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DAY 30

It's been Father's Day in Ireland and the UK. A day to remember your Dad, hopefully with positive memories.

My eight year old daughter informed me today that I don't have to get a card for today, because my Dad is dead. I understand her child's perspective. She also said she doesn't just have to remember me today, as she loves me every day of the year! I love these simple perspectives.

A child's comments give us insight into our relationship with God, our heavenly Father.

Yesterday, I pondered on leaving, and how the presence of God never leaves us. That can be confusing, as Jesus (incarnate God) left us, but we still have the presence of God with us (Holy Spirit). I realise the confusion this can bring to think of Jesus saying I will never leave you, I will be with you to the end of the age, and then ascending to Heaven. It needs to be understood as physical and spiritual. These are linked but separate.

My Dad died a few years ago. I don't have to buy him a card any more. Actually, it's sad that I don't get to buy him a card any more. But, because of what I believe, I know I will see him again when God returns and resurrects the dead who had put their faith in Him. But I still get to remember my Dad, and remember my love for him daily, not just on Father's Day.

We don't get to buy God a Father's Day card. He is not here with us, yet. Jesus left the earth, but promised to return. But I can remember God's love for me and my love for Him, every day, not just at Christmas or Easter!

And more than that, because God is not dead, and because He is God, He remains with us in Spiritual presence. Jesus said so.

John 14: 16-17 (NIV)
 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you for ever – the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

Jesus went on in John 17:20-21 to say,
" ...I pray also for those who will believe in me through their [the disciples] message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you...."

Jesus left, but the Holy Spirit remains.

Our experience is not limited to one day, or to a day of reunion in the future, we get to seek and find God now, and now, and all the "nows" we can fit in our day.

Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Happy Heavenly Fathers Day!

- Pr Nathan Stickland

Join Irish and UK youth at our Facebook page "BUC Youth Ministries"

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