“Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.” (Isaiah 63:16, KJV)

ABSTRACT

This article delves into the profound meaning of addressing God as “Our Father” from Matthew 6:9, linking it to the first commandment in Exodus 20:3, which calls for exclusive devotion to Him alone. It explores themes of dependence, allegiance, the interconnectedness of divine fatherhood and worship, unity and humility within His family, and the reflection of His love in these concepts, offering insights for personal and communal living that foster gratitude, stewardship, and mutual respect as children of the same Creator.

OUR FATHER: CONNECTION BETWEEN MATTHEW 6:9 AND EXODUS 20:3

Greetings, fellow seekers of truth! Today, we’ll explore the profound implications of Matthew 6:9, “Our Father,” in light of the first commandment, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). We will examine these passages through the lens of biblical principles, recognizing God as our loving Father and emphasizing the importance of humility and unity among us all. This exploration is for everyone, regardless of background, as we are all children of the same Creator. Christ reveals the paternal tenderness of our Creator, inviting us into a relationship of trust and provision. Scripture affirms that God, in His infinite care, guides and sustains us like a devoted parent. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6, KJV). “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters” (Psalm 23:1-2, KJV). A prophetic voice reminds us that our Heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us of which we know nothing, urging us to make His service supreme (The Desire of Ages, p. 330, 1898). In Patriarchs and Prophets we read that God is greatly to be reverenced, and all who truly realize His presence will bow in humility before Him (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 252, 1890). This shared recognition draws us closer as a community in reverence and love. What does declaring our dependence truly entail?

WHY DECLARE DEPENDENCE?

When we address God as “Our Father,” we acknowledge a vital truth: we are His children. This isn’t merely a title; it’s a declaration of our complete dependence on Him. Ellen G. White beautifully states, “In calling God ‘Our Father,’ we acknowledge that all we have and are belong to Him. We are His by creation and redemption” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 105, 1896). This understanding fosters a spirit of humility, reminding us that our talents, resources, and very lives are gifts from Him. Christ, as the vine, sustains us fully, showing that apart from Him we achieve nothing meaningful. “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5, KJV). “My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved” (Psalm 62:5-6, KJV). The inspired pen writes that true humility will lead a man to exalt Christ and the truth, and to realize his utter dependence upon the God of truth (Letters and Manuscripts, Volume 7, Letter 27, 1892). Through inspired counsel we are told that our Heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us of which we know nothing, encouraging supreme service to Him (The Desire of Ages, p. 330, 1898). How can we, then, boast or elevate ourselves above others when everything we possess originates from our Heavenly Father? This understanding calls us to live with a spirit of gratitude and stewardship, using what we have to serve Him and our fellow human beings. What does exclusive allegiance demand from us?

WHAT’S EXCLUSIVE ALLEGIANCE?

The first commandment, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3), reinforces the exclusive nature of our relationship with God. It’s not enough to simply acknowledge God as Father; we must also reject any competing allegiances. This means more than just avoiding idols of wood or stone. It means rejecting the idols of self-reliance, material possessions, worldly success, or any other thing that takes priority over our relationship with God. Christ commands unwavering devotion, warning against divided loyalties that lead astray. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Deuteronomy 5:7, KJV). “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Matthew 4:10, KJV). In The Great Controversy we read that Satan strives to turn men from their allegiance to God, and from rendering obedience to His law; therefore he directs his efforts especially against that commandment which points to God as the Creator (The Great Controversy, p. 591, 1911). A passage from Prophets and Kings reminds us that during this time they held fast their allegiance to God and depended constantly upon His power (Prophets and Kings, p. 452, 1917). We must constantly examine our hearts and ask ourselves: What truly holds my devotion? What do I turn to in times of trouble? Where do I place my trust? These questions help us to see if we are keeping the first commandment. How do fatherhood and exclusive worship connect deeply?

HOW ARE THEY LINKED?

The concepts of God as “Our Father” and the prohibition against other gods are inextricably linked. Recognizing God as our Father implies a relationship of love, trust, and obedience. This relationship demands our undivided loyalty. As we call God “Our Father,” we are reminded of the first commandment, which calls us to have no other gods before Him. It’s a call to exclusive allegiance, to placing our trust in Him alone. “He desires that we shall regard Him, not as the tyrannical judge, but as a Father who delights to see His children take hold of His strength, and accept the help He alone can give” (Steps to Christ, p. 22, 1892). Christ invites us to embrace this bond, rejecting all rivals to His sovereignty. “For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” (Exodus 34:14, KJV). “Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you” (Deuteronomy 6:14, KJV). The inspired pen declares that the Christian’s pledge of allegiance is to be holy unto God, severed from other people to be His (In Heavenly Places, p. 191, 1967). Through inspired counsel we learn that if she will be true to her allegiance, if she will honor the Lord God of Israel, there is no power that can stand against her (The Church Can Hasten Jesus’ Return, August 28). This loving invitation from our Father encourages us to run to Him in times of need. Why foster unity and humility in His family?

WHY UNITE IN HUMILITY?

Calling God “Our Father” also emphasizes our shared identity as members of His family. We are brothers and sisters, united by our common parentage. “By calling God ‘our Father,’ we recognize all His children as our brethren. We claim no higher position than the rest, but humble ourselves before Him. No soul should place another where God should be” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 386, 1900). This understanding should foster a spirit of unity and humility within the church and the wider community. We must strive to treat each other with love, respect, and compassion, recognizing that we are all children of the same Father. Christ urges harmony among us, binding us in peace as one body. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1, KJV). “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3, KJV). A prophetic voice affirms that Christian unity is a mighty agency, telling in a powerful manner that those who possess it are children of God (Dwell Together in Unity, September 29). In Testimonies for the Church we read that union is strength; division is weakness, and when those who believe present truth are united, they exert a telling influence (Testimonies for the Church, Volume 5, p. 236, 1885). How can we build walls of division when we are all part of the same family? How does His love shine through fatherhood and worship?

HOW LOVE REFLECTS?

God’s love is the driving force behind both His role as our Father and His command to have no other gods before Him. God’s love is evident in His desire for an exclusive relationship with us, demonstrated by His role as our loving Father. The scriptures declare, “Our Father” (Matthew 6:9) and “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). Sr. White’s writings further illuminate this love, stating, “In calling God ‘Our Father,’ we acknowledge that all we have and are belong to Him. We are His by creation and redemption” (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 105, 1896). God’s fatherhood expresses His intimate care and provision for us, while the first commandment safeguards this relationship from competing loyalties that could diminish our trust in Him. Christ embodies this affection, assuring us of eternal care and boundless grace. “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love” (1 John 4:8, KJV). “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). A passage from Steps to Christ reveals that the Father loves us, not because of the great propitiation, but He provided the propitiation because He loves us (Steps to Christ, p. 13, 1892). Through inspired counsel we are told that God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son (The Desire of Ages, p. 19, 1898). He knows that true joy and fulfillment come from a life centered on Him. Therefore, by calling Him “Our Father” and adhering to the first commandment, we acknowledge His love and open ourselves to the fullness of His blessings. How can we apply this personally and communally?

HOW APPLY PERSONALLY?

Personally, I have found that consistently reflecting on God as my Father brings a deep sense of peace and security. It reminds me that I am never truly alone, that I have a loving Father who cares for me. As a community, we must strive to embody this understanding in our interactions with one another. We must reject any form of prejudice, discrimination, or elitism that divides us. Instead, we should embrace our shared identity as children of God, working together to build a community of love, acceptance, and mutual respect. Christ calls us to humble ourselves, promising exaltation in due time. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6, KJV). “When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2, KJV). The inspired pen teaches that a Christian reveals true humility by showing the gentleness of Christ, by being always ready to help others, by speaking kind words and performing unselfish acts (Testimonies for the Church, Volume 2, p. 137, 1868). In Education we read that unwavering in allegiance to God, unyielding in the mastery of himself, Daniel’s noble dignity and courteous deference won for him in his youth the favor and tender regard of the heathen officer in whose charge he was (Education, p. 56, 1903). Let us remember that we are all on this journey together, striving to live lives that are pleasing to our Heavenly Father.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into these truths about God as our Father, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these themes of divine fatherhood and exclusive allegiance to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned community members to new seekers or those from different traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about God as Father and the call to have no other gods in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of God’s fatherly love and our unity as His children?