Crossing the Father’s Bridge

I’d like to begin this article with a recommendation of a great book for guys. I’m really picky about encouraging a guy to commit time to read a book, because I know those hours must be “make it count” moments.

Wes Yoder has been involved with the entertainment business, as well as ministry, for many years in Nashville. Wes is also an elder at his church, but what I respect the most, he is a man who isn’t afraid of the truth.

Wes’ new book is called Bond of Brothers—Connecting With Other Men Beyond Work, Weather, and Sports. Unlike my own book, you can find it wherever quality books are sold. I’m recommending Wes’ book to you, because I can wholeheartedly recommend Wes. The words are a reflection of his life, not just words. Enough said.

I attended a men’s rally this week where Wes shared for about 10 minutes. Aside from the multiple memorized Scriptures and passion that flowed from him, he asked all of us this question: In God’s Kingdom, do you call yourself a servant or a son?

Let’s talk about that for a minute. In my book The Knight’s Code, I cover the concept of fathers, sons, and God in chapter 4. In my own journey, I have had a deep struggle in this area. I never doubted that God was the Father and that He had sons, but I doubt my own inheritance into that. I love the concept of God being King, so I more easily, accessibly wrap my head around me being a servant to the King. Now, there is nothing wrong with that understanding of God. He is King and we are to serve in His Kingdom, but He has chosen to take that to the deepest relational level possible and that is where the hang-up lies. We must receive that promotion.

If a son’s father is the king, that son is still subject to the throne, the authority of the king, and being obedient to the king, but he is a son. An heir. An image of the father through blood.

So, how does a man, such as myself, make the jump from servant to son, because, being honest, it can at least feel like the Grand Canyon. I’m sorry, but for many of us, the answer of “you just accept it and receive it” doesn’t make it feel so. Here’s what I am in the process of, even at 51 years old, even as I write this . . . In John 15:15, there is a bridge that I am currently crossing. Servant to friend.

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. —John 15:15 NIV

It’s an easier “heart jump” to go from servant to friend to son, than straight from servant to son. It is odd to me that I have no struggle with him being Father, but I do struggle with sonship. It’s the “my” part—my Father.

So, today, if you are fully settled into your role as a son of God the Father, and your answer to Wes’ question would be “I’m a son,” that is so great. You are right where your heart and soul need to be. If your answer would be, “servant,” then consider with me that Jesus Himself says that if you have accepted Him, you are now His friend. Join me in walking across that bridge from friendship to sonship. Mere acceptance to marvelous adoption. It is already true, it is just a matter of believing and receiving the position He has offered and allowed for you and me. We’re going to get there. We’re all going to cross over into answering, “I’m a son.” Why? Because a loving Father keeps telling us and showing us that we are. And, in the end, it is about Him.

. . . because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. —Romans 8:14-17 NIV