Responsive Father

"What father among you, if his son asks... If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children..."

The provost of the seminary where I teach is a doting father. I have always observed with admiration his relationship with his sons. All grown up boys still cluster around him, with confidence and filial certitude, savouring the endearment of their father who never gets tired of responding to their requests. Not once have I seen the provost shown a sign of reluctance, in furnishing the entreaties of his sons. 

In buttressing the point that prayer is more about relationship with the Father, than a religious observance, Jesus uses two anecdotes in applying the principles of prayer he wanted his disciples to learn. First, is the case of an Unwilling Neighbour (Luke 11: 3-5). This, however, is not my focus in this post.

Second, is the allusion to Responsive Fathers (vv. 11-13):  Except in objectionable instances of child abuse, insensisitivity and an absentee father, which are an outgrowth of the degeneracy in our societies; naturally, earthly fathers are not unkind to their children. 

They do not give injurious gifts or gifts that mock their children’s requests. They do not deceive or disappoint their children in dashing their expectations. They lookout for the well-being of their children and try to please them as best as they could. The provost typifies this kind of responsive fatherhood.

The example of the provost reinforces the point that God, because of who He is, as a holy and loving Father, can only respond to us in perfect kindness and love. He will do much more than our earthly fathers who, though they generally seek to give good gifts, are also sinful and finite in their wisdom. 

He is not an absentee or distant father. He is not insensitive to our needs and longings, even though sometimes we can be immoderate. He still does what's best for us, as an infinitely wise and responsive Father. This should prod in us a filial confidence, when we come to Him in prayer.

The writer of Hebrews reminds us, "...let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most" (4:16).