The Father is First

BY REV. DORAL PULLEY

Scripture Reference: (John 11:41-42)

True spirituality begins with the divine idea of God as our Father.  Recognizing God as Father reminds us of the truth that we are God’s children.  Calling God, Father, renews our minds with the principle that we are made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-28).  Acknowledging God as Father, brings us into the awareness that just God is Spirit that we are spiritual beings having human experiences (John 4:24).

Jesus Christ began his ministry and his miracles with Father. Before he raised Lazarus from the grave, he acknowledged his Father.  He also gave the Father the glory for the words that he spoke (John 14:10) and the actions that he performed (John 5:19).

Jesus Christ began and ended his me on the cross with the word, Father (Luke 23:34-46).  As recorded in the Gospels, Father forgive them are his first words and Father into your hands are his last words.  Everything that he said after Father had to be in divine right order because Father-God establishes order in our minds and our bodies.  Everything that he did sandwiched between the first Father and the last Father had to be good because God is the everywhere, evenly present Spirit of Absolute Good.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all of your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path (Proverbs 3:5 -7).”  I wonder what would happen if we began each day with the word, Father.  I can only imagine how our day would go if we began and ended each project, conversation or activity with Father.  Acknowledging God makes the difference in our lives, world and affairs.

Rev. Doral Pulley is the senior pastor of Unity Temple of Truth Church, 511 Prescott St. S, St. Petersburg.