The Father You’ve Always Wanted

Everlasting Father: The God Who Stays, Forgives, and Runs Toward You

Scripture References

Primary text

• Isaiah 9:6
• Luke 15

Other references

• John 14:9
• Micah 7:18
• Isaiah 43

Overview

Isaiah promised a Child whose very name would reveal God’s heart: Everlasting Father. 700 years later Jesus arrived and showed us that Father—one who never leaves, freely forgives, and even runs toward the people who have failed Him. Pastor Craig explored those three facets of God’s fatherhood, contrasted them with imperfect earthly dads, and invited us to come home to the Father who is waiting.

Context

This message is part 3 of the Christmas series “He Will Be Called,” examining the prophetic titles given to Jesus. Today focuses on “Everlasting Father,” a title that would have stunned Isaiah’s original audience, accustomed to inconsistent and temporary kings.

Main Points

The Father Who Stays

• Hebrew title: Avi (“father, source, protector, provider”) + Ad (“everlasting, eternal”).
• In a culture where losing a father meant losing security, Isaiah reveals a Father who can never die or walk away.
• Jesus embodies this permanence. Moments He could have left yet stayed:
  • Thomas’s doubt—He offered proof instead of shame.
  • Storm on the lake—He remained in the boat and calmed it.
  • Judas’s betrayal at the table—He continued to serve.
  • Gethsemane—He stayed the course though He asked for another way.
  • The cross—He stayed, praying, “Father, forgive them.”

• “He is the everlasting Father who stays.”

• Application: when we pray through tears, battle anxiety, or even rage at God, He still stays.

The Father Who Forgives

• In Isaiah’s day every sin cost something; fathers bought a lamb and publicly absorbed their child’s shame.
• Jesus, the Lamb of God, fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy—pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities.
• Micah 7:18 marvels that God “delights to show mercy.”
• Isaiah 43 declares He blots out our sins and remembers them no more.
• Forgiveness is quick and complete, not reluctant. Living people of grace proves we’ve received that grace.
• Story: Craig recalled a cassette of an old sermon where he spoke harshly about his alcoholic dad. Years later, after his father’s salvation, the tape resurfaced. His dad absorbed the hurt and said, “The Lord has forgiven me of a lot…I reckon I’ll forgive you.” That moment reflected, but could never replace, the heavenly Father’s forgiveness.

The Father Who Runs Toward You

• First-century patriarchs never ran; it was undignified.
• Luke 15: while the prodigal was “a long way off,” the father ran, embraced, kissed, and clothed him.
  • Scholars note he ran first to shield his son from public disgrace—covering shame before anyone else could label him.
• God’s posture is the opposite of cancel culture: He moves toward repentant sinners, restoring them publicly and joyfully.
• Your earthly dad, no matter how good or bad, was never meant to carry what only your heavenly Father can. At best he can reflect that love, never replace it.

Key Truths

• Jesus reveals exactly what the Everlasting Father is like—look at Him and you see the Father.
• God never abandons His children; His presence is constant even when ours wavers.
• The Father’s forgiveness is purchased, not cheap; Jesus paid the full price and blots out our record.
• Grace received must become grace given; forgiven people forgive people.
• No failure places you beyond the reach of a Father who runs toward returning children.

Response

• Come home—turn from sin and run toward the Father who is already running toward you.
• Trust His presence in your anxiety; remind yourself, “He stayed.”
• Receive His full forgiveness and stop rehearsing forgiven shame.
• Extend the same mercy and generosity to others that He has shown you.
• Share this invitation—someone near you needs to know the Everlasting Father.

Closing

Pastor Craig ended by inviting anyone unsure of their standing with God to confess their need and surrender to Jesus, the visible image of the Everlasting Father. Hands went up across the room and online as people prayed, “Forgive all my sins—be my Savior and the Lord of my life.” The Father who stays, forgives, and runs toward us is still welcoming children home today.

Prayer

Craig prayed for specific needs—provision, healing, restored relationships—asking the “very good, loving Father who loves to give good gifts to His children” to meet each person and flood them with comfort and peace.