Viewing God as Father is one of the greatest gifts Christianity has given to Judaism’s understanding of the Hebrew Bible. (Thomas Oden from Classic Christianity)

God as Father is the primary lens from which Wesleyans view God.

Genesis 2:4a - These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created. This verse either summarizes 1:1-2:3 or begins the second creation narrative - or is a bridge connecting the two.

The second creation account introduces us to the first name of God which is Yhwh Elohim. To make sure we don’t miss it, the author states it 5 times in 5 verses! God moves from Elohim in the first account to Yhwh Elohim in the second. We find out that this Yhwh Elohim is the creator and covenant maker. Someone we can know and who knows you! Someone who we can imitate and who delights in you.

And Yhwh Elohim is busy (Almighty the Apostle’s Creed says)...making, planting, forming, breathing and overall causing all things to form, come to life, and have a purpose. This God works..so we don’t have to have the world on our shoulders.

Lord, I have done everything I can for your church today.
But it is your church and I’m going to bed.
Pope John Paul XXIII (attributed to)

And this Father whose name is Yhwh Elohim has a plan and purpose for your life.
Till the earth (v.5) - creation care
Not be alone - family care
Stewardship of all God’s gifts!