2 God the Father: Isaiah 40:21-31
2
God the Father
Isaiah 40:21-31
. . . the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
Throughout Scripture we find analogies that point to God’s ability to reveal himself in ways we can understand, using illustrations we can handle. These scriptural images of God are easy to visualize and remember, yet on further reflection they convey important and profound truths concerning God.
The statement “God is our Father” means that God is like a human father. In other words, God is analogous to a father. In some ways he is like a human father, and in others he is not. There are genuine points of similarity as well as genuine points of dissimilarity. Like all analogies, the analogy of God as Father breaks down at points. However, it is still an extremely useful and vivid way of thinking of God.
GROUP DISCUSSION. Think of a place in God’s creation where you find yourself especially aware of his presence. It could be a particular location, a familiar sight, a work of art or the presence of another person. Why do you feel especially aware of God there?
PERSONAL REFLECTION. What comes to mind when you think of God as Father?
Any idea of God as an impersonal being or force is immediately discounted when we speak of God as Father. To talk about God as our Father is to speak of his authority and care, but it is also to speak of his creativity. We are here because God brought us into being. Everything we see in the world was created by God and belongs to God. The universe reflects the wisdom, power and majesty of the God who brought it into being. Read Isaiah 40:21-31.
1. Identify the questions posed in this Scripture passage.
How would you answer them?
2. If we didn’t have access to the Bible, what would we know about God from the world around us?
3. This passage includes many word pictures, especially in verses 21-26. Taken as a whole, what do you think these word pictures are trying to convey about God’s relationship with the created world?
4. Why does God urge human beings to “Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens” (v. 26)?
5. At some time or other, either out loud or silently, most people have made the complaint expressed in verse 27. Consider God’s response to that complaint (vv. 28-31). What new perspective does it offer a person who feels abandoned by God?
6. The Apostles’ Creed expresses belief in “God the Father almighty.” Throughout this Scripture passage, where do you see evidence that God is almighty?
7. How is thinking of God as Father especially helpful in prayer?
8. When your prayers to your heavenly Father apparently go unanswered, how do you respond?
9. How would you help someone with very negative memories of his or her own father to appreciate the fatherhood of God?
10. Think of times you have felt weak and exhausted, whether physically, mentally or emotionally. How have you experienced God renewing your strength at those times (vv. 29-31)?
11. What are some examples of what it means to “hope in the Lord” (v. 31)?
12. Where do you need renewed strength and hope from your almighty Father just now?
Ask your heavenly Father to meet your needs in every area of your life. Thank him for creating and sustaining you in his love.