Of Making Many Books There is No End Recommendation List #1

In the days ahead I will offer what I think are some of the most valuable theological writings from various fields of theology–books that do not always get acknowleged for their value. As Solomon tells us in Ecclesiastes, “Of making many books there is no end.” I hope to spark interest in a few good works that may have been lost in the mix.

(1) The first book I want to recommend is a devotional volume by J.I. Packer; the title is Your Father Loves You. I don’t think it is in print any more but you can probably find a volume on amazon, bookfinder, ebay, or half.com. This is a great devotional volume for family devotions. My wife and I have benefited from the use of it often. In order to get an idea of its value consider the following except:

To all who received Him..He gave power to become children of God.
John 1:12

When we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ it is the Spirit himself bearing witness with our spirit
that we are children of God.
Romans 8:15-16

God’s Fatherly relationship with Jesus implies four things. First it implies authority. The Father commands and disposes; the initiative which He calls His Son to exercise is resolute obedience to the Father’s will. Second, it implies affection; third, fellowship; fourth, honor: God wills to exalt His Son.

All this extends to God’s adopted children. In, through, and under Jesus Christ their Lord, they are ruled , loved, accompanied, and honored by their heavenly Father. As Jesus obeyed God, so must they (1 John 5:1,3). As God loved His only-begotten Son, so He loves His adopted sons (John 16:27). As God had fellowship with Jesus, so He does with us (1 John 1:3). As God exalted Jesus, so He exalts Jesus’ followers, as brothers
and sisters in one family (John 12:32; 17:24).

In these terms the Bible teaches us to understand the shape and substance of the parent-child relationship which binds together the Father of Jesus and the servant of Jesus.

Which aspect of God’s Fatherly relationship with you are you least aware of, or failing to benefit fully
from?

You can see from this devotional (incidently from May 6th) how simple and beneficial Packer’s writing can be in this book.