biblical lens, seeking to understand their deeper meaning and applying them to our lives and the world around us. My aim is to share insights that have touched my own heart, hoping they will ignite a spark of understanding and connection within you as well. God extends gracious compassion to all, “The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy” (Psalm 145:8, KJV), inviting us to grasp the vast dimensions of His affection, “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God” (Ephesians 3:17-19, KJV). A prophetic voice once wrote, “The Father’s presence encircled Christ, and nothing befell Him but that which infinite love permitted for the blessing of the world. Here was His source of comfort, and it is for us. He who is imbued with the Spirit of Christ abides in Christ. The blow that is aimed at him falls upon the Saviour, who surrounds him with His presence. Whatever comes to him comes from Christ. He has no need to resist evil, for Christ is his defense. Nothing can touch him except by our Lord’s permission, and ‘all things’ that are permitted ‘work together for good to them that love God.’ Romans 8:28” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 71, 1896). Ellen G. White wrote, “Every manifestation of creative power is an expression of infinite love. The sovereignty of God involves fullness of blessing to all created beings” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 33, 1890). These insights foster a deeper connection with divine truth in our shared human experience. What profound message lies in the Decalogue’s opening words?

WHAT MESSAGE HIDES IN GOD’S WORDS?

The very first words of the Decalogue, “I am the LORD thy God,” are not just a statement of power, but a profound expression of love. “I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage” (Exodus 20:2, KJV). This declaration isn’t a boast, but a reminder of God’s active involvement in the lives of His people. He didn’t just create the world and then abandon it. He intervened in history, breaking the chains of slavery and offering freedom. This act of liberation reveals a God who is intimately concerned with our well-being. Like a parent rescuing a child from danger, God’s deliverance of Israel demonstrates His unwavering love and commitment. God faithfully upholds His covenant of mercy, “Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations” (Deuteronomy 7:9, KJV), drawing us with eternal affection, “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee” (Jeremiah 31:3, KJV). In The Great Controversy we read, “Amid the awful majesty of the scene, God speaks to His people in accents of tenderness and love, calling upon them to acknowledge His supremacy and obey His law” (The Great Controversy, p. 641, 1911). The inspired pen describes, “The history of ancient Israel is a striking illustration of the past experience of the Adventist body. God led His people in the advent movement, even as He led the children of Israel from Egypt” (The Great Controversy, p. 457, 1911). This foundational statement anchors our faith in a loving, engaged Creator. How does Jesus invite us into this bond?

HOW DOES JESUS INVITE OUR TRUST?

Jesus’ instruction to pray, “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven” (Matthew 6:9, KJV), invites us into a personal relationship with this powerful God. “In declaring, ‘Our Father,’ we recognize the personal relationship we have with the Almighty” (Steps to Christ). Think about the word “Father.” It evokes feelings of love, protection, and guidance. It suggests a bond of deep affection and care. By calling God “Our Father,” Jesus encourages us to approach Him with the same trust and openness we would a loving parent. This intimate connection transforms our prayers from mere recitations into heartfelt conversations with a God who truly cares. We receive the spirit of adoption to cry out intimately, “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15, KJV), and this echoes in our hearts, “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father” (Galatians 4:6, KJV). A passage from Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing reminds us, “God regards us as His children. He has redeemed us out of the careless world and has chosen us to become members of the royal family, sons and daughters of the heavenly King. He invites us to come into communion with Himself, and this communion is the highest education” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 103, 1896). Through inspired counsel we learn, “Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him” (Steps to Christ, p. 93, 1892). This relational framework enriches our spiritual lives profoundly. What metaphor does the Exodus provide for us?

WHAT FREEDOM DOES EXODUS OFFER?

The Exodus story, with its dramatic escape from slavery, serves as a powerful metaphor for our own spiritual journeys. The Israelites were “brought…out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage” (Exodus 20:2, KJV). We may not be enslaved to Pharaoh, but we all experience forms of bondage—sin, fear, doubt, and despair. God’s deliverance of Israel prefigures His desire to free us from these shackles as well. He offers us a path to true freedom, a life lived in harmony with His will. Just as God led the Israelites to the Promised Land, He guides us towards a future filled with hope and purpose. God hears our cries and delivers, “The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17, KJV), proclaiming liberty to captives, “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound” (Isaiah 61:1, KJV). In The Ministry of Healing we read, “In every true disciple this love, like sacred fire, burns on the altar of the heart. It was on the earth that the love of God was revealed through Jesus. It is on the earth that His children are to reflect this love through blameless lives” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 114, 1905). Sr. White explains, “The same power that upholds nature is working also in man. The same great laws that guide alike the star and the atom control human life” (Education, p. 99, 1903). This narrative inspires us to seek divine liberation daily. How does this showcase God’s affection?

HOW DOES GOD DISPLAY HIS CARE?

How do these concepts reflect God’s love? “The declaration ‘I am the LORD thy God’ is not a mere formality. It is the promise of a personal Savior who rescued His people and still watches over us” (Steps to Christ). God’s love is not passive or abstract. It is active and demonstrative. He doesn’t just say He loves us; He shows it through His actions. His deliverance of Israel, His provision in the wilderness, and ultimately, His sacrifice on the cross – these are all tangible expressions of His boundless love. This love is not limited to a select few. It extends to all who are willing to receive it, regardless of their background or beliefs. God proves His affection through Christ, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, KJV), revealing rich mercy, “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)” (Ephesians 2:4-5, KJV). A prophetic voice affirms, “Only by love is love awakened. To know God is to love Him; His character must be manifested in contrast to the character of Satan” (The Desire of Ages, p. 22, 1898). In Testimonies for the Church we find, “God’s love for the fallen race is a peculiar manifestation of love—a love in which compassion is blended with holiness” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 223, 1881). This dynamic love motivates us to respond in kind. What role do these truths play in our lives?

WHAT ROLE DO TRUTHS PLAY DAILY?

These passages speak to both our individual and collective experiences. We are called to recognize God as “Our Father” (Matthew 6:9, KJV). Personally, I am reminded of the times when I felt lost and alone, like a ship lost at sea. It was in those moments that I cried out to God, and He answered. He became my anchor, my guide, my source of strength. As a community, we are called to reflect God’s love to the world. Just as He delivered Israel from slavery, we must work to liberate those who are oppressed and marginalized in our society. We see this need in the world today – in the struggles for justice, the cries for help, and the yearning for peace. We are called to be agents of change, reflecting God’s love and compassion to a world in need. We draw near to experience closeness, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you” (James 4:8, KJV), fostering friendship, “Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you” (John 15:15, KJV). Through inspired counsel Sr. White notes, “It is through the social relations that Christianity comes in contact with the world. Every man or woman who has received the divine illumination is to shed light on the dark pathway of others by manifesting the mercy and love of Christ” (The Adventist Home, p. 427, 1952). A passage from The Ministry of Healing reminds us, “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me’” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 143, 1905). This dual application strengthens our faith journey. So, what steps must we take forward?

WHAT STEPS DEMAND OUR RESPONSE?

So, what does this mean for us today? We are to pray, “After this manner therefore pray ye” (Matthew 6:9, KJV). It means that we must cultivate a deep and personal relationship with God, recognizing Him as our loving Father. It means that we must trust in His promises and allow Him to guide us through the challenges of life. It also means that we must extend that same love and compassion to others, working to alleviate suffering and promote justice. How different would our world be if we truly lived out the implications of these verses? Let us, therefore, approach God with open hearts, ready to receive His love and share it with the world. God calls us to love fully, “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matthew 22:37, KJV), and to love neighbors equally, “And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:39, KJV). Ellen G. White emphasized, “The law of God is an expression of His very nature; it is an embodiment of the great principle of love, and hence is the foundation of His government in heaven and earth” (The Great Controversy, p. 591, 1911). The inspired pen urges, “Love to man is the earthward manifestation of the love of God. It was to implant this love, to make us children of one family, that the King of glory became one with us” (The Desire of Ages, p. 638, 1898). This imperative propels us toward transformative living.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I deepen my grasp of God’s loving declaration and fatherly care through daily Scripture meditation, letting these truths mold my attitudes and choices?

How might we present God’s deliverance and relational invitation in ways that engage varied listeners, preserving biblical depth while sparking fresh insight?

What frequent misunderstandings about God’s love as active and personal exist around us, and how can Scripture and Sr. White’s writings clarify them graciously?

In what concrete steps can we and our communities embody God’s freeing love, becoming channels of hope and justice amid today’s challenges?