'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — August 13

Consider the amazing goodness that God is pleased to be a Father to us. While our hearts stood as garrisons against him, he conquered our stubbornness, and turned us from enemies to children. He wrote his name upon us and bestowed on us a kingdom of glory. What a miracle of mercy is this! We know he is our Father by his Spirit praying in us; we cry, Abba, Father! The Spirit witnesses to our spirit that we are sons, by making more than ordinary impressions upon our hearts. He secretly whispers that God purposes love to us. If he is our Father, we love to be near him, have fellowship with him and to dwell in his presence. If he frowns, or dips his pen in gall, it is done in love. Afflictions, though sharp arrows, are shot from a loving Father. God afflicts in love to humble and purify. He smites that he may save. If he hides his face it is in love. When light is withdrawn, the dew falls. We see the rainbow in the cloud. By this God quickens grace that may be dormant. God withdraws comfort to stir the embers into fire. When God hides his face from his children he is still a Father, and his heart yearns for them. It is a sad case for the wicked. They cannot say, 'Our Father'. They may say; 'Our Judge', but not 'Our Father'. If they will at last seek God by prayer, and break off their sins, he will be a Father. When the prodigal went to his father, 'his father...ran and embraced him and kissed him' (Luke 15:20). If you have been a prodigal and spent all upon your lusts, flee to God by repentance. He will embrace you with the arms of mercy, and seal your pardon with a kiss. The deepest sin is not so broad that Christ's blood cannot cover it. There is more sweetness in this word 'Father', than if we had ten thousand worlds!

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
Thomas Watson, The Lord's Prayer, pp. 10-15
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