SONGS WE SING: ‘GOOD GOOD FATHER’
Matthew 7:9-11, and many others
#GoodGoodFather
SING ‘GOOD GOOD FATHER’
INTRODUCTION
This morning we are continuing a sermon series called: “The Songs We Sing.” Part of worshipping God is singing.
FOCUS ON “WORSHIP”
I realize I am using that word… “worship”… and you may not realize what it means. “Worship” is one of those words that can mean different things to different people and also can have wrong definitions. What is worship? Isn’t worship just singing songs in church? Worship is an important attitude of the heart and a total disposition of our soul focusing on God and His Word.
We see a great example of worship in passages like Nehemiah 8. In Nehemiah 8, the people of God are returning to Jerusalem from the exile in Babylon led by Nehemiah and Ezra. Ezra wants to lead the people in a time of worship. Let’s read what happens…
READ NEHEMIAH 8:1-8 (ESV)
“And all the people gathered as one man into the square before the Water Gate. And they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses that the Lord had commanded Israel. 2 So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could understand what they heard, on the first day of the seventh month. 3 And he read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand. And the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law. 4 And Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that they had made for the purpose. And beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand, and Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam on his left hand. 5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood. 6 And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. 7 Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, helped the people to understand the Law, while the people remained in their places. 8 They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.”
We notice several aspects of this passage that help us to frame worship of YHWH God. The worship that happened was public, with a crowd, and created unity among the people (verse 1). A focus of the worship was the reading of the Word of God and the explanation of the meaning of the Scriptures (verses 2-8). Worship was also listening to the Bible (verse 3). There was standing and also bowing during the gathering (verse 5-6). People focused and paid attention (verse 3, 8). Worshippers responded at different times by saying “Amen” (verse 6). Blessings and praises were directed to God (verse 6).
Nehemiah 8 describes a worship service that you and I might be quite comfortable joining. It was a gathering of like-minded people focusing on God through His Word. That is worship!
As we focus on different songs we sing from now until Easter, understand that the songs are the surface focus, but the real focus is the direction of our hearts and minds when we sing. Worship is our focus!
Worship of God Almighty is our focus.
Worship claiming the blood of Christ is our focus.
Worship in the Spirit and in Truth is our focus.
SONG LYRICS: ‘GOOD GOOD FATHER’ (optional)
Oh, I've heard a thousand stories of what they think You're like; But I've heard the tender whisper of love in the dead of night; And You tell me that You're pleased and that I'm never alone; You're a good, good Father; It's who You are, it's who You are, it's who You are; And I'm loved by You, It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am.
Oh, and I've seen many searching for answers far and wide; But I know we're all searching for answers only You provide; 'Cause You know just what we need before we say a word; You're a good, good Father; It's who You are, it's who You are, it's who You are; And I'm loved by You, It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am.
Because You are perfect in all of Your ways; You are perfect in all of Your ways; You are perfect in all of Your ways to us; You are perfect in all of Your ways; Oh, You're perfect in all of Your ways; You are perfect in all of Your ways to us.
Oh, it's love so undeniable; I, I can hardly speak; Peace so unexplainable; I, I can hardly think As You call me deeper still; As You call me deeper still; As You call me deeper still into love, love, love.
You're a good, good Father; It's who You are, it's who You are, it's who You are; And I'm loved by You; It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am; And You're a good, good Father; It's who You are, it's who You are, it's who You are; And I'm loved by You; It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am
You're a good, good Father; It's who You are, it's who You are, it's who You are; And I'm loved by You; It's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am; (You're a good, good Father); You are perfect in all of Your ways (it's who You are, it's who You are, it's who You are); (And I'm loved by You), You are perfect in all of Your ways (it's who I am, it's who I am, it's who I am)
SONGS WE SING: “Good Good Father” propheticcrossroads.com/home/the-story-behind-good-good-father [adapted]
It's not a stretch to assume that currently Chris Tomlin writes all of the top worship songs. The song we will focus on today “Good Good Father” is actually not written by him, but he did highlight the song. Chris Tomlin (GOAT) is one of several of artists who have recorded “Good, Good Father.”
Written by Pat Barrett and Anthony Brown for their worship team from Grace Fellowship in Atlanta, GA, the song has also been recorded by Big Daddy Weave, Casting Crowns, and Zealand Worship.
Chris Tomlin says: “"I love talking about this song cause I had nothing to do with writing it."
Good, Good Father left an impression on Chris Tomlin from the first time he heard it when his wife played it for him. He introduces the song on his website by saying that “Songs like this don’t come around that often. You try and you try as a songwriter to write songs that even get close to this and every once in a while that happens… I love talking about this song cause I had nothing to do with writing it.”
Anthony Brown, one of the co-writers, tells the story of how he came to write the chorus. Tony explains that he had no dad. “The only one I’ve ever called ‘Father’ is God.” He said that the chorus arose during spontaneous worship, and that they used the chorus in worship for about four years before he sat down with Pat Barrett and composed the entire song. “Just saying the word good once was not enough,” and so it is repeated twice.
“This song helps you unlearn damaging things you have heard about God.”
Pat Barrett, his co-writer, also says: “Good, Good Father helps you unlearn damaging things you have heard about God… the bridge ‘You are perfect in all of your ways, to us’ personalizes His goodness.”
The result is a powerful song that many people relate to at a deep level.
TRANSITION
The worship song “Good Good Father, reflects themes of God's goodness, love, and fatherhood. Several Bible passages align with the lyrics and message of the song. When I was reading, studying, and praying over some passages, the phrase from the interview: “Good, Good Father helps you unlearn damaging things you have heard about God” just kept coming back into my mind.
This morning, I would like to use some of the background passages that this song reminded me of and focus on Truths about our Good Good Father and perhaps unlearn some things about God that should be pushed out of our minds and hearts. There are four truths that we must take into our heart and abide in when we worship.
TRUTH #1: GOD IS A GOOD FATHER
One of the beliefs we might need to unlearn is that God is NOT a Good Father. Why might someone come to believe that God is NOT a Good Father? Believe it or not, the issue stems sometimes from favoritism.
ILLUSTRATION…americansurveycenter.org/the-problem-with-parental-favoritism/ [adapted]
The Survey Center on American Life shares that parental favoritism, or even the perception of favoritism, can have far-reaching negative consequences. Studies show Americans raised in families in which they believe their parents had a favorite child felt lonelier and less connected to their siblings than those who said their parents did not pick favorites. This issue persists with God. Let me explain.
I don’t know if you know this or not, but Christian people suffer at the same rate as non-Christian people. Christians die. Christians get cancer. Christians have miscarriages. Christians suffer in this life the same as others. Matthew 5:45 tells us that life rains on the righteous and the unrighteous. Someone might say that God is NOT a Good Father because He doesn’t take care of people who believe in Him any better than anyone else. This conclusion states that God doesn’t show favoritism or care enough about the people who believe in Him.
It is interesting because some people believe that the idea that salvation is only through Jesus Christ is unfair to those who never hear the Gospel. That is favoritism. A good father, some argue, would ensure all His children have an equal chance at salvation and the fact that this unfairness exists generation after generation shows He is NOT a Good Father.
I acknowledge folks who might believe such things. The fallenness in which we all live makes life extremely difficult and full of sin. Life is unfair. Life is often more than we can bear. God is a Good Father because of His actions amid the unfairness of life. Fairness ended in the Garden of Eden and our Good Father works in the muck and mire of life to guide and direct.
READ MATTHEW 7:9-11 (ESV)
“Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”
Jesus Christ teaches us that God is responsive and answers prayers when we are in need and when life is difficult. God could have a “hands off” policy when it comes to human life, but He does not. He favors us as a Good Good Father.
Matthew 7 teaches us this truth and the Apostle Paul teaches us in Romans 8 that life is slavery and suffering, but God sent His Son and His Spirit that we might be adopted into His Kingdom. We are not serfs or peons to God Almighty, but sons and daughters adopted by the blood of Jesus Christ.
READ ROMANS 8:15-17 (ESV)
“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by Whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.”
He adopts us as a Good Good Father.
TRUTH #2 GOD’S LOVE IS PERFECT
Another belief we might need to unlearn is that God’s love is NOT perfect. Why might someone come to believe that God is NOT perfect or His love is NOT perfect? Believe it or not, the issue sometimes stems from the perception that God is hidden and absent from our lives.
ILLUSTRATION…helpforkidsct.org/the-benefits-of-a-fathers-presence-for-child-development-i-help-for-kids [adapted]
Family research tell us that having a father present in the home and active in the lives of children creates emotional stability and resilience; increases cognitive development; serves as a role model for positive relationships and friendships; gives self-esteem, helps establish identity; and regulates children’s behaviors by setting boundaries. Fathers do all that. Absent fathers do none of that.
Yes, God is our Father in Heaven, but He is just that… “in Heaven.” God has a quality about Him that He is often hidden. A good father is present, guiding and communicating with his children. Some argue that God’s perceived silence or hiddenness—especially in times of suffering—makes it difficult to see Him as a Good Father.
Again, we go to the Bible to help us understand God. The Scripture shares with us that God does not have just a little bit of love for us, but lavishes love on us in deep and wide ways. The Apostle Paul says that the reality that God loves us is a root for us in this life. It is an anchor. It is a permanent Truth that does not change.
READ 1 JOHN 3:1 (ESV)
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.”
READ EPHESIANS 3:17-19 (ESV)
“so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
Another word from Ephesians 3 grabbed my attention other than “rooted.” The word “grounded” is also important as it relates to God’s love.
ILLUSTRATION… premium-electric.ca/blog/ground-wire
When I saw that word “grounded” I could not help but think about a grounding wire. We have several master electricians in the congregation so I hope I describe a grounding wire correctly. A grounding wire is a wire that takes excess electricity from spikes and surges from flowing into a person or some equipment and send the shock into the ground. It prevents fires. It prevents injury.
God’s love is perfect because His love is our grounding wire. Life sends more our way that we can handle. It shocks us. It spikes. It surges. When we know that we are backed by the deep and wide and long love of God, the overwhelming nature of life can be absorbed into God Who loves us. The love of God in our lives grounds us.
I know that sometimes it feels like God is absent and hidden, but He is close and His love is our grounding wire. His love roots in us our identity as His children. This world and our troubles do not define us. His love defines us.
TRUTH #3 LOVE COMES BEFORE SEEKING
Another belief we might need to unlearn is that God loves those Who love Him. God loves those who believe in Him. Why might someone come to believe that God loves those who love Him? Why might someone believe God only loves those who seek Him? That belief comes from us. It comes from human nature. We often love that way. We love those who love us. We love those who are nice to us. We wait and see how someone acts and then we love. Human nature dictates this belief.
The Bible helps us reframe this belief because God is a Good Good Father because we are Loved by God even before we seek Him. This is a truth expressed in the Old Testament and in the New Testament.
READ PSALM 139:1-6 (ESV)
“O Lord, You have searched me and known me! 2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You discern my thoughts from afar. 3 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. 4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. 5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay Your Hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.”
READ PSALM 139:13-16 (ESV)
“For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in Your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.
READ ROMANS 5:8 (ESV)
“but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
God loves us simply because He made us. His love comes before we seek Him out. The kind of love God has for us is too wonderful for us to actually understand because it is far beyond us. He loves us even in our mother’s wombs. God is a Good Good Father because He loved us by sending Jesus to die while we were sinners.
* God loves sinners before they accept Him.
* God loved you before you accepted Him.
* God loved me before I accepted Him.
* God loves you even now as you sit here and don’t accept Him.
The love of God is not dependent on you and me because love is simply God’s character and He remains true to His character independent of circumstances or how we treat Him. We are not that way. At all. He is completely that way. Always. God is a Good Good Father because we are Loved by God even before we seek Him.
TRANSITION
There are many aspects of God that we learn improperly or misinterpret. Sometimes it is because we just misunderstand, but other times it is because our perception of what goes on does not match what we deem as good or fair… and God comes out NOT as a Good Good Father. He comes out lacking in our judgment. Singing a song like “Good Good Father” is difficult because our own fathers were not good examples and that makes thinking of God as a father difficult. It might be that we see God as a Father, but not a good one. This worship song challenges us to worship God as a Good Father… and not just a Good Father but a GOOD GOOD Father, to state that His love is perfect, and to acknowledge He loves us before we seek Him. We might also struggle to sing this song because His goodness is in doubt. We are forced to say the word “good” a whole lot in this worship song.
TRUTH #4 GOD IS GOOD
The last belief we will talk about today that we might need to unlearn is that God is NOT good. Yes, He’s God, but NO, He ain’t good. Why might someone believe that God is not good?
The problem of evil and suffering in the world leads some to conclude that God is not at all good. Children to suffer unnecessarily. War happens. Hunger happens. Cancer happens. Yet, God allows evil, pain, and tragedy in the world. Some question why an all-powerful and loving Father would permit such things.
The reality of Hell is also in the mix. Many struggle with the concept of damnation, arguing that a truly Loving Father would not condemn His children to suffering for mistakes. The idea of Hell is seen as excessively harsh. Hell is beyond what is needed.
Another reason folks doubt that God is good is because of the violence in the Old Testament. There are indeed passages where God commands or allows genocide, slavery, destruction, and severe punishments. Some argue that a Good Father would not endorse such things. In fact, He would prevent them.
I absolutely feel for people who view God in this way. I do not blame them. Life is terrible. Terrible things happen. It is logical and normal to feel like God should prevent disasters and cancer and abuse and reality TV. He should. He does not 100% of the time.
I read passages like…
READ PSALM 100:1-5 (ESV)
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into His presence with singing! 3 Know that the Lord, He is God! It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His Name! 5 For the Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations.”
I read passages like that and see tragedy. I read passages like…
READ JAMES 1:16-17 (ESV)
“Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
I read that passage and I see James’ warning not to be deceived. God is good. It is a deception to believe that God is God and is NOT GOOD. It is a deception to believe that God is our Father and not a Good Good Father. We must start in faith and trust that God is good. We must abide in faith in the character of God knowing that this world is unfair, unrighteous, and unforgiving, but our Good Good God the Father works in the midst of all of that grounding us in His love and working for our good.
* God is the Good Good Father Who loved you before you sought Him out.
* God is the Good Good Father Who meets you in the dead of night when you call.
* God is the Good Good Father Who is on your side and is the answer.
* God is the Good Good Father Who is good even when He seems hidden.
* God is the Good Good Father Who works His perfect will in our lives.
* God is the Good Good Father Who gives peace.
It’s Who He is.
It’s Who He is.
PRAYER
INVITATION
RE-READ ROMANS 5:8 (ESV)
“but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Jesus died for you while we were sinners. This means you and I do not have to get our lives put together or squared away before we come to Him. We can’t. We need Him to square us away and forgive and give us a new start. If you think you have to get right before you come to Jesus, please unlearn this. Jesus takes us as we are and loves us in the process to become more like Him.
