“Jesus said to her, ‘Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, “I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God” ’ ” (John 20:17).
When Jesus is about to ascend to His Father, following His resurrection, He meets Mary Magdalene and gives her a message to take to His disciples: she is to tell them about His ascension. In doing so, He identifies God as, not only His Father, but also as the Father of all mankind.
God is our heavenly Father; and, as such, He Protects, Provides, Loves, and Disciplines. In His protection and provision, He has given us an escape from an eternity of painful punishment by sending Jesus to die on the cross for our sins.
In His great love for us, He has exercised the greatest degree of patience possible so that we can take advantage of His undying mercy and grace. And, lest we become puffed up with pride because of our relationship with Him, He has allowed life’s experiences to discipline us. He does not make bad things happen to us, but He allows them so that we can learn and grow.
Good fathers today can learn much about their roles by taking note of this wonderful example that our Father has provided for us: Protect, Provide, Love, and Discipline.