February 26 – LD 9, Day 1: God the Father: the Almighty Creator

Read: Genesis 1:1ff.; John 1:1ff.; Hebrews 11:3

The Heidelberg Catechism begins in this Lord’s Day a treatment of the first of the twelve articles of the Apostles’ Creed.  These articles represent the necessary truths which a Christian must believe.  True faith holds to these without exception.  The 12 articles of the Apostles’ Creed are based on the truth of the Trinity.  It expounds the truths concerning each of the Persons of the Trinity—who exist in Oneness of Being.

Article 1 of the Apostles’ Creed speaks specifically of the First Person of the Trinity and specifies His work: creation and providence.  The work of the First Person of the Trinity is not limited only to Him.  The Father creates by the Word (John 1:1-3; 14)   and through the Holy Spirit (Gen. 1:1).

One who confesses this, acknowledges the infinite power, the infinite wisdom of Father.  He created all things on earth and in the heavens of nothing!  There are no other gods, no other religion, which dare make such a claim. 

Yet the Catechism does not treat this great doctrine merely as doctrine.  Rather, proceeding from the truth concerning our only comfort in life and death, it reminds the Christian that this Father, the Almighty Maker of the heaven and the earth, is my Father for Jesus’ sake.  He not only wishes to take care of us, but He is both willing and able to do so.  And He has promised to do so.  His promise can not fail nor be broken. That’s the great wonder of the grace of God for me. 
With such a Father, we need never to fear.  He is infinite, almighty, the unchangeable Father.   He both creates all things without exception, and upholds and governs all things that His purpose may be realized. 

Oh, we face often times troubles and trials of various sorts. At times one may feel absolutely, hopelessly, overwhelmed by this all.  Those who have not faith can frequently rely on alcohol or drugs of various sorts to deliver them.  But such are driven to ever deeper despair.  Some have gone so far as to take their own lives in order to escape the trials of this life. 

But thanks be to God, our Father can and does provide us all that we need for Jesus’ sake.