John 17:1 Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You. (NKJV).

This is an amazing passage of Scripture. John 17 is Jesus’ high priestly prayer, shortly before He faces the Cross. It gives us an insight into His relationship with His Father, His work on the earth, and His heart for those He’d been given.

But notice the first word He uses; “Father”. He addresses His prayer to His Heavenly Father! For 1400 years the Jews knew the name Yahweh, but Jesus mentions here (In John 17) six times the name Father. This was something new, not heard under the old covenant. And, not one 1st Testament (Old Testament) saint ever called God, Father.

We know so well, John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (NKJV). We must never minimize the importance of the ministry of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. That is certainly not what this Brief Word is about. But too often we hear a statement today, so much so that it is almost part of the culture of the day. Sadly this has an effect upon the things we believe perhaps even tainting principles we live by. It is this statement; “Enjoy the journey”.

It’s true there are some very crucial lessons to be learned from those few words, it is important we take the time to smell the roses along the way. There are blessings, joys, and things to be thankful for when we slow down a bit and do just that, enjoy the journey. But the danger is, that in our efforts to “enjoy the journey”, we lose sight of the destination! The journey becomes more important than the destination! The journey is important, but not at the expense of the destination. It’s right that we enjoy and celebrate the journey, but, don’t forget the Blood of Jesus purchased for us an eternity with the Father! That’s certainly worth celebrating – pre the enjoyment of it!

We read in John 14:6 how Jesus came to provide a way to the Father. Jesus is the way, but the Father is the destination! Wow! A “Way” only has meaning if it leads to a destination. Yes, Jesus’ ministry is crucial and never to be undervalued. (And I’m passionate about His work at the Cross, I believe we all need to know more about the whole truth and be more thoroughly acquainted with the purpose, the reason, blessings and doctrine of the Cross). So Jesus is the Way. The Father is the Destination. And the Spirit is the Confirmation. A journey is much more enjoyable when you know where you’re going and how you’re going to get there.

But how much do we hear about “God The Father”? Salvation, redemption, forgiveness, justification; all these things purchased by the blood of Jesus, are to bring us to the Father! Into a relationship with Him.

We are now just a few days away from Easter, possibly the most significant date on our calendar. It’s the time we remember the work of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on the Cross; His crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection and ascension! It’s an opportunity like no other to herald to a needy world the reason for the season! Which is, God the Father sending Jesus Christ to the earth, His dying in our place, therefore making it possible to come to Father! Remember; He’s the destination!

Paul says in, Galatians 1:3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. (NKJV). 12 times in the 2nd Testament (New Testament) we read this phrase. Paul in many of his letters starts with this greeting: Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Philemon, 1 Peter, and John writing Revelation.

But remember who is writing these words, “Grace to you and peace from God the ”FATHER” and our Lord Jesus Christ.“ The Apostle Paul now, but once Saul the persecutor of the Church. Once filled with anger, hatred, resentment, bitterness and issues about Christians. He had “the chip of all chips” on his shoulder. But now, he is completely free of that, free to say, “Grace to you and peace…from God the FATHER!”

Peace comes from Father. Identity comes from Father. Usually, and historically, our name which has a lot to do with identity comes from our father. (Interesting today that many brides don’t take their husband’s name. There’s a whole lot to be said on that issue, to do with identity, security, and being – another time!). Security comes from Father. Picture a child at rest in father’s arms. Motivation comes from Father.

Jesus in our John 17 prayer says, John 17:6 “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. (NKJV). Notice, “I have manifested Your Name…”. How did He manifest His Father’s name? The disciples watched Him live out His relationship with the Father through everything He said and did.

This Easter, ponder a while the implications of the Cross and the work of Jesus Christ. Think about all that it means to appropriate that work. But also think about WHY Jesus came and endured all He did. Hebrews 12:2 says, “… Jesus … who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, (the journey) despising the shame, and has sat down (the destination) at the right hand of the throne of God. (NKJV).

You and I were made by God and for God, and until we understand that, life will never make sense. Only in God do we discover our identity, our meaning, our purpose, our origin. We were made for God, not the other way around.

“You’re not born to find an assignment, but because of an assignment”. – Unknown.

The implications for us knowing God as Father are huge. God the Father is untainted by the past, unmoved by the present, and unafraid of the future. He’s got the whole world in His hands! That includes your life and mine! Oh the security of God the Father!