Have we not all one Father?
One Father
I. God is not only the Creator, but the common Father of mankind. This relationship implies two things: a resemblance in nature; and the existence of parental sympathy; and also the obligation of filial devotion.
II. This relationship is an argument why man should do no wrong either against his fellow-creature or his God. The wrong with which the Israelites were charged was--
1. A wrong committed against mankind; and--
2. Against God Himself.
III. The perpetration of wrong exposes the doer to the most lamentable results. This is only a shadowy picture of the evils that ever flow from wrong. It is sin that kindles and feeds the flames of retribution. Then haste the time when men shall realise the fact that they are all children of one Father, so that all wrongs against one another shall cease, and the spirit of universal brotherhood prevail! (Homilist.)
God our Father
I once said to a young person, “Well, Elizabeth, do you love God?” And what do you think her answer was? “Ah, I’ve been trying, sir; but it’s hard, it’s hard.” That was how she answered. Then I said to her, “I’m afraid you don’t know who and what God is. Try and find that out,” I continued, “and then I think you’ll love Him and have no difficulty in doing so.” And it was just as I said it would be. Elizabeth went home, and before she slept that night she made one of the grandest discoveries any one ever made. What do you think it was? Why, she discovered that there was One up in heaven who felt for her all a father’s love. She found out by reading her New Testament that God was her Father. (A. Scott.)