[1] First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, [2] for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. [3] This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, [4] who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. [5] For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, [6] who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. (1 Timothy 2:1–6)
There is a question that is asked in so many families leading up to Father’s Day: What do you give the Father who has everything?
This question arises when fathers are blessed to have their basic needs met. At the same time, so many fathers don’t want either frivolous or extravagant gifts. Loved ones are left to ask: What do you give the Father who has everything?
Let’s try a twist on this classic question: What do we give the Heavenly Father who has everything?
Talk about a Father who truly has everything! We’re reminded in Psalm 24:1-2:
[1] The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, [2] for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.
Even though everything and everyone in creation belongs to God, there is still something in this world that God desires: That all people would have a right relationship with Himself. As is stated in our text, God our Savior “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
Since we cannot save people for God, bring them to faith in Jesus, what can we give the Heaven Father? We can give our prayers to the Father. Specifically, we can pray that we can live “a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” According to our passage, there is correlation between such a life and God bringing people to faith in Jesus.
This prayer is the gift we can give the Heavenly Father who has everything.
(A Second Look devotions are written for the congregations of the Ohio District LCMS.)
Kevin Wilson 360 