A short snippet from an upcoming episode of LeBron James’ The Shop began making social media rounds recently, as the future Hall of Famer addressed the issue of what his son, Bronny, will call him when the two play together with the Lakers this season.
The elder James stated,“[Bronny] cannot call me ‘Dad’ in the workplace. Once we leave out of the private facility and the gates close, I can be ‘Dad’ again. In the car, if we ride together, at home, I can be ‘Dad.’ No, he got to call me, like, ‘2-3’ or ‘Bron,’ Or you know, ‘GOAT’ if he wants to. It’s up to him.”
It is a strange and unique dynamic for a father and son to play together on the same team professionally, so it’s understandable why LeBron would ask Bronny not to refer to him as “Dad” on the court.
However, watching this clip yesterday made me think about the relationship that all followers of Jesus have with God and how He has gladly beckoned us to call Him our “Father.”
In explaining Jesus’ work in redemption, Galatians 4:4-6 (NIV) says, “But when the set time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are His sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.'”
God sending His Son to make filthy sinners like us His sons is an amazing truth that should cause us to worship in awe!
Because of the comprehensive nature of Christ’s atoning work on the cross, there is no longer any hostility between God and His people. Jesus’ sacrifice has changed the nature of our relationship with God. We have been graciously given a place of intimacy within the family of the One who is sovereign over the entire universe.
This beautiful truth doesn’t mean we stop acknowledging God as set apart and Holy. We still have a healthy fear of the Lord even after being adopted into His family as we continue to praise Him.
However, it does mean we recognize that we’ve been given access to God and can approach Him confidently, knowing He hears and cares for us.
Romans 8:15 (ESV) says, “For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!'”
Always maintaining reverence and awe when we approach God is essential, yet equally important is understanding the nature of our relationship as His children. After all, God Himself set about bringing us to a place where we address Him as our “Father”!
Today, let’s recognize the astounding privilege of addressing God as “Father.” As we reflect on this precious gift, may we reflect on the attitude of the Apostle John found in 1 John 3:1a (NASB): “See how great a love the Father has given us, that we would be called children of God; and in fact we are.”
I’m Matt Osborne, and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you so much for saving me from my sin and bringing me to a place where I can call You “Father.” Please help me to balance fearing You while recognizing that You have called me to intimacy with You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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