Father, Son

February 6, 2026 

"A voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son.” Mark 1:11

You actually can't call God Father until you hear him call you son (or daughter). 

When the Father spoke to his Son at his water baptism, he gave his Son his blessing. We referred to it as the Father's blessing. It contains the essence of what every son longs to hear from his dad, “You are my beloved Son.” 

• Son is identity. Belonging. Acceptance.

• Beloved is affection. Blessing. Protection.

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Before you ever called God Father, he called you son (or daughter). God goes first. Always. He initiates; you respond. Father pursues; you accept his advances. A child doesn't birth a parent; the parent births the child.

Just as much as God wants to hear you call him Father, he first wants you to hear him call you son (daughter). Maybe more.

Because you are in Christ, you are loved as Christ. Because you are in Christ, you too are a child of the Father with all rights and privileges. 

When you say Father, hear him say son (daughter).

Father. Loving Father, I receive my sonship now in Jesus name. Father. 

YEAR ON FIRE

© Fred A. Hartley, III

All rights reserved

The English Standard Bible (ESV) is normally used, unless otherwise indicated.

This daily Christ-encountering, fire-starter is not intended to replace your daily Bible reading and prayer time, but rather to motivate you to spend extended time in His presence.