Devotion 1: Gobstopper

Michael Fox

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

When I thought of the phrase “Everlasting Father,” two things came to mind. They were my dad and an Everlasting Gobstopper. I am honestly not sure where the Gobstopper came from. I do not eat them often, and I can also assure you that they are not everlasting. However, it appears the makers of the Gobstopper want you to believe that. Still, in this weird moment, it helped me frame what may be everlasting means.

First, I want to address the topic of my dad. My biological father is undoubtedly the closest thing on Earth comparable to God our Father. My dad raised me; my dad taught me. My dad has been there “forever,” and while he is still with me on this Earth, I can see how his legacy will live on in my life even after he may move on to Heaven. I regularly remember things he has told me over the years and still, as an adult, I am applying these things to my life now. I am sure this will remain true for the rest of my life. This naturally leads to the concept of forever.

In Psalm 72:17, God’s name is spoken of as forever: “May his name endure forever, his fame continue as long as the sun! May people be blessed in him, all nations call him blessed!” His name will endure forever!

In Revelation 21:6-7, we are called His son: “And he said to me, ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.’” The Lord references His followers as His children.

John 3:16 is likely not new for many: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” God has invited us to be His son. He will be our “Everlasting Father.” All we need to do is believe in Him and confess Him as our Lord. I look forward to spending eternity in Heaven with my “Everlasting Father.” If you cannot call Him your “Everlasting Father” yet, I encourage you to know it is that simple, and we would love to help you know Him. For those of you who can call Him your “Everlasting Father,” it is a great reminder that we have that our Father is looking out for us every day for the rest of eternity.