Ephesians 3:14-15: Every Family In Heaven and On Earth

Ephesians 3:14–15
[14] For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, [15] from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, (ESV)

Family is a difficult word for some.  How many of you dread going to a family reunion.  Aunt Margaret is going to be drunk again. Uncle Tom is not speaking to any of his siblings because of some childhood dispute.  Family is difficult.

And as much as the word family is difficult, I think the word father can be worse.  So many of us have had earthly fathers who have hurt us. There is good news in this passage of Scripture for us.  We belong to the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. God the Father is the perfect father who never fails us.  He is so very different from our earthly fathers.

Matthew 7:11
[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! (ESV)

James 1:17
[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. (ESV)

We are not good people in our nature.  Even those of us who have godly fathers, have fathers who still fail us.  There is no perfect earthly father.  But these scriptures above describe a godly father who is so different from earthly fathers.  Our Father who is in heaven gives good things to those who ask him.  In fact, every good and every perfect gift that we have received comes from our Heavenly Father!

Paul is praying to his wonderful Heavenly Father.  Paul recognizes that all of those whom God has called unto himself and provided salvation for have one thing in common: a wonderful Heavenly Father.

What is your earthly father like?  Instead of focusing on the flaws of your earthly father, take some time and worship your Heavenly Father! Thank him for his goodness and kindness towards you.