We did not deserve to be born

We did not deserve to be born. We did not merit it. We did not deserve or merit this life. God did not owe it to us. Instead, we received it all as a gift. We exist as a gift from God. And so, your life and my life is completely dependent upon God. We live from the gifts of God. This is what it means to be a creature and not the Creator. None of us will ever be in a situation where we do not need food and drink, family and friends, good weather, health for our body. And so, God tenderly invites us to ASK and to ask boldly – As we do in the fourth petition.

At the same time, though, we are fallen, sinful creatures. We stand before God needing to be cleansed from sin and constantly restored to Go d’s favor and grace. Well Pastor, if we stand in that pititful condition, isn’t it reckless to go before God ploughing through petitions like a freight train asking for forgiveness and with it a new lease on life? And yet, it is here, precisely at this point, that God approaches us and “tenderly invites us” to call Him FATHER.

God does that so that He might not frighten us or chase us off. He extends His holy hand that we might hold onto it for dear l ife. And because of Jesus, we’ ve been adopted as His children, and because of the Holy Spirit of His Son who enters our hearts, we can cry out, “Abba, Father.” As long as we l ive in this current age, there’s not a moment when we don’ t need to ask for Go d’s forgiveness and His favor. But we are BOLD to do so on account of Jesus Christ.