You, O Lord, Are Our Father

The prophets of Israel and Judah would often function as the prosecuting attorney as the Lord's covenant people stood at the bar of Divine Justice. They would usually recount both the Lord's faithfulness and generosity with His people as well as reminding the people of the unique place they had as God's people by covenant. That is, that they had both blessings and responsibilities. Sometimes though, the prophets would look forward to what would happen. They would promise a great calamity for sins or they would prophesy a golden age in which the Messiah would reign. Often, the predictive prophesies would include elements of both. This text is unusual because it anticipates a time of trouble yet it provides and predicts a prayer of God's people as they wait for God's deliverance. But the most prominent element of all is the designation of the faithful covenant God as "father". The truth of the fatherhood of God is precious to those who love Him and love the Savior-Redeemer, Jesus Christ. It is an especially precious truth when the dark days come because, "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" (Matt. 7:11) – Pastor Schlegel